Any body know where I might be able to buy or order the wash additive you use to keep gortex and similar fabrics waterproof when cleaning in washing machine?
Thenks,
The Colonel

I bought some at Ski Chalet in Annandale, I think I've also seen it at REI.

Blue Ridge Mountain Sports carries it. Not sure if there is one near you though.

Nikwax tech wash is what you want. should be able to get it local at rei or something.

Yes, that is what I bought at BRMS

http://www.brmsstore.com/php-bin/ecomm4/...id=578&next_id=

Some questions.

Is the treatment needed each time you wash your gear?

What will it do to your washer and other clothes after you've washed your Goretex?

I thought I read somewhere that you need to dry the Goretex gear in a dryer (versus line drying) to reactivate the chemicals. Myth or truth?

Whatever you do... Check to see if the detergent you use has bleach or Softener. Bleach will destroy GoreTex. Period. Your clothes won't even make good napkins after a bleach detergent wash. The softener will interact with the coating and take away most of the DWR water repellency.

GoreTex can be washed in mild detergent, but frankly, I've always used the NikWax Tech wash and then do the NikWax TxDirect. I get them at REI and if I'm out in an emergency, at Snowshoe.

I have the site somewhere and will look for it.

But regardless... Never put bleach or softener on GoreTex

Lou

Here it is from the horse's mouth: http://nikwax.com/en-us/activity/index.php?activity=OUTDOORS