Clothing & Lifestyle

High-quality outdoor and surplus clothing is an investment meant to pay off for many years. But even the best quality won't last forever if it's neglected. Dirt, sweat, and improper care can significantly impair functionality and drastically shorten its lifespan. With proper care, your garments will remain functional and look great for longer.

Many people are hesitant to wash their expensive outdoor clothing for fear of compromising its functionality. However, regular washing is essential for maintaining breathability. Dirt and body oils clog the pores of the membranes and reduce their performance. This guide will show you how to properly care for your outdoor gear and keep it in good condition for longer.

Why proper care is crucial

The functional membranes of modern outdoor clothing are technical masterpieces. They repel water but allow water vapor to pass through. This property only works if the microscopic pores are not clogged. Dirt, sweat, and skin oils accumulate during use and increasingly impair breathability.

The water-repellent finish, also known as DWR, wears off over time. Water no longer beads up but soaks into the surface. The garment feels wet, even though the membrane underneath is still waterproof. The DWR treatment needs to be reactivated or renewed regularly.

Improper care can do more harm than good. Fabric softener permanently clogs the membrane. Washing at excessively high temperatures damages the materials. Harsh detergents attack the water-repellent finish. With the right knowledge, you can avoid these mistakes and maintain the functionality of your clothing for years to come.

How to wash functional clothing correctly

All zippers should be closed before washing. This protects the zippers themselves and prevents them from damaging other garments. Hook-and-loop fasteners should also be closed to prevent them from becoming clogged with lint. Empty all pockets and remove any loose dirt with a brush.

Use special detergents for outdoor clothing. These are specially formulated to avoid damaging membranes. They effectively remove dirt without leaving residue. Regular detergents often contain substances that can build up in the pores and reduce breathability.

The washing temperature should be low; 30 degrees Celsius is usually sufficient. Higher temperatures are rarely necessary and can damage the materials. Select a gentle cycle with a reduced spin speed. Excessive spinning can strain the seams. An additional rinse cycle thoroughly removes all detergent residue.

Drying and impregnation

Proper drying is crucial for reactivating the DWR finish. A tumble dryer on a low temperature is ideal. The heat reactivates the finish, causing water to bead up and roll off again. About twenty minutes in the dryer is usually sufficient. Check the garment regularly to avoid overheating.

If a dryer isn't available, you can use an iron. Set it to the lowest setting and place a towel between the iron and the garment. Iron gently over the surface. The heat will reactivate the water-repellent finish, similar to how a dryer works.

If the DWR finish still doesn't work, a re-treatment is necessary. Special waterproofing sprays or wash-in waterproofing treatments will renew the water-repellent effect.Sprays are applied to dry, clean clothing. Wash-in waterproofing treatments are added to the wash. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages.

Care of down and insulated jackets

Down jackets require special care. Down loses its loft when it clumps together. Only wash down jackets when absolutely necessary. Use a special down detergent that doesn't remove the down's natural oils. These oils are essential for its insulating properties.

Drying down jackets takes a long time and requires patience. Use a dryer on a low heat setting. Add two to three tennis balls to the dryer. These will distribute the down and prevent clumping. The drying process can take several hours. Pause occasionally and shake the jacket.

Synthetic insulation jackets are easier to care for than down jackets. They can be washed more frequently without losing their performance. Drying is faster and simpler. Nevertheless, they should still be treated gently. Use technical detergents and low temperatures.

Cleaning of shoes and boots

Outdoor shoes should be cleaned after every hike. Remove loose dirt with a brush. Mud and sand can damage the materials and seams. Let the shoes air dry, not on a radiator. Excessive heat can loosen adhesives and harden materials.

The insoles should be removed regularly and dried separately. They absorb a lot of moisture and can develop odors if neglected. Insoles made of activated charcoal or cedarwood absorb moisture and neutralize odors. Change your shoes regularly so they can dry completely.

Leather requires special care. Special leather care products keep the material supple and water-resistant. Apply the product sparingly and allow it to absorb. Too much product will make the leather heavy and sticky. Modern leather treatments often also contain waterproofing agents for better weather protection.

