Advice on washing Goretex and similar?

[Scribbler]

This is a horse related question because all my breathable membrane gear goes to the barn ( and gets dirty).

For decades I have been using the Niccwash and waterproofer as sold in outdoor stores with good enough results. I know to stay away from detergents.

But years ago I tracked down the ingredients list for Niccwash online and it basically said “pure soap.”

I have always wondered if there was an obvious but much cheaper alternative that was pretty much chemically identical to Niccwash.

Like liquid Castile soap? Though how do you know any random brand is “soap” and not detergent?

[Cbonadeo]

I’ve been told that liquid castile soap is basically pure “soap,” but I’ve never compared the ingredients to see. This is the castile soap I’ve had recommended though ($16 for 32oz vs $13 for 10oz of Nikwax Rug Wash). I’ve never tried it though, so not sure how it would do for washing tech gear.

[Cbonadeo]

This reddit suggests that it’s the pH you have to worry about, but a brand called Atsko is the same as tech wash only cheaper. Might be worth looking into.

https://www.reddit.com/r/CampingGear/comments/5utos3/washing_a_gore_tex_jacket_is_dr_bronners_a_save/

[Saskatoonian]

Not sure about goretex but I’ve used liquid castile (Dr Bronners) on my Rambos for years (washed with the hose and a brush in the driveway) and they’ve stayed waterproof.

[Leather]

Check out Revivex: https://www.gearaid.com/collections/revivex

Haven’t used their tech washes, but like their leather care.

[scruffy_the_cat]

Any gentle wash will be fine. Doesn’t have to be Tech Wash. I worked in the Outdoor Outfitting industry for many years and have gone through many manufacturers’ product training. It used to be that they preferred powdered washes but they don’t say that now. Read the label on the particular garment- that is the “bible” that you should follow. Also, they mean it when they say put it in the dryer. It helps revive the Durable Water Repellent coating. When dry you can respray with a waterproofer if you want. It doesn’t change the function of the waterproof/breathable membrane, but it helps with water beading up and rolling off.

[Herbie19]

@Cbonadeo

This reddit suggests that it’s the pH you have to worry about, but a brand called Atsko is the same as tech wash only cheaper. Might be worth looking into.

https://www.reddit.com/r/CampingGear/comments/5utos3/washing_a_gore_tex_jacket_is_dr_bronners_a_save/

This is exactly what my blanket lady recommends I use on stuff I wash at home.

[WhiteOakFarm]

Yes, read the garment label. I know the key to keeping goretex waterproof is to follow the drying instructions, no fabric softener and heat dry. That restores the waterproofing somehow

[Scribbler]

I got spooked about putting gear in the dryer, after I had the membrane in two different jackets delaminate and shred. One granted was very old when this happened.