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A few weeks ago, I stood at the REI checkout counter with a bad case of sticker shock. I’d purchased one 34 oz bottle of Nikwax Tech Wash and one bottle of TX Direct, the brand’s wash-in water repellant treatment. The grand total, with tax: $72.92. It felt steep, but my waterproof ski gear was in desperate need of a clean. So I swallowed my complaints about the cost, brought home my purchases, and went about refreshing my gear. But I wondered: Is specialized cleaner really that much better for my gear than gentle detergent I can buy at the grocery store?
I decided to ask an expert. Matt Kuosmanen is the Front Desk Lead at Rainy Pass Repair, an outdoor gear repair and laundering company based in Seattle and Morganton, NC.
Tech Wash vs. Detergent
“Tech wash is gentler detergent than your standard laundry detergent and is typically made with a more narrow list of chemicals,” Kuosmanen said.
Standard detergents often contain harsher chemicals than tech wash, even if they’re marketed as gentle, he explained. These chemicals can damage DWR or cause delamination of waterproof layers, rendering a garment prone to wetting out and leaking over time.
Kuosmanen said that the construction of waterproof fabrics differ between manufacturers, and in some cases, a gentle detergent might be fine (try and find one that’s unscented and doesn’t contain harsh chemicals like those used to lift stains). He prefers to err on the side of caution: When in doubt, check the manufacturer’s instructions for your garment, and opt for a tech wash if you’re unsure.
“Because there are so many different types of waterproof fabrics and waterproofing technology, we recommend as a rule of thumb to use a tech wash rather than a standard detergent to help prevent any damage to the waterproof coating and the actual fabric itself,” he said.
In the end, the $73 I spent on cleaning products is a drop in the bucket when it comes to extending the lifespan of my gear. A new shell and ski bibs would cost me hundreds of dollars, so I’d like them to last as long as possible.
Refresh Your Garment’s Waterproofing
Kuosmanen points out that using a tech wash won’t restore your garment’s waterproofing, though it can help maintain breathability and keep it in good shape over time. DWR treatments, on the other hand, refresh the waterproof coating, and should be used in addition to a tech wash.
“This is typically done either as a wash-in coating that goes into the laundry with the garment while it’s being washed, or as a spray-on coating which is done when the garment is washed but still damp,” Kuosmanen said. “We typically use a spray-on DWR at our shop to ensure that we can get at the areas of the garment that might take a little more beating effectively (think armpits and other nooks and crannies).”
If you notice your jacket wetting out, especially in high-friction areas like under your pack’s shoulder straps or hipbelt, it’s likely time to revamp your DWR.
How Often to Wash Technical Gear
Some hikers are hesitant to put their expensive gear through the laundry. Regular washing is crucial to keeping your garments performing and looking like new (and your tentmate will be happier if you don’t stink). If your jacket is visibly dirty or smelly, you’re probably overdue for a wash. At the very least, an end-of-season is a good idea. Be sure to consult your garment’s label and the instructions on your cleaning product.