Storage of outdoor clothing

Proper storage significantly extends the lifespan of your clothes. Wash all garments before storing them. Dirt and sweat can damage the materials during storage. Ensure everything is completely dry to prevent mold growth.

Hang jackets on hangers instead of folding them. This prevents creases and helps maintain their shape. Down jackets should be stored loosely, not compressed. Down needs space to retain its loft. Do not use vacuum bags for down clothing.

The storage location should be dry and well-ventilated. Avoid direct sunlight, as UV radiation damages the materials and fades colors. Basements are often too damp, and attics too hot in summer. A wardrobe in the living area is ideal. Mothproofing is important for wool products.

Repair instead of throwing away

Minor damage should be repaired immediately before it gets worse. A small tear can be mended with special repair patches. These self-adhesive patches are available for various materials. They are easy to apply and, if used correctly, hold very well.

Broken zippers are a common problem. Often, only the slider is worn out and can be replaced. New sliders are inexpensive and easy to install. For completely broken zippers, it's worth taking them to a tailor for repairs.The replacement costs less than a new jacket.

Many manufacturers offer repair services. You can send in damaged garments for professional repair. The costs are often moderate, and repairs significantly extend the garment's lifespan. This is both more environmentally and economically sound than buying a new item.

Care of surplus and military clothing

Surplus clothing is robust and durable, but it still requires care. Many military jackets and trousers are made of heavy cotton or blended fabrics. These can be washed at higher temperatures than modern technical clothing. However, always follow the manufacturer's care instructions.

Camouflage patterns can fade if not cared for properly. Use color protectant when washing to preserve the colors. Wash surplus clothing separately or only with similar colors. Light spots on camouflage patterns are not only visually distracting but also reduce the camouflage effect.

Reinforcements and pockets require special attention. Regularly check seams for damage. Secure any loose threads immediately. Metal parts such as buttons or eyelets can rust. Treat them with rust protection or replace them if necessary.

Specific care tips for different materials

Gore-Tex and similar membranes are more delicate than many people realize. Avoid mechanical stress such as vigorous rubbing. Wash only with liquid detergent, never with powder. The granules can damage the membrane. Never use bleach or harsh stain removers.

Softshell material is easier to care for than hardshell. It can be washed more frequently without being damaged. The surface is often treated with a DWR finish, which, like hardshell, can be reactivated. Softshell dries faster and requires less frequent re-waterproofing.

Fleece is very easy to care for and can be machine washed without any problems. It dries quickly and retains its insulating properties even after many washes. However, avoid excessively high temperatures, as fleece is made of synthetic fibers. One disadvantage of fleece is pilling, which can be removed with a special shaver.

Avoid common mistakes

The most common mistake is the use of fabric softener. It permanently clogs the membrane and renders outdoor clothing unusable. There is no way to completely remove fabric softener. Even small amounts are enough to significantly reduce breathability.

Washing too infrequently is also problematic. Many people wash their outdoor clothing too rarely, assuming this will protect it. The opposite is true. Dirt and sweat damage the materials more in the long run than regular washing with the right detergent.

Improper storage leads to unnecessary damage. Compressed storage damages down and insulation materials. Moisture leads to mold and unpleasant odors. Sunlight fades colors and makes materials brittle. Careful storage will preserve your clothing for years.

Summary

Proper care of outdoor and surplus clothing is crucial for longevity and functionality. Regular washing with specialized technical detergents maintains breathability, while low temperatures protect the materials. Reactivating the DWR (durable water repellent) finish through heat or re-waterproofing ensures that water continues to bead up and roll off.Down jackets, shoes, and surplus clothing deserve special attention due to their specific care requirements. Proper storage in dry, well-ventilated places away from direct sunlight protects against damage during periods of inactivity. Minor repairs should be carried out immediately to prevent more extensive damage and maximize the lifespan of your gear. Following these care tips will ensure your outdoor equipment remains functional and accompanies you on your adventures for many years to come.