Many people think functional clothing should be washed as rarely as possible. That is not quite right. Sweat, dirt, skin oils and detergent residues can noticeably reduce breathability and the water-repellent effect. With the right care – for example with products from Nikwax – outdoor clothing stays functional for longer.
Why functional clothing needs special care
Modern outdoor clothing is often made of technical materials. They are meant to protect against wind and rain and at the same time move moisture from the body to the outside.
For that to work, the surface has to stay clean. When dirt and residues block the fibres, water vapour escapes less easily. The jacket then feels damp inside, even though it is actually waterproof.
Typical signs of wrong or missing care are:
- water no longer beads off
- the outer fabric soaks up water
- the jacket feels clammy
- breathability drops off
- unpleasant smells linger
- the material feels heavy and stiff
Nikwax: what is the advantage?
Nikwax offers special detergents and DWR treatments for functional clothing, softshells, down, fleece and outdoor footwear. Unlike ordinary detergents, these products are matched to technical materials.
The advantage:
- cleans gently
- maintains breathability
- restores the water-repellent effect
- is easy to use in the washing machine
- suits many outdoor materials
- protects the life of the garment
Ordinary detergent, fabric softener or aggressive cleaners should be avoided with functional clothing. They can leave residues behind and impair performance.
1. Washing functional clothing properly
Before washing, all zips should be closed and the pockets emptied. Coarse dirt can be brushed off beforehand with a soft brush.
For waterproof and breathable clothing a special technical detergent such as Nikwax Tech Wash works well. It cleans the material without impairing the function of the membrane.
Important when washing:
- follow the care label
- do not use ordinary heavy-duty detergent
- do not use fabric softener
- close the zips
- choose a low temperature
- let it rinse thoroughly
- do not spin too hard
After washing, the garment should smell clean and feel lighter. Often a thorough clean on its own improves the water-repellent effect.
2. Renewing the DWR treatment
When water no longer beads off but soaks into the outer fabric, the DWR treatment should be renewed. That does not automatically mean the jacket is leaking. Often only the outer water-repellent layer has weakened.
A suitable DWR treatment from Nikwax can reactivate this protective layer. Depending on the product it is applied in the washing machine or as a spray.
For rain jackets and hardshells a wash-in or a spray-on treatment works well, for example. For softshells, down or footwear there are separate products.
Benefits of a renewed DWR treatment:
- water beads off better again
- the outer fabric soaks up less water
- breathability is preserved
- the garment stays lighter
- comfort improves
- the material is better protected
3. Wash or treat – which comes first?
Always clean first, then treat. A DWR treatment on dirty material does little, because dirt and residues can block the effect.
The right order is:
- wash the garment with a suitable technical detergent
- check whether water beads off again
- if necessary, renew the DWR treatment
- let the garment dry thoroughly
That way performance is restored step by step.
4. Caring for hardshells and rain jackets
Hardshells and rain jackets need particularly careful looking after. They usually consist of a waterproof membrane and a treated outer fabric.
When the outer fabric gets wet, the jacket can become heavier and feel damp inside. That is why the DWR treatment is especially important.
For hardshells the following applies:
- clean regularly
- renew the DWR treatment
- do not use fabric softener
- do not dry-clean, unless the label allows it
- do not store dirty for long periods
Especially after demanding tours, ski tours, walks in the rain or heavy sweating, the jacket should be washed.
5. Caring for softshells
Softshells are very versatile and often get worn particularly frequently. They are breathable, stretchy and mostly water-repellent, but not always completely waterproof.
Here too, sweat, dust and skin oils can impair performance. A suitable detergent and a matching DWR treatment help to maintain the water-repellent effect.
Softshells should not be washed with ordinary fabric softener, as this can clog the fibres.
6. Caring for down clothing
Down jackets need particularly gentle care. Washing them wrongly can reduce the loft. For down there are special cleaning and treatment products from Nikwax.
Important with down:
- use a special down detergent
- follow the care label
- let it dry thoroughly
- loosen up the down while it dries
- do not store it damp
A well cared-for down jacket keeps you warmer and stays light and pleasant to wear for longer.
7. Caring for fleece and base layers
Fleece jackets, technical shirts and base layers also benefit from the right care. They should be washed regularly so that smells, sweat and residues are removed.
The rules here:
- use a mild detergent
- do not use fabric softener
- do not wash too hot
- let them dry in the air
- follow the care label
For technical underwear and functional shirts there are special detergents that reduce odours and are kind to the fibres.
Common mistakes when caring for functional clothing
A lot of damage comes not from use but from the wrong care.
These mistakes are worth avoiding:
- using ordinary heavy-duty detergent
- using fabric softener
- washing too hot
- storing dirty clothing for too long
- using the wrong DWR treatment
- not drying down properly
- ignoring the care label
- drying clothing directly on the radiator
Anyone who avoids these mistakes keeps their outdoor clothing working far longer.
How often should functional clothing be washed?
That depends on how often and how hard the clothing is used. After heavy sweating, dirt, rain or multi-day tours, functional clothing should be washed.
A simple rule: if the clothing smells unpleasant, feels heavy or water no longer beads off, it needs care.
Washing regularly with the right product does not harm functional clothing – quite the opposite: it helps to keep it working.
Mountainspirit tip
At Mountainspirit you will find the right care products from Nikwax for jackets, trousers, softshells, down, footwear and outdoor equipment. We are happy to advise you on which product suits your clothing best.
That way your equipment stays waterproof, breathable and reliable for longer – whether hiking, ski touring, mountaineering or in everyday life.
Conclusion: the right care extends the life
Functional clothing needs care so that it does its job reliably. With special detergents and DWR treatments such as Nikwax you can maintain the breathability, weather protection and comfort of your outdoor clothing.
Anyone who cleans regularly, treats properly and avoids care mistakes will enjoy their equipment for longer – and be better protected in the mountains.
Related at Mountainspirit: Clothing, Service in Bolzano
