Good technical clothing does two important things: it helps regulate your body temperature and manages moisture. When it gets dirty, oils, sweat and grime can interfere with those jobs. Fortunately, keeping your outdoor clothing clean and working well is almost as easy as doing the rest of your laundry.

One important difference: don't automatically throw your technical clothing in with the regular laundry. Conventional detergents can leave residues that interfere with wicking and water repellency, and fabric softeners can coat the fibres and reduce their performance.

We recommend Nikwax cleaners and waterproofing products, which are designed specifically for outdoor clothing and gear. Choose the appropriate product for your garment and always follow both the garment care label and the instructions on the bottle.

How to Wash Waterproof and Breathable Jackets

Waterproof/breathable garments, including those made with GORE-TEX, typically have an outer fabric bonded to a waterproof, breathable membrane. The outer fabric is treated with a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish that helps water bead up and roll off.

Over time, dirt, wear, and washing can reduce that water repellency. You'll notice the outer fabric starting to absorb water or "wet out" rather than bead. When this happens, breathability can suffer and the jacket may feel damp and clammy even though the waterproof membrane is still doing its job.

Start by washing the garment with Nikwax Tech Wash.

If cleaning alone doesn't restore the water repellency, follow with Nikwax TX.Direct, available as either a wash-in or spray-on treatment. The spray-on version is particularly useful for targeting high-wear areas such as shoulders and elbows.

You don't need to re-waterproof your jacket every time you wash it. Reapply the DWR when water stops beading effectively, and follow the garment and product instructions for washing and drying. 

How to Wash a Down Jacket or Sleeping Bag

Down needs occasional cleaning too. Dirt and body oils can cause the down clusters to clump together, reducing their loft and insulating ability.

For down jackets, sleeping bags and other down gear, use a down-specific cleaner such as Nikwax Down Wash Direct. It's designed to clean without leaving behind residues that can compromise the performance of the down, and can be used with both hydrophobic (water-resistant) and untreated down.

Drying down properly is particularly important. Follow the manufacturer's care instructions and make sure the down is completely dry and returned to its full loft before storing it.

How to Wash Softshell Clothing

Treat most water-repellent softshell jackets and pants much like waterproof/breathable outerwear.

Wash first with Nikwax Tech Wash. If water is no longer beading effectively on the surface, restore the DWR with TX.Direct wash-in or spray-on treatment.

As always, check the garment's care label before washing or drying.

How to Wash Merino Wool

Merino wool is naturally good at managing moisture and resisting odours, but it still needs a wash now and then.

Nikwax Wool Wash is designed specifically for wool clothing and base layers. It cleans while helping maintain the wool's soft feel and natural wicking properties.

Wash according to the garment's care instructions, then lay flat or hang to dry if recommended.

How to Wash Synthetic Base Layers

Synthetic base layers can be particularly good at hanging onto odours. Nikwax BaseWash is designed to clean synthetic technical clothing while helping maintain its ability to move moisture and dry efficiently.

For synthetic base layers, use BaseWash. For merino wool base layers, use Wool Wash.

Happy laundry day everyone!  And if you have any garment care questions, feel free to contact the store.  We'd be happy to help.