If you have Gore-Tex products you may be wondering what’s the safest and easiest way to remove stains. Thankfully, the process isn’t too difficult and shouldn’t take too long until your Gore-Tex is looking brand new!
Below, I’ve broken down how to remove grease from your Gore-Tex garment in four easy steps:
- Dampen the grease stain
- Apply mild dishwashing detergent to the stained area
- Wash the garment in warm water with gentle laundry detergent
- Hang dry your gear
In the following sections, you will discover how to get grease off of Gore-Tex in great detail.
What Is Gore-Tex Made Of?
Gore-Tex material provides a waterproof and windproof clothing experience by combining several different features. The combination of an internal membrane and laminate ensures that water can pass out of the material (usually in the form of sweat), but rain or other liquids cannot pass into the clothing.
Durable Water-Repellent (DWR) Coatings
To make your Gore-Tex item completely waterproof and prohibit any liquids from soaking through, it is important to maintain the DWR coating. This coating, a polymer that decreases surface tension in the fabric, prevents water droplets from penetrating your jacket. Instead, the droplets simply roll off.
However, be aware that your Gore-Tex DWR coating will naturally begin to wear off as time passes. If your Gore-Tex clothing comes into contact with liquid such as water or grease, the results will differ based on the strength of the DWR coating.
Removing Grease From Gore-Tex
To gently remove grease from your Gore-Tex product, execute the following steps:
1. Dampen the Grease Stain
Take a damp towel or washcloth and very gently pat the affected area. Your goal should not be to drench your garment; rather, you should add a little water to the stained area.
2. Apply Dishwashing Detergent
After dampening the stained area, carefully rub a small amount of dishwashing detergent into the grease stain. You could use a rag or even a toothbrush to apply the soap to the area.
Your dishwashing detergent should be odorless and mild- too many harsh chemicals could negatively interact with the stain and your garment. Dawn dish soap is a great option; otherwise, use a similar product.
3. Wash the Garment
Prepare to place your Gore-Tex garment into the washing machine. Check the settings- you will want to wash your clothing article in warm water (105° F). Cold water or water at too high a temperature will not treat your stain as well.
For best results, wash your Gore-Tex on a gentle setting- a high spin cycle may crease your garment.
Plan on using a fair amount of mild laundry detergent. Make sure you use a liquid detergent, as opposed to a powder detergent.
Do not add anything other than the liquid laundry detergent to the washing machine! Stain removers, bleach, and fabric softener can harm your clothing and cause damage and discoloration.
4. Hang Dry
After washing, hang your Gore-Tex up to line dry. You should avoid using anything with high temperatures like a dryer.
The safest way to keep your Gore-Tex gear durable is to leave it to air-dry overnight.
What if the Stain Is Still There?
If the above steps do not seem to completely rid your Gore-Tex of a grease stain, redo the process. After your garment dries, apply dish soap to the affected area again and run it through the washing machine another time.
You may need to repeat the process more than once to remove as much of the grease stain as possible.
Will Grease Permanently Stain My Gore-Tex?
Hopefully, after following the outlined process, your Gore-Tex will look good as new! Remember, it may take a few repeated applications to minimize the stain.
Can You Dry Clean Gore-Tex?
Dry-cleaning is not recommended for Gore-Tex clothing. When dealing with stains, stick to gentle dishwashing soap on dirty spots and run it through the wash for the best results.
If you decide to utilize dry-cleaning services unrelated to stains, double-check your specific clothing article’s instructions so as not to harm the material.
At the dry cleaners, ask for a hydrocarbon solvent rinse that is clear and distilled. Dry cleaners should apply a wash-in or spray-on DWR repellent treatment before letting it tumble-dry for 20 minutes.
Your Gore-Tex product does not necessitate dry-cleaning services- it would be just as simple to wash at home!
Can I Replenish My Gore-Tex DWR After Removing a Grease Stain?
If you have successfully gotten rid of your grease stain, you may want to consider replenishing your Gore-Tex’s DWR while you are in the cleaning process.
After line drying your garment, you can place it in the dryer and let it tumble dry for about 20 minutes. This will reactivate the outer shell’s durable water repellent, thus enhancing your garment’s ability to repel water and liquids.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Stain Remover on My Gore-Tex?
Using stain remover may damage your Gore-Tex coating, so just use mild dishwashing detergent to spot clean any stains that pop up.
Can I Use Bleach on My Gore-Tex?
Bleach could cause discoloration and damage of your Gore-Tex product, so stay away from using such a harsh product.
