My outer shell developed a horrible smell. Is it safe to wash it with regular detergent and cold water?
Doesn’t smell bad to me.
I usually wash my down North Face jacket with a light detergent and cold water, along with some socks or similarly colored t-shirts. Make sure to set your washer to a soft, light, or delicate cycle. It’s a good idea to check it occasionally to ensure it doesn’t get tangled. After washing, I dry it on low heat until it’s about 40% dry, then I fluff it up and let it hang dry.
@Kim
Thank you so much!
Is it water resistant or waterproof? If it is, consider using a specialized product like Nikwax for water-resistant garments. If not, treat it like regular clothing. Always avoid high heat in the dryer, as polyester can melt. If your shell has down or synthetic filling, it might clump, so dry it on low and throw a couple of tennis balls in the dryer to break up the clumps.
@Noe
We’ve stopped using fabric softener at home. Instead, we use wool balls occasionally treated with essential oils for scent, which also prevent clumping similar to tennis balls. We rarely use any dryer settings other than ‘timed dry’ on low or no heat. It’s more energy-efficient to run the dryer longer at a lower temperature or to air dry.
@Peyton
We don’t use fabric softener either. It’s like melting plastic into your clothes, loaded with artificial scents designed to make laundry seem dirtier faster to prompt more washing and softener use. We just keep cottons separate from synthetics and wool, and it works perfectly. No static, and there’s no need for anything to be softer.
@Noe
I’ve never thought about separating by fabric type for laundry. I’ll explore that more. Moving away from synthetic fibers is tough. For example, my wool blanket is warm even when wet, but its weight-to-insulation ratio isn’t great for backpacking in sub-zero temperatures. However, for spring and autumn, it could work. I’ve switched to primarily wool socks and underwear, which are healthier and better for the environment.
@Peyton
Cotton clothes don’t build up any static. For wool and synthetic items, I mostly air dry them, which avoids static even without mixing with cotton. For backpacking, synthetic gear is preferable for its stretch and durability, despite not being natural.
@Noe
The shell is meant to be waterproof, but I haven’t tested it in rain yet. Looks like cold water on a delicate setting and low/no heat is the way to go. I might try washing without detergent first to see if it helps.
@Lex
Look up ‘Nikwak Tech Wash’ for washing waterproof gear without damaging the waterproofing. They also have a product for restoring or enhancing waterproