OkemoLoon 0 Posted December 12, 2007 Share Posted December 12, 2007 I'm sure this has been covered in other TRs, so I apologize for the repeat, but I did search and couldn't find the info I wanted. I have always used Scotch Guard to "rewaterproof" any of my stuff after I wash it. I usually wash jacket, pants, sleeping bag, tent, etc... in washer just like the rest of my laundry and then spray it with Scotch Guard when it drys. Theres gotta be better ways to take care of my stuff. Im to the point now were im spending a good chunk of money on my gear and I want to maintain it the best I can. Any words of wisdom form all you gear junkies? Link to post Share on other sites
SerreChe 2 Posted December 12, 2007 Share Posted December 12, 2007 I usually get a good coating of happo special ski-lift grease and I am good to go for yet another season. Link to post Share on other sites
OkemoLoon 0 Posted December 12, 2007 Author Share Posted December 12, 2007 The first Gortex jacket I bought, I didn't wash for 2 seasons because I was told if I wash it, it wouldn't be waterproof anymore. By the time I did wash it, it had so many unidentifiable stains on it, it was like a modern art master piece. I probably could have taken it to Ginza or Omatesando Hills and sold it in a boutique for thousands. Link to post Share on other sites
SerreChe 2 Posted December 12, 2007 Share Posted December 12, 2007 ahah, same here, I know what you mean... except that I still have not washed my jacket after xxx seasons. The number of seasons I have not washed my jacket for is... Warning, spoiler! you really thought I was gonna tell you ?! Link to post Share on other sites
OkemoLoon 0 Posted December 12, 2007 Author Share Posted December 12, 2007 I wouldn't wash mine ether, but it cuts down on my cool factor when I try and pick up snow bunnies. For some reason I have a harder time attracting women when I am dirty and stinky. Link to post Share on other sites
tsondaboy 0 Posted December 12, 2007 Share Posted December 12, 2007 I just give it for dry-cleaning at the end of the season. They can also put a coat of waterproofing if you ask them. Link to post Share on other sites
OkemoLoon 0 Posted December 12, 2007 Author Share Posted December 12, 2007 I wonder if they will dry clean my tent and sleeping bag too. Link to post Share on other sites
SerreChe 2 Posted December 12, 2007 Share Posted December 12, 2007 powder first, bunnies later. ;-) Link to post Share on other sites
tsondaboy 0 Posted December 12, 2007 Share Posted December 12, 2007 Originally Posted By: OkemoLoon I wonder if they will dry clean my tent and sleeping bag too. The will do you sleeping bag, since they also do futons down jackets etc. Also I think you can bring the tent for cleaning to Montbell or ICI sports. Link to post Share on other sites
me jane 0 Posted December 12, 2007 Share Posted December 12, 2007 It's fine to wash Gortex. Use a gentle detergent, soap flakes or something specialised product like the ones Nikwax make. If you don't wash it, the pores clog and it becomes less effective. Tumble drying on low can help to reactivate the waterproofing. Spraying reduces the breathability - you'll need to do it eventually but probably not after at least the first few washes. Down stuff had to be washed in soap flakes or some kind of specialised stuff. I don't think you can tumble dry it but not sure. Probably would be okay on a low cycle. Never heard of anyone wanting to wash a tent. Can't you just hose it down? Link to post Share on other sites
marnix 0 Posted December 12, 2007 Share Posted December 12, 2007 Yeah when the stains are to much then I wash my gear with Nikwax and it works (still I wouldn't wash it more than once a season) Link to post Share on other sites
gerard 6 Posted December 12, 2007 Share Posted December 12, 2007 --Same as what MJ said if it's gortex. Works better clean than dirty. But don't send it out for dry cleaning. Link to post Share on other sites
OkemoLoon 0 Posted December 12, 2007 Author Share Posted December 12, 2007 So when I wash my gortex stuff I should be using Nikwax not regular detergent and dry on low heat? Every time I wash my stuff the next time I wear it, it sucks up water like a sponge. Link to post Share on other sites
quattro 1 Posted December 12, 2007 Share Posted December 12, 2007 http://www.gore-tex.com/remote/Satellite/content/care-center/washing-instructions Gore web site instructions for care and feeding. Okemo The gore tex is actually a thin membrane that is bonded to the inside of the fabric. The outside material is usually waterproofed to some degree. After washing most of the time this treatment may be washed out. It still dose not affect the gore membrane. Nix wax and a few other companies also makes a spray on waterproof treatment. which works reasonably well. I have also been told ironing helps too but don't use too high of a level. Link to post Share on other sites
quattro 1 Posted December 12, 2007 Share Posted December 12, 2007 definitely check there web site. Link to post Share on other sites
OkemoLoon 0 Posted December 12, 2007 Author Share Posted December 12, 2007 Thanks for the hook up quattro Link to post Share on other sites
Kumapix 0 Posted December 12, 2007 Share Posted December 12, 2007 i use Nikwax and it eliminates the need to buy new gear Link to post Share on other sites
Tubby Beaver 209 Posted December 12, 2007 Share Posted December 12, 2007 I had heard that tumble drying is good for it as well, dunno why though, could never figure it out Link to post Share on other sites
66jzmstr 0 Posted December 12, 2007 Share Posted December 12, 2007 NEVER use detergent on your outerwear, Gore-Tex or not - unless you like a filmy, nasty layer on your gear with very compromised waterproofing and breathability. Use the appropriate Nikwax (Gore-Tex specific, or regular). And always follow the instructions! Link to post Share on other sites
Ezorisu 0 Posted December 13, 2007 Share Posted December 13, 2007 Originally Posted By: Tubby Beaver I had heard that tumble drying is good for it as well, dunno why though, could never figure it out Supposedly it "remelts" the waxy waterproofing substance and allows it to reform a water-repellant layer. Link to post Share on other sites
snowboarding-sally 0 Posted December 13, 2007 Share Posted December 13, 2007 That is what I was told....... Link to post Share on other sites
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