How to wash a shell

nikwax my dude

Try putting it in the freezer overnight. I've never tried with a shell but it works with sweaters that you aren't supposed to wash.

jellomellownikwax my dude

this. Nikwax tech wash first cycle gets the oils and crap out of your waterproof liner, TX.Direct second cycle rewaterproofs

treebeardthis. Nikwax tech wash first cycle gets the oils and crap out of your waterproof liner, TX.Direct second cycle rewaterproofs

for emphasis

treebeardthis. Nikwax tech wash first cycle gets the oils and crap out of your waterproof liner, TX.Direct second cycle rewaterproofs

"Wash it lots, dry it hot" was the slogan they told us at MEC when I used to work there.

Wash once, rinse twice (yes use nikwax) and then dry that bitch on the hottest setting you have.

It it helps replenish the DWR coating which is how the jacket beads water off.

Mr.Bishop"Wash it lots, dry it hot" was the slogan they told us at MEC when I used to work there.

Wash once, rinse twice (yes use nikwax) and then dry that bitch on the hottest setting you have.

It it helps replenish the DWR coating which is how the jacket beads water off.

Will it shrink?

gapersarefriendsWill it shrink?

Nope. You're definitely supposed to wash them. It *should* have instructions sewn on the inside.

Fabrics with waterproof laminates (gore-tex, event, etc.) should be washed fairly often. How often depends on how much you use the piece and how dirty it's getting (from actual dirt and more importantly, sweat). I end up washing most of my waterproof stuff a few times a year.

The oils that will accumulate from use will clog the pores of the laminate and decrease breathability. The DWR will also naturally deteriorate, which gives you another reason to wash your stuff.

Always check the care label on the piece first, and then cross-reference that with the instructions on the tech wash you're using (Nikwax, Gear Aid, etc). Then as stated above, tumble dry it with some heat. I don't know about using the max heat setting, as most synthetic fabrics don't do so well with high heat, and nearly every synthetic piece I have recommends tumble drying on low. I tumble dry low everything I own that is treated with a DWR. Usually the heat is enough to re-up the DWR enough for me, but if I notice it's really struggling I'll re-treat with something from Nikwax or Gear Aid.

although buying special washes for your stuff is annoying, it'll definitely extend the life of your gear. You should treat any down pieces similarly, but use a down wash and dry with tennis balls (also following care label instructions)