How to properly wash and care for functional clothing

Here are a few tips:

 
Washing and impregnating rainwear

It's probably well-known by now: even the best and most expensive hardshell should be washed regularly. Sweat, grease, and dirt clog the membrane, impregnations wear off, and the jacket no longer feels waterproof...

The following instructions can be used for all "Tex" jackets:

    Check pockets, close zippers and (velcro) closures
    Observe the manufacturer's care label
    Very heavy soiling can be pre-treated with "Pro Wash" (like a stain remover) before washing
    Use liquid detergent or special detergents such as Fibertec Pro Wash. (Pro Wash is a concentrate; 25ml is enough for one wash load.)
    Gentle cycle at max. 40°C, spin at low speed; a second rinse cycle removes detergent residue.
    Air dry without direct sunlight or in a tumble dryer (warm temperature, not too hot)
    If necessary, activate impregnation by tumble drying or using a hairdryer or iron (place a towel between the iron and the textile, setting 1, synthetics)
    If necessary, re-impregnate with e.g. Fibertec Textile Guard Eco.
    Impregnation with spray: Hang clothing on a hanger or lay flat, spray, wipe off excess spray, then activate with heat:
    The impregnation only becomes effective after heat treatment. Ideally, place the textile in a tumble dryer for approx. 30 minutes at normal temperature. If no tumble dryer is available, the textile can alternatively be ironed on setting 1 (synthetic temperature) for activation, or treated with a hairdryer for a few minutes.

Fibertec Video

 
Washing fleece and synthetic functional underwear

Here, too, the following applies: observe the care label, check pockets, close zippers, turn inside out and wash on a gentle cycle at max. 40°C. Use a mild detergent or Fibertec Pro Wash. Pro Wash prevents pilling of fleece and optimizes moisture transport. Due to the fast drying time, air dry is best.

For all functional textiles: Never use bleach or fabric softener!!
Washing merino clothing

Important for products made of merino wool: air more often than wash; if washing, it's best to use a detergent for merino wool such as Fibertec Wool Wash.

Why? Merino fibers are delicate and require a particularly mild detergent that does not contain enzymes, for example. Wool Wash also contains cedar oil for moth protection.

Otherwise: observe care label, close zippers, wash with a suitable detergent on a gentle cycle at max. 40°C (care label!!), air dry.
Washing down clothing and down sleeping bags

Down sleeping bag / quilt: It is important to use a liner or wear functional underwear. This protects the sleeping bag, and with regular airing and dry, loose storage in the stuff sack, you'll go a long way. I wash sleeping bags with down detergent in the bathtub. Machine washing is also possible with sufficiently large washing machines (min. 6kg). Here is a detailed care guide from Cumulus.

Down jackets: Here too, proper storage and regular airing are important!

Before washing: Empty pockets, close zippers. Use down detergent! Wash individually, machine wash only with sufficiently large machines (min. 6kg) otherwise hand wash. Gentle cycle max. 30°C (care label!). Be careful when removing the down jacket! Seams can be damaged by the weight.

Drying: Either in the dryer, ideally with 2 tennis balls. Without a dryer: lay flat on a clothes horse and shake regularly.

Storage: Never store in the stuff sack!

 
Outdoor clothing repairs

Small tears and holes can also be easily repaired with Gear Aid products. Tenacious Tape is a true all-round helper ;-). Good care and storage ensure a long lifespan!