Routine care and maintenance is critical for the optimum performance of your Arc'teryx GORE-TEX® and technical garments. Normal buildup of dirt, sweat, and other contaminates can compromise the longevity of the garment, the membrane, and the effectiveness of the textile's Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment.
Technical outerwear including GORE-TEX® should be washed regularly. If the garment looks dirty, or is no longer beading water, it is time to give it a wash.
How to wash GORE-TEX® and technical outerwear
1. Prepare your washing machine
Run an empty rinse cycle in your washing machine to remove any residue.
2. Prepare your gear
Close the main and pit zippers. Open pocket zippers. Release tension on all elastic drawcords. Loosen and secure the cuff Velcro®.
3. Wash
Put your garment in the machine, add Arc’teryx Nu Technical Detergent. Always check the care label on the product for exact guidelines. Wash on medium heat (40°C/104°F) at regular cycle setting. Double rinse to make sure that no soap or residue is left on the garment.
4. Dry
Put your garment in the dryer on low/medium heat for 40-50 mins or line dry.
For Permanent Beading Surface
GORE-TEX® with Permanent Beading Surface requires separate care and cleaning guidelines. See GORE-TEX® website for more information.
GORE-TEX® detergents
Arc’teryx technical outerwear including GORE-TEX® are high-tech materials; standard detergents contain additives such as softeners and brighteners that are deposited during washing that may negatively affect performance. Always use a technical detergent to care for technical outerwear. We recommend Arc’teryx Nu Technical Detergent.
FAQ
If your garment looks or feels dirty or is no longer beading water, give it a wash. Our new ePE GORE-TEX® requires more frequent washing than non-epe GORE-TEX®. Our recommendation is:
- With heavy use (e.g. heavy activity) – wash every 3 to 5 days of use
- With light use (e.g. day to day) – wash every 5 to 10 days of use
Over time, gear accumulates dirt, oils, and stains that reduce performance and can lead to failure. Contamination can cause GORE-TEX® to delaminate (layer separation or peeling seam tape), making the jacket no longer waterproof or repairable. It also reduces waterproofing and breathability by clogging the membrane, preventing water from beading off.
Regular care keeps pores clean, maintains performance, extends product lifespan, and preserves repairability. Treat your jacket like other gear—just as you wax skis or sharpen an ice axe.
PFAS stands for per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances. PFAS is the umbrella term for a family of chemicals that have historically been used for a wide variety of purposes, including waterproofing, in the outdoor industry.
The PFAS-free, new ePE membrane technology is lighter and thinner, but just as strong and durable as the materials we used before.
Both versions effectively repel water, however, the new FC0 DWR doesn’t withstand oil contamination quite as effectively – this means that PFAS-free products need a little more care to perform at their best. If you notice the fabric wetting out faster than you’d like, simply wash and dry your garment to bring the DWR back to its full power.
Use a technical wash instead of regular detergent because it’s specifically designed to protect your jacket’s performance. Unlike household detergents, it contains no fragrances, softeners, or additives that can clog the fabric and reduce breathability or water repellency. It also helps maintain and restore DWR, keeping your gear performing as intended.
To check if your DWR needs reapplying, simply wash and dry your jacket, then sprinkle or spray it with water. If the water no longer beads on the surface, it’s time to reapply DWR.
Reapplication isn’t needed after every wash—typically, DWR lasts through about 10–20 washes before needing to be refreshed.
For 2‑layer down insulated jackets, we recommend using a Down Wash. It’s specially designed to care for delicate down, helping restore its loft without affecting the GORE-TEX® outer layer.
If the outer fabric has stains, you can spot-treat those areas with a technical wash without harming the down. While both GORE-TEX® and Down Wash can be used, a Down Wash is the best choice to keep your down performing at its best.