How to wash and maintain technical fabrics

I've ruined good gear through careless washing. Synthetic base layers that lost their wicking ability. A rain jacket with DWR so degraded it soaked through in light drizzle. A fleece that pilled into a matted mess. The gear didn't fail. I failed the gear.

Technical fabrics need different care than regular clothing. The treatments and constructions that make them perform can be damaged by the same processes that work fine for cotton t-shirts.

Once I learned what actually matters, gear started lasting longer and performing better. The difference is noticeable.

Detergent selection and what to avoid

Regular laundry detergent contains additives that damage technical fabrics. Fragrances coat fibers and reduce wicking. Fabric softeners clog the pores that allow breathability. Brighteners and residues accumulate and degrade performance.

Technical fabric detergent is formulated without these additives. Brands like Nikwax Tech Wash, Granger's, and others clean effectively without leaving residues. They cost more than regular detergent but a bottle lasts a long time since you only use it for technical items.

If technical detergent isn't available, a small amount of plain liquid soap works better than regular detergent. No additives, no fragrances. It's not optimal but it's less harmful than detergent with all the standard laundry additives.

I keep a separate bottle of technical detergent with my outdoor gear. When technical items need washing, they get washed together with the right soap. They don't go in with the regular laundry.

Water temperature and cycle settings that protect fabric

Hot water damages elastic fibers, causes shrinkage, and degrades technical treatments. Cold or warm water is safer for most technical clothing.

The care label is your guide, but when in doubt, cold water is the safest default. Technical fabrics don't need hot water to get clean. The dirt and sweat release fine in cold water with proper detergent.

Gentle cycle reduces mechanical stress on fabrics and treatments. The agitation of a normal cycle can pill fleece, stress seams, and accelerate wear. Gentle or delicate cycle settings protect fabrics during washing.

Zippers should be closed and velcro should be secured before washing. Open zippers snag other items. Velcro catches fibers and destroys them. Taking ten seconds to close everything prevents damage.

Restoring DWR coatings after washing

DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coatings degrade with every wash. The cleaning process removes contamination that hinders DWR but also removes some of the coating itself. Eventually, the coating needs restoration.

Heat reactivates residual DWR. After washing, tumble drying on low heat or ironing on low can restore water beading without adding new coating. This works when DWR has diminished but not completely failed.

Spray-on and wash-in DWR treatments add new coating when heat reactivation isn't enough. Apply according to product directions after washing. Heat setting after application improves adhesion.

I restore DWR on my rain shells every fall before wet season. A wash with tech detergent, tumble dry on low, and spray treatment if needed. Takes an hour total and keeps the shells performing all winter.

Drying methods that extend garment life

High heat in dryers damages technical fabrics. Elastic loses recovery. Seam tape can lift. DWR degrades faster. Low heat or no heat is safer.

Line drying is gentlest but slow. For technical items without DWR that needs heat activation, line drying works well. The garment lasts longer without dryer stress.

Low heat tumble drying works for most technical fabrics and activates DWR treatments. Check every ten minutes to avoid over-drying. Remove items as soon as they're dry.

Some items should never go in the dryer. Check care labels. Waterproof membranes, certain insulations, and delicate technical fabrics can be damaged by any heat. When in doubt, line dry.

Storage practices that prevent damage

How you store technical clothing affects how long it lasts. Compression damages insulation. UV light degrades fabrics. Heat accelerates breakdown of elastic and treatments.

Hang items that can be hung. Jackets, soft shells, and fleece store well on hangers. The garment relaxes into its natural shape and air circulates.

Fold items that shouldn't be hung long-term. Heavy insulated jackets can stretch at the shoulders if hung for months. Fold loosely and store flat.

Down and synthetic insulation should be stored uncompressed. A garment that lives stuffed in a compression sack loses loft permanently over time. Hang or store loosely.

I store technical items in a cool, dark closet. Away from windows that let in sun. Away from the garage where temperatures swing. This seems obvious but I've seen good gear stored badly and degraded prematurely.

Technical clothing is an investment. Proper care protects that investment and extends useful life. The extra effort isn't much once it becomes habit.

Wash with the right products. Use gentle settings. Dry appropriately. Store correctly. Your gear will perform better and last longer. That's the whole point.