GoreTex question

After getting slimed by numerous sturgeon last weekend, I have decided it’s time to wash my GoreTex bibs… they’re starting to smell a lot like fish and they look bad too. I plan on following the instructions on the tag, however, it doesn’t mention a thing about “treating” them afterwards. I’ve seen products that you are supposed to spray on GoreTex… is this something I need to do? Thanks for your responses. MIKE

You dont need to treat it for quite a while. A few washes will not remove the coating. Once you notice the water soaking into outside of garment more than beading then its time. I just used ReviveX for the first time on an old suit. Seems to have done the trick although I have not field tested.

Most products say to NOT use on Goretex. Most other fabrics/materials rely on a chemical coating to provide a breathable waterproof trait, however, Goretex is the actual fabric that provides these characteristics. It’s essentially plastic that is stretched out so that the pores are large enough for air, yet small enough to keep water out. Most chemical coatings will plug these pores and take away from its breathability. I would make sure that if you machine wash that you air dry. My $.02

ReviveX restores protetive coating on outer nylon shell. It is recommended for Goretex products. It must be heat activated using the dryer and can be applied by hand or in wash depending on the product you buy. Available at Sportsman’s Warehouse. They recommend spray version to me so that is what I used.

MS- I used to work for The North Face. We sold lots of GoreTex products. You don’t need to worry about coating it. However it is very important to use a powdered detergent and not a liquid detergent when washing it. Liquid detergent has surfactants in it thet will clog the pores in the goretex fabric. Clogging the pores will decrease the breathability of the jacket.

John

Thanks for the input. It’s appreciated!

I’ve been wearing the same rain suit for the last 4 years. I’ve got a mid price bass pro gore-tex rain suit. Each spring I wash it and retreat it for water proofing. Nikwax makes a bunch of products for water repellency and washing. I buy TX Direct Wash-in. It works great. It lasts pretty much all year. If the weather is bad late fall I will occasionally treat again. It is made for gore-tex and improves the breathability and restores the water repellency. I have tried many brands of the spray on stuff and haven’t had luck with them. The wash-in stuff seems to work the best. It keeps me dry all year long.

Jason