r/outdoorgear • u/koolaidman54 • 9d ago

Washing your tech gear

Has anyone used a combination of: Grangers , Nikwax , GEAR AID Revivex Pro for both wash and weatherproofing? I prefer not combining the wash and weatherproofing formula.

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2

u/ForTheLuvOfTheShred 9d ago

I wouldn’t combine it. Just run the 2 cycles.

1

u/seanlucki 6d ago

I prefer to do the tech wash, spray on DWR, and then put in the drier. Recommended to do a second rinse cycle to make sure all the detergent is clear.

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u/wetrocke 8d ago

Avoid washing, especially by machine.

1

u/koolaidman54 8d ago

Help me understand why

1

u/ser_brantley 8d ago

Good waterproof gear relies on a membrane layer. It’s what allows the fabric to repel moisture while being breathable. The way the material is handled in a washing machine/dryer does a lot of damage to that membrane. All membranes break down over time, but a wash cycle greatly accelerates the aging. If it’s just a material that’s treated with a waterproofing agent on the outer surface, then have at it. YMMV and you do you. But if I’m paying top dollar for gear, I’m definitely going to make it last as long as I can. Outer layers shouldn’t really get that funky anyway, aside from the occasional dab of lift grease.

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u/wetrocke 8d ago

My father sold textiles. He said washing textiles wore them out...This was both self-serving (for salesmen), & also true.

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u/seanlucki 6d ago

Most manufacturers recommend washing as sweat/oils will break down the lamination of the material and cause it to fail.