Detergents for Gore-Tex materials and outer shells
Washing and maintaining technical clothing, such as Gore-Tex jackets and other waterproof shell materials, requires a special approach. Regular detergents can reduce the DWR (Durable Water Repellency) properties, but technical detergents are designed to remove dirt while restoring or maintaining waterproofness.
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In this comparison, we analyze five popular options: Nikwax Tech Wash, Grangers Performance Wash, Toko Eco Textile Wash, Fibertec Pro Wash, and Holmenkol Textile Wash.
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Our main evaluation criteria are:
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Cleaning power: How well does it remove dirt without damaging the coating?
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Water repellency restoration: How effective is it at restoring the DWR?
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Environmental friendliness: Does it contain environmentally friendly ingredients and is the packaging sustainable?
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Ease of use: How easy is it to use (e.g. dosage, compatibility with washing machines)?
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Value for money: Is the product affordable for what it offers?
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Want to know more about how to wash a gore-tex jacket and restore the water-repellent coating as best as possible? Then read this blog.
Rating table
Nikwax Tech Wash
Nikwax Tech Wash is an established name when it comes to technical detergents. It is specifically designed for breathable, waterproof fabrics such as Gore-Tex and is ideal for both cleaning and maintaining the DWR layer.
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Specifications:
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Price: ± $10 per 300ml (up to 6 washes)
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Weight: 350g (0.77 lbs)
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Extras: Biodegradable, water-based formula
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Rating:
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Cleaning power: 8
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Restore water repellency: 8
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Eco-friendliness: 9
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Ease of use: 8
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Value for money: 8
Overall score: 41/50
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Alternative uses: Also suitable for sleeping bags and softshells.
Grangers Performance Wash
Grangers Performance Wash offers an all-in-one solution for technical clothing. It restores breathability while removing stubborn dirt.
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Specifications:
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Price: ± $12 per 300 ml (up to 6 washes)
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Weight: 340 g (0.75 lbs)
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Extra: Bluesign certified, no harmful PFCs
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Rating:
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Cleaning power: 8
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Restore water repellency: 7
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Eco-friendliness: 9
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Ease of use: 9
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Value for money: 8
Overall score: 41/50
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Alternative use: Perfect for fleece and down products.
Toko Eco Textile Wash
Toko Eco Textile Wash is an ecological alternative that effectively removes dirt and is safe for technical fabrics. It focuses strongly on environmental friendliness.
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Specifications:
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Price: ± $14 per 250 ml (up to 5 washes)
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Weight: 300 g (0.66 lbs)
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Extra: Free of phosphates and biodegradable
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Rating:
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Cleaning power: 7
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Restore water repellency: 6
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Environmental friendliness: 10
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Ease of use: 8
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Value for money: 7
Total score: 38/50
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Alternative use: Suitable for synthetic sportswear.
Fibertec Pro Wash
Fibertec Pro Wash offers excellent washing results and focuses on the longevity of technical fabrics. It is designed for intensive cleaning without adverse effects on coatings.
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Specifications:
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Price: ± $12 per 500 ml (up to 10 washes)
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Weight: 550 g (1.21 lbs)
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Extra: Concentrate, ideal for longer distances.
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Rating:
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Cleaning power: 9
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Restore water repellency: 7
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Environmental friendliness: 8
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Ease of use: 9
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Value for money: 9
Total score: 42/50
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Alternative use: Works well for tents and backpacks.
Holmenkol Textile Wash
Holmenkol Textile Wash combines high-performance cleaning with a focus on performance retention. It is specially developed for high-tech fabrics.
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Specifications:
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Price: ± $13 per 250 ml (up to 5 washes)
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Weight: 300 g (0.66 lbs)
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Extra: Contains cleaning enzymes, but no PFCs.
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Rating:
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Cleaning power: 8
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Restore water repellency: 8
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Environmental friendliness: 8
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Ease of use: 7
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Value for money: 7
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Total score: 38/50
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Alternative use: Suitable for sports and everyday raincoats.