Potentially Stupid Galvin Green Question

[Scrindle]

Potentially stupid question about my GG waterproof jacket.

It is in need of a wash but I can see that their website specifically says you should not use fabric softener. Does that mean regular clothes detergent (like Daz or whatever else) is fine to use, provided it does not have an integrated fabric softener?

I put it in the washing machine with nothing then tumbledried it until it was bone dry, but obviously that just does not do the trick to get the dirt out.

 

[Rooter]

Wrong forum

http://www.womanandhome.com/forums/





{Rooter runs away}

 

[Duckster]

I always give the washer a quick empty rinse cycle just to make sure that any detergent is gone from the system.

Then I have the Nikwax stuff to clean and re-coat the goretex:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Nikwax-Te..._Goods_Sports_Clothing_LE&hash=item4d1b148d89

Finish with it in the tumble dryer. Works an absolute treat

 

[Jimaroid]

Any type of conditioner is not good for Gore Tex or similar fabrics. Regular detergent is OK but I wouldn't and don't use it on any of my outdoor clothing.

Get some Nikwax Tech Wash. Use that, it's really good. Available in any outdoors shop.

 

[User20205]

Wrong forum

http://www.womanandhome.com/forums/





{Rooter runs away}

. Made me chuckle.

I always washed my GG with normal powder , never had any issues but did proactively nikwax it after about 4 yrs. then zip fell out

Now I've got d4s 's pro quip hand me down. It's a cracking jacket despite the old hanky and the wearthers wrappers left in the pocket.

 

[Deleted Member 1156]

Now I've got d4s 's pro quip hand me down. It's a cracking jacket despite the old hanky and the wearthers wrappers left in the pocket.

Yeah sorry about that, I got it from me granddad

 

[Doh]

Any type of conditioner is not good for Gore Tex or similar fabrics. Regular detergent is OK but I wouldn't and don't use it on any of my outdoor clothing.

Get some Nikwax Tech Wash. Use that, it's really good. Available in any outdoors shop.

This

It's the tumble drying that re activates the gortex to become waterproof.

 

[TheJezster]

Just buy a new one!

 

[Jensen]

As above providing it doesn't contain any softener/fabric conditioner then it'll been fine.
I use fairy as its non bio. I use this on all my clothes as fabric softener can put holes in clothes. Also find clothes are too soft particularly jeans which I like hard.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

My understanding is that Goretex is not a coating. It is a material with ridiculously small pores that are too small for water to get through but large enough for vapour to get out. If that is the case then you don't need to reactivate it, or do you? It is a physical structure so washing should not impact it.

Is my understanding completely wrong? Presumably GG themselves give washing advice somewhere.

 

[Jimaroid]

My understanding is that Goretex is not a coating. It is a material with ridiculously small pores that are too small for water to get through but large enough for vapour to get out

All Gore Tex clothing consists of at least the breathable membrane and a water repellent coating on the outside material. You need to care for both. When water stops beading on the surface and starts soaking into the outer material, it can't penetrate the membrane but it acts like a lid over it and prevents water vapour escaping from the inside. That leads to condensation on the inside, making you wet.

It's good stuff but it's not perfect and needs looking after.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

Thanks for the explanation

 

[Scrindle]

Thanks all, I'll get some Nikwax!

I believe you are correct that Goretex is a porous fabric as described. It also has some form of hydrophobic coating that causes liquid to bead instead of appear to soak the fabric. This is what I think people refer to when they mention reactivation.

Ah Jimaroid beat me to it!