How to Wash Your Arc'teryx GORE-TEX and Down-Filled Garments

Despite what you might have been told, washing your Arc’teryx GORE-TEX and down apparel is actually beneficial. It’s easy to do, and it can help restore the garment's appearance while improving its waterproofing and warmth. Here's how:

• Before washing, zip up the front, pockets, and pit zips completely, and fasten any loose flaps or straps.
• Set your washer to a gentle cycle with warm (not hot) water. Rinse twice, using a short spin cycle each time.

Note: Avoid using powder detergents, fabric softeners, stain removers, bleach, or washing with heavily soiled clothing.

• Tumble dry on a warm, gentle cycle to avoid damaging the fabric.
• Once the garment is fully dry, continue tumbling for an additional 20 minutes to reactivate the durable water repellent (DWR) treatment.

If water no longer beads and runs off your Arc’teryx GORE-TEX garment after washing, it’s time to reapply a durable water repellent (DWR). You can use either Nikwax spray-on waterproofing or a washing machine waterproofing product like Nikwax Tech Wash. After applying the Nikwax product, tumble dry your garment for 20 minutes to activate the treatment.

Any down item—whether it's a vest, jacket, coat, or even a sleeping bag—can be safely washed at home.

For washing down garments, it's best to use a front-loading machine. Top-loading machines have an agitator that can damage the fabric. If a top loader is your only option, place your garment in a mesh wash bag to protect it.

If there are stains or a build-up of sweat and body oil around the chin and neck area, address these before washing. Soak and gently brush the stains using laundry soap or a mild stain remover. Be sure to rinse the area thoroughly before putting the item in the washing machine.

Use a specific down wash, such as Nikwax Down Wash Direct. Before washing, zip up all zippers, secure Velcro, and fasten any flaps to prevent snagging on the jacket liner. It's best to turn the jacket inside out. Set your washing machine to the delicates or wool cycle, and ensure the machine rinses a few times on the slowest/longest spin cycle to remove any detergent residue from the down.

Although most down jackets aren't fully waterproof, they typically come with a DWR (durable water repellent) coating. Over time, this coating loses its effectiveness due to contamination. After washing, while the jacket is still wet, add Nikwax down waterproofing and run the washing cycle again to restore the DWR.

Most down jackets can be machine-washed, but hand-washing is also an option. Use Nikwax down wash in room-temperature water, just as you would in a machine.

• Gently squeeze out excess water with a large towel and let the jacket air dry on a clothes rack.
• Transfer to a tumble dryer set on low or air dry.
• Add a few dryer balls or clean tennis balls to prevent clumping.
• Periodically remove the jacket, shake it to redistribute the down, and return it to the dryer.
• Drying can take several hours and may require multiple cycles. Ensure the jacket is completely dry before wearing or storing it.