Clothing Care & Repair

To wash outdoor gear effectively and preserve its performance:

• Pre-cleaning: Brush off loose dirt and debris before washing. Close all zippers, Velcro, and fastenings to protect the garment and maintain its shape. |||

• Washing: Use a gentle or delicate cycle at around 30°C (some waterproof garments allow up to 40°C). Use liquid detergents formulated for outdoor gear or mild non-biological detergents. Avoid powder detergents and fabric softeners as they can damage waterproof membranes and reduce breathability.

• Detergent use: Use detergent sparingly (about 30ml) and consider running a second rinse cycle to remove residue that might harm membranes.

• Washing machine care: Clean your machine’s detergent drawer before washing to avoid contamination from leftover detergents.

• Drying: Air dry away from direct heat and sunlight. For waterproof garments, tumble dry on low heat can help reactivate Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coatings, restoring water repellency.

• Reproofing: After washing, if water no longer beads on the surface, apply a specialist DWR treatment spray or wash-in product to restore waterproofing.

• Additional tips: Wash waterproof garments separately to avoid abrasion, and do not overload the machine. Follow the garment’s care label for specific instructions.

This routine keeps your outdoor clothing clean, maintains waterproofing and breathability, and extends the life of your gear.

To wash waterproof gear, close all zips and fastenings, brush off dirt, and use a non-biological liquid detergent or a specialist waterproof cleaner. Machine wash on a gentle, cool cycle around 30°C. If reproofing, add a technical proofer in the conditioner compartment. After washing, air dry or tumble dry on low heat (if allowed) to reactivate water repellency. Avoid fabric softeners and harsh detergents. 

The best detergent for waterproof clothing is a specialist, pH-neutral or alkaline-free cleaner designed for technical outerwear, such as Nikwax Tech Wash or Grangers Performance Wash. These detergents clean without damaging the Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating or clogging the waterproof membrane. Avoid regular detergents, fabric softeners, and powders, as they can reduce breathability and water repellency.