Adventure Tips
8 Quick Tips for Washing Outdoor Clothing & Gear Care
Jun
Caption: Master washing outdoor clothing to keep your gear performing like new, trip after trip.
Washing outdoor clothing the right way is essential for preserving performance, comfort, and longevity. When you know how to wash hiking clothes and care for outdoor gear, you maintain moisture-wicking, DWR coatings, and insulation loft. In this guide, you’ll discover eight expert steps—from sorting and detergents to drying, DWR restoration, repairs, and eco-friendly tips—to keep every layer trail-ready.
Washing Outdoor Clothing Step 1: Sort Your Gear
Before cleaning, separate garments by type and treatment:
- Base Layers & Merino Wool: Cold wash, gentle cycle to protect natural fibers and wicking performance.
- Fleece & Softshells: Cold water, low spin to preserve DWR coatings.
- Hard Shells & Rainwear: Use a specialized, wax-free DWR detergent only; regular soap strips repellency.
- Down Jackets: Wash with a down-specific cleaner on a gentle spin to maintain loft and warmth.
- Accessories: Group small items (hats, buffs) with similar fabrics to avoid abrasion.
Washing Outdoor Clothing Step 2: Choose the Right Detergent
- Nikwax Tech Wash: Rejuvenates DWR without wax buildup (nofollow).
- Gear Aid Down Wash Direct: Cleans down gently, restores loft.
- Woolite Wool & Delicates: Maintains merino’s natural odor control and wicking.
- Eco Options: Biodegradable, phosphate-free detergents for backcountry care.
Washing Outdoor Clothing Step 3: Machine vs. Hand Wash
Use the proper method based on fabric:
Machine Washing Technical Fabrics
- Cold water, delicate or outdoor cycle, low spin.
- Measure detergent precisely—no overdosing.
- Extra rinse to flush all soap, especially on base layers.
- Avoid bleach and fabric softeners—they clog fibers.
Hand-Washing Delicate Items
- Fill basin with cold water and specialized cleaner.
- Gently agitate, soak 10–15 minutes, rinse until clear.
- Press out water—never wring; use a towel roll-press.
Washing Outdoor Clothing Step 4: Proper Drying Techniques
- Air-Dry: Hang shells and merino in shade with good airflow to protect DWR and fibers.
- Tumble Dry Low: For synthetic insulation and down; add tennis balls to restore loft.
Correct drying prevents mold, maintains loft, and preserves moisture-management.
Washing Outdoor Clothing Step 5: Restore DWR
- Slightly dampen shells.
- Apply spray-on DWR evenly, focusing on shoulders and cuffs.
- Tumble dry low or use heat-activation per product instructions.
Regular DWR restoration keeps water beading off, not soaking in.
Washing Outdoor Clothing Step 6: Off-Season Storage
- Ensure complete dryness before storage to prevent mildew.
- Store in breathable cotton bags or hang loosely; avoid sealed plastic.
- Keep in a cool, dark place away from UV and heat.
Washing Outdoor Clothing Step 7: Quick On-Trail Repairs
Carry these essentials for field fixes:
- Tenacious Tape for instant shell patches.
- Seam sealers for taped seams.
- A small sewing kit for stitching reinforced seams on fleeces.
Prompt repairs prevent small tears from ruining gear integrity.
Washing Outdoor Clothing Step 8: Eco-Friendly Practices
- Choose biodegradable, PFOA-free detergents (dofollow).
- Air-dry to save energy and extend fabric life.
- Collect rinse water responsibly when hand-washing in the backcountry.
Common Mistakes in Washing Outdoor Clothing
- Hot water—shrinks fibers, degrades DWR.
- Washer overload—uneven cleaning, excessive wear.
- Fabric softeners—coat fibers, block performance.
- Skipping DWR re-treatment—leads to waterlogging.
Final Thoughts on Washing Outdoor Clothing
By mastering how to wash hiking clothes and care for outdoor gear—sorting meticulously, selecting specialized detergents, choosing the right wash method, drying properly, restoring DWR, making quick repairs, and storing smart—you’ll ensure every garment delivers peak performance on every trail. Proper washing outdoor clothing practices are an investment in countless worry-free adventures. Keep your kit clean, dry, and ready for the next challenge!
FAQ
Q: How often should I wash my merino base layers?
A: After every 2–3 wears in hot conditions, or once per trip for odor control without over-washing.
Q: Can I use regular detergent on my rain shell?
A: No—standard detergents strip DWR. Use Nikwax Tech Wash or similar specialized cleaner.
Q: What’s the best way to dry down jackets at camp?
A: Press out water, hang in shade near a gentle heat source, or tumble dry low with tennis balls to restore loft.
