How to Take Care of Gore-Tex
Gore-Tex is a type of fabric made by laminating high-performance textiles with Gore-Tex membrane and then sealing it in a waterproofer. Gore-Tex products are designed to be waterproof and windproof, yet breathable. The fabric is used to make men's, women's and children's outerwear, footwear and gloves. It can be worn for outdoor activities and sports such as skiing, hiking, bicycling and camping. Clean Gore-Tex products to remove dirt and stains, as improper care and cleaning can void the manufacturer's warranty. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Clothing stain remover
- Small, soft-bristled brush
- Laundry detergent
- Steam iron
- Topical water repellency restorative
Instructions
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Gore-Tex Outerwear and Gloves
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1
Spray the stain with a clothing stain remover. Rub into the fabric with your finger or a small soft-bristled brush.
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2
Machine wash on a regular, warm water setting using powdered or liquid detergent. Remove once the cycle is complete.
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3
Place in a dryer on a warm tumble-dry cycle.
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4
Iron as needed using a warm steam iron. Place a towel between the garment and the iron. Set the iron on the towel to remove wrinkles.
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5
Spray the garment with a topical water repellency restorative for outdoor fabrics as needed. Stand 6 inches away from the garment and spray to apply a thin, even layer.
Gore-Tex Footwear
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6
Shake out sand, gravel and dirt from inside the footwear. Remove the footbed and shake that out as well.
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7
Fill a bowl with lukewarm water. Dip a cloth or soft-bristled brush in the water. Scrub the shoes to remove dirt. Depending on the type of boot and manufacturer's instructions, apply a leather cleaner to the boot. Rub the leather cleaner into the boot, allowing it to work into the boot for the specified duration. Use a damp cloth to wipe away the leather cleaner.
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8
Allow the shoes to air dry or use a convection-style boot dryer.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Do not use fabric softener, as it can clog the fabric's breathable pores. Do not use products containing chlorine or bleach, as they can discolor Gore-Tex. Do not add water repellent treatment to footwear. Do not use soaps or detergents on footwear, other than leather cleaners if the manufacturer says leather cleaners are appropriate.
References
- Photo Credit skiing image by joseph pankey from Fotolia.com