Is your GORE-TEX waterproof jacket no longer keeping you dry? Have you found that you’re not quite locking out the rain during your outdoor adventures? Without regular care, all waterproof jackets lose their effectiveness, and this includes GORE-TEX. But they don’t have to. GORE-TEX care and maintenance is easy: you only need to follow a few simple steps to make your GORE-TEX jacket as good as new. From how to wash GORE-TEX to the best ways to care for it, find out everything you need to know in our guide.
Washing GORE-TEX: How To Wash GORE-TEX Jackets
The first step in caring for and maintaining your jacket is understanding how to wash GORE-TEX. So when it comes to washing GORE-TEX jackets, be sure to follow the care labels so you don’t cause any unnecessary damage. Before washing your jacket, make sure you close all of the pockets, fasten the sleeves and zip it up all the way to the top. With this done, you’re good to go! Here are our step-by-step instructions on how to wash GORE-TEX jackets to keep them in tip-top shape:
1. Machine wash your GORE-TEX jacket on a cool setting (follow your jacket’s washing instructions to know what exact temperature). When washing GORE-TEX jackets, you’ll only need a very small amount of washing liquid (which is recommended over powders or any fabric softeners) because there is a risk of it damaging the jacket’s overall performance. Always choose a low spin setting.
2. Once the washing cycle has finished, set the machine for a second rinse to ensure all the liquid has been absorbed and there are no remnants on the outer layer. This is a useful step when washing GORE-TEX jackets on a low spin setting.
3. Once you’ve washed your jacket, hang it out to dry.
4. When your jacket is dry, put it into a tumble dryer for 20 minutes. This will reactivate the durable water repellent (DWR) finish on the outer layer.
Washing your GORE-TEX jacket is a great way to give it a new breath of life. Not only does it keep it clean, but it helps the waterproof layer’s overall performance for the next time you head out in wet weather conditions.
Reproofing GORE-TEX Jackets: How To Waterproof A Jacket
Is your GORE-TEX jacket less effective at keeping you dry than it was when you first got it?
This is perfectly normal, and isn’t the sign of a poor quality jacket. Regular wear and tear and excess dirt can all impact your GORE-TEX jacket’s performance. Fear not! When this happens, you’ll definitely want to think about re-waterproofing your GORE-TEX to help keep it in great condition.
Is the drying process failing to reactivate the DWR like it used to? Bring on plan B. Here’s how to reproof a waterproof jacket: wash your jacket as above, but before you place it in the tumble dryer, use GORE-TEX waterproof treatment.
The most common types are a waterproof spray or a wash-in waterproofer. Apply the reproofing GORE-TEX treatment and then put the jacket in the dryer for 20 minutes. The next time you take to the trail, it will feel as though you’re wearing a brand new jacket. You’ll feel reinvigorated and ready to tackle the elements.
GORE-TEX Care And Maintenance: How To Care For GORE-TEX Jackets
GORE-TEX jackets go through a lot. From torrential downpours to arctic blizzards, they are designed to keep you safe from adverse conditions. But they aren’t indestructible. Occasionally, you will need to carry out some GORE-TEX care and maintenance.
GORE-TEX adhesive patches are a fantastic way to give your jacket a new lease of life. They come in a variety of different shapes, sizes and styles so you can match them to your GORE-TEX jacket. If you’re out and about, apply these adhesive patches for a great, simple fix. When you get home, make sure to iron it, as this will greatly improve its effectiveness. These have been tested, and after as many as five washes, these patches still perform to a high standard.
While these adhesive patches do make for a good fix, they aren’t recommended as a permanent one. We’d recommend getting in touch with a GORE-authorized Repair Centre for a high-quality, professional solution.
Regularly repairing and caring for your GORE-TEX jacket is a great way to extend its lifespan. Now you know how to reproof a waterproof jacket and how to care for GORE-TEX jackets, you’ll be ready to tackle the wettest, harshest conditions.