Gore-Tex® Care Instructions
Galvin Green clothing in Gore-Tex fabrics are easy to care for and can be frequently machine washed and tumble dried. The fact is, that the garments function best when clean, so don't be afraid to wash them frequently.
Garments should be washed using a normal 40 machine wash programme. Remember DO NOT use a fabric softener, which only decreases the water repellent properties of the material. Neither should you use bleach or any bleaching agent.
Garments should be dried in a tumble dryer as this then re-activates the water repellent surface of the garment. The outer fabric from Gore is treated with an ultra-thin coating called DWR (durable water repellent). This coating penetrates into the fibres and reduces the surface tension of the fabric, which ensures that wateron the fabric forms tiny pear-like droplets on the surface rather than being absorbed into the fabric. A water repellent outer fabric provides extra insulation and prevents liquid from soaking through the fabric, which would make the wearer experience the fabric as damp and sticky.
After a great deal of use and wear of the garments, the water repellent effect of the outer fabric may be reduced. The function of the garment is dependent on its care. The best way to maintain its water repellent properties is to machine wash the garment on a normal 40° wash programme, WITHOUT USING FABRIC SOFTENER.
Thereafter, the garment should be tumble dried. The wash programme should remove any dirt and the heat from the tumble drying will re-activate the water repellent properties of the fabric. The properties of the actual Gore-Tex® membrane are not affected by regular washing.
After long use and many washes, the water repellent properties of the DWR coating may diminish. It is then possible to simply re-impregnate the fabric using a special liquid. It is extremely important, however, that the impregnation liquid used is one recommended by Gore, such as Imprenex Plus or Grangers. Follow the instructions on the packaging. Impregnation liquids are available from well stocked sport stores.
It is vitally important that the Gore-Tex® membrane is not punctured. This means that you should not pin badges or sew anything onto the Gore-Tex® fabric yourself. If you need help to repair or alter a garment made of Gore-Tex® fabric, you should contact a Gore-Tex® service centre. They can also help you sew on club badges, etc. When you sew on Gore-Tex® fabric, the seams must be specially taped on the reverse side of the fabric so that no leakage occurs through the holes made by the needle, which is why sewing should only be carried out by Gore specialists.
Read more on the Gore-Tex® website
Washing Instructions
Here are a few tips as to how you should care for your clothes to ensure
that they last a long time.
We also explain the meaning of the different symbols on the washing label.
General washing instructions
Coloured garments last longer if they are washed inside out. Streaks on jeans, for example, can then be avoided.
-
Shirts retain their shape better if they are dried hanging on a clothes hanger. Straighten the seams and collar and the shape will be better retained and the shirt easier to iron.
-
Knitted garments retain their shape better if they are dried flat.
-
Never allow coloured garments to dry outdoors in sunlight. They can become discoloured and "sun-bleached".
-
Care and washing instructions for your garments with a Gore-Tex membrane can be found under a separate heading.
Washing in water
The bowl symbol, indicates that the garment can be washed in water in a washing machine or by hand. Within the bowl, there is a figure indicating the temperature, in number of degrees Celsius, that should be used to wash the garment. The line under the bowl indicates any limitations to the normal washing process.
|
|
Hand washing
Always make sure that the washing powder is completely dissolved in the water before putting the garment into it. Never sprinkle or pour washing powder directly onto the garment or allow coloured garments to soak. This can result in discolouration. Avoid leaving garments to soak!
|
|
Washing of wool and silk
Garments of untreated wool or silk, for example, with washing instructions "hand wash, max 40C", demand special care. Use a washing powder that is specifically intended for 40C washing in water. Do not soak. Wash directly in water of the correct temperature with the washing powder well dissolved in the water. Gently squeeze the garment in the washing water, do not rub or ring out. Rinse thoroughly. A short spin removes excess water best. Shake out the garment once it is half dry, to give it a "fuller" feel. Dry heavy knitted garments flat.
Ironing
The iron symbol means that the garment can be normally ironed or a rotary iron used. Within the symbol there is/are one or more dots to indicate the ironing temperature.
|
|
|
|
Chlorine bleaching
The triangle indicates that the garment can be bleached using chlorine. The letters CL, the chemical symbol for chlorine can be seen inside the triangle
|
|
Dry Cleaning
The circle indicates that the garment can be dry cleaned. The letter inside the circle indicates the type of dry cleaning fluid to be used.
|
|
|
|
In addition, there is a new washing instruction called Wet Clean. This indicates a professional wash with a mixture of water and synthetic tensides.
Drying
The rectangle is a symbol for drying. Water must removed from the textile before drying. Virtually all textiles can be given a short spin, for a maximum of one minute. Many garments can also be tumble dried. Garments with a Gore-Tex membrane should, for example, be tumble dried for best results. On the other hand, avoid tumble drying garments that you particularly cherish, as tumble drying wears the garment. The most important thing is to follow the symbol that indicates whether or not the garment should be tumble dried.
|
|
|
|
|
The following drying symbols occur for "air drying".
|
|
