How to Wash GORE-TEX® Outerwear
Over time, it is natural for outerwear to get dirty and smelly, but dirty and smelly does not mean useless, which is why we compiled this step-by-step guide on how to wash GORE-TEX® so you can prolong the useful life of the jacket and pants you love. Fortunately, alongside key benefits like durability, breathability, and waterproofing, GORE-TEX is also relatively easy to clean and care for. So, if you have some gear in need of a refresh, you’re in the right place.
GORE-TEX® Basics
GORE-TEX is a lightweight fabric membrane that is often found in high-end technical jackets and pants (like Burton’s [ak] collection). And when multiple layers of GORE-TEX are sandwiched together, the resulting material is able to simultaneously repel liquid water while allowing water vapor to pass through it; this multi-layer approach is common in GORE-TEX outerwear (look for the number of layers in the product name, such as “2L” for two-layer GORE-TEX or “3L” for three-layer GORE-TEX).
In three-layer GORE-TEX, the inner layer (that is closest to that body) strategically wicks moisture, the middle layer allows evaporated body moisture to escape, and the outer layer provides maximum waterproofing. While generally pretty waterproof to begin with, the outer layer of GORE-TEX is usually coated with a Durable Water Repellent (or DWR) as well.
Unfortunately, DWR is known to wear off over time and if the outer layer absorbs too much moisture, sweat vapor from inside the jacket will not be able to escape. This is a common issue with older GORE-TEX gear as it causes the wearer to feel cold and clammy. But the good news is that this feeling can often be resolved with proper cleaning.
Benefits of Washing GORE-TEX
Regular use of a snowboard jacket and snow pants can cause a build-up of dirt, grease, and oils that impact performance. If left uncared for this wear-and-tear can cause DWR to stop working properly or wear off completely. Which is why washing GORE-TEX jackets and pants is such a great idea, as it removes residue and refreshes the DWR coating.
How to Wash GORE-TEX Outerwear: Step-by-Step
If your jacket or snow pants are dirty, or you notice that moisture is absorbing into the outer layer of the fabric, it is likely time to wash your GORE-TEX outerwear.
Step 1: Prepare the Gear
Make sure that all of the zippers are closed (including the main zipper) and that all pocket flaps are fastened. Note that you can wash multiple pieces of GORE-TEX gear at once, but you should avoid overloading or combining heavily soiled items with cleaner items.
Step 2: Dial in the Wash Settings
Set your washing machine to wash with warm water (104° F/40° C). Depending on the available settings on your machine, we recommend applying two rinse cycles and minimizing the spin cycle.
Step 3: Use the Proper Detergent
In general, we recommend using a specialty technical fabric detergent (like Grangers) for GORE-TEX gear. Do not use powdered detergent, fabric softeners, or stain removers, as the additional chemicals can clog the pores in the outerwear fabric.
Step 4: Hang Dry
After the wash cycle is finished, line dry your GORE-TEX outerwear.
Step 5: Tumble Dry
Once the outerwear is completely dry, place it in the clothes dryer on low heat and tumble dry for around 20 minutes. This extra step will reactivate any DWR that remains on the gear. Note that if you do not have a dryer, you can use a clothing iron on a gentle, non-steam setting. Simply place a towel in between the item and the iron.
Bonus Step 6: Apply DWR
After completing the washing process, water should bead off of the jacket or pants. However, if your jacket or pants is still “wetting out” it may be necessary to reapply DWR, which are available in spray-on and wash-in options.
- How to Apply Spray-on DWR: Spray-on DWR is best for insulated outerwear and non-shell outerwear with multiple layers. Hang up your jacket or pants and spray the DWR over the entire surface. Pay extra attention to areas that get more wear, like the shoulders, chest, and arms of jackets, and the seat, knees, and cuffs of pants.
Wipe off any excess liquid after you have covered the entire jacket or pants and allow to hang dry fully before use. 
- How to Apply Wash-in DWR: Wash-in DWR is best for shell outwear, so the DWR will not be absorbed by insulation. Follow the instructions as outlined by the specific DWR product you have, but this will likely include a standard cycle (warm wash, slow spin).
Washing GORE-TEX® is Better for the Planet
Washing outerwear is a great alternative to purchasing new gear and can definitely extend the useful life of jackets and pants. We recommend a regular cadence of washes and DWR applications to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable on the mountain.
