How to wash and reproof outdoor clothing

Technical clothing is easy to look after. With the right washing and reproofing, your garments keep their properties longer: the shell repels water, the fleece breathes and the wool stays fresh. Here we go through how to wash each material, how to reproof a rain jacket or shell jacket, and answer the most common questions.

How to wash wool and merino

Wool naturally resists dirt and odour and does not need washing after every use. Hang the garment up and air it instead. Washing too often wears the wool out unnecessarily.

• Wash on a wool or gentle programme at a maximum of 30°C.
• Use a wool detergent, such as OrganoTex Wool Wash, and dose correctly. If you don't have one, choose a mild, enzyme-free detergent with a neutral pH.
• Avoid bleach and enzymes such as protease and amylase. They break down the proteins in wool. The same applies to silk.
• Don't use fabric softener. It reduces moisture transport and makes the garment dry more slowly.
• Don't tumble dry. Wool is sensitive to high heat.
• Reshape the garment after washing and let it dry flat, for example on a towel.

How to wash a shell jacket or rain jacket with a membrane

Membrane shells come in 2, 2.5 and 3 layers. A 2-layer shell has a loose lining that protects the membrane. A 2.5-layer shell is lighter and has a protective layer printed on the inside of the membrane. A 3-layer shell has a thin fabric laminated on the inside, which makes it more durable but usually slightly heavier.

Air the jacket rather than washing it if it isn't dirty. But if you have used it in salt water, or it is really dirty or sweaty, it should be washed. Otherwise breathability suffers, and salt and dirt can damage the seam taping.

• Close all zips and Velcro fastenings.
• Wash at a maximum of 40°C with a mild detergent, such as OrganoTex Sport Wash. Dose correctly.
• Don't use fabric softener. It leaves a film on the fabric that reduces both breathability and water repellency.
• Let the jacket hang dry, then add heat for 20–30 minutes using a tumble dryer on low, a drying cabinet or an iron with a towel in between. The heat reactivates the water-repellent finish.

How to reproof a rain jacket or shell jacket

Most outerwear has a water-repellent treatment, DWR (durable water repellency), that makes water bead on the surface. After a few seasons it wears off and the outer fabric starts to soak up water, even though the membrane still keeps you dry. The jacket then feels wet and breathes less well. That's when it's time to reproof.

1. Wash the jacket first. Reproofing doesn't bond well to dirty fabric.
2. Choose a method. A wash-in treats the whole garment in the washing machine and suits a jacket that is wetting out all over. A spray suits exposed areas such as shoulders, arms and hood.
3. Wash-in: Put the clean, wet jacket in the machine, add OrganoTex Wash-In as directed and run a gentle programme.
4. Spray: Spray evenly onto the clean, damp jacket from about 15–20 cm and let it work.
5. Let it dry and add heat as directed on the product, so the treatment bonds better.

You'll find detergents and reproofing in our clothing care range.

How to wash softshell

Softshell and single-layer shells have a water-repellent treatment but no membrane.

• Air rather than wash. Wash if the garment has been in salt water or is dirty or sweaty.
• Wash at a maximum of 40°C with a mild detergent. Don't use fabric softener.
• Hang dry, then add heat to reactivate the water-repellent finish.
• Boost with a wash-in or spray when needed, just as for shell jackets.

How to wash fleece, base layers and synthetic garments

Washing synthetic garments releases tiny microfibres that can end up in lakes and oceans. A wash bag that captures the fibres reduces this and also protects your garments.

• Air rather than wash if the garment isn't dirty.
• Wash at a maximum of 40°C in a wash bag, with a mild detergent.
• Empty the lint from the wash bag into the bin, not down the sink.
• Don't use fabric softener. It reduces moisture transport and makes the garment dry more slowly.
• Don't tumble dry. Synthetic garments dry quickly anyway.

How to wash synthetic insulated jackets

Our insulated garments have PrimaLoft® insulation between the outer and inner fabric. Unlike down, synthetic insulation doesn't need tumble drying with balls to regain its loft, and it dries faster.

• Wash at a maximum of 40°C in a wash bag, with a mild detergent. Don't use fabric softener.
• Hang dry, then add heat using a tumble dryer on low, a drying cabinet or an iron, to reactivate the water-repellent finish.

How to wash lyocell (TENCEL™)

Lyocell is a fibre made from wood cellulose. We use TENCEL™ lyocell from Lenzing. The material is cool, soft and absorbs a lot of moisture.

• Wash cold, at a maximum of 30°C, on a delicate programme with similar colours.
• Knitted lyocell can shrink slightly in the wash. Gently reshape the garment afterwards.
• Don't dry or store the garment on a hanger, so it keeps its shape.
• Don't tumble dry.

General washing advice

• Air more, wash less. What isn't dirty is often freshened up by some time outdoors, and your garments last longer.
• Avoid fabric softener. It leaves a film on the fibres that reduces moisture transport and breathability.
• Close zips and Velcro and turn the garment inside out, to reduce the risk of pilling.
• Fill the machine. Fewer, fuller loads save both water and energy.

Frequently asked questions

How often should you reproof a rain jacket?

When water no longer beads on the surface but soaks into the fabric. For most people, once or twice a season is enough – more often if the jacket is used a lot in rain or with a backpack that rubs on the shoulders.

Can you tumble dry a shell jacket?

Yes, on low heat for 20–30 minutes after washing. The heat reactivates the water-repellent finish. Always check the care label first.

How do you wash a fleece jacket?

At a maximum of 40°C with a mild detergent, ideally in a wash bag, without fabric softener. Let it hang dry.

Which detergent should you use for wool?

A wool detergent, or a mild enzyme-free detergent with a neutral pH. Enzymes break down the proteins in wool.

Why shouldn't you use fabric softener on technical clothing?

Fabric softener leaves a film on the fibres that reduces moisture transport, breathability and water repellency.

Repairs and warranty

We make clothes that are meant to be used for a long time, and we offer a lifetime warranty on our garments. In our stores you can get help with repairs. Contact us if you have questions about caring for a specific garment.