How to safely machine wash your outdoor gear

High performance textiles require strong protection and a delicate touch. With the right care, your best gear should last for a generation, but harsh solutions and intense use can wear it down. When your anorak, parka, or down jacket has been to the summit and back, you should treat it with the appropriate care. We match the sophisticated tech in your high-performance gear with sustainable innovation of our own.

Our High Performance Tech & Down Wash from The North Face Care Collection powered by DFNS protects wool fibers, reduces the wearing down of silk, and safeguards both the water repellent layer and the breathability of all fabrics — including down. It keeps colors bright, reduces the risk of shrinkage and leaves garments with a fresh scent.

Follow these simple steps to restore the original look and feel of your high performance gear and prolong its lifespan.

Preparing for Wash:

  1. Empty all your pockets and make sure they’re zipped up.
  2. Clean your washing machine dispenser tray of any detergent residue.
  3. Place no more than two items in the machine for best results.
  4. Never use conventional laundry products as a combination.

Machine Wash:

  1. Grab the Tech & Down Wash bottle. To use the automatic dosing system, turn the bottle upside-down with the lid closed and wait until the 25ml chamber is full, then turn it the right way around. The perfect amount of solution will pour out when you open the lid, and the rest will stay down.
  2. Pour the liquid into the Main Wash Dispenser (II) by opening the bottle’s lid.

    Tip: If you don’t know already, the symbols on your detergent tray mean the following:
    (I) – Pre-wash Cycle
    (II) – Main-wash Cycle – this is where your detergent will usually go.
    (III) / * - Fabric Softener compartment
  3. Follow the instructions on the care label and wash accordingly. It is generally advised to wash on low heat and low spin.

When using washing and waterproofing together:

- Fill up the fabric softener dispenser with Water & Stain Repellent Inwash (III)

Tumble dryer

  1. Use a low setting to tumble dry the items as directed by the manufacturer.
  2. It is advised to tumble dry Down until all clumps are gone.
  3. Because your clothing will enlarge to its full size as it dries, make sure there is adequate space in the dryer to hold it until it is done.

Note: While these solutions are intended for Machine use – you can also try them out the old-fashioned way by submerging them in a bucket of warm water, scrubbing them clean, and leaving them to air dry, out of direct sunlight.

And that, friends, is how you can effectively and efficiently wash your favorite outdoor gear at home. What are you waiting for? Your next adventure awaits you.

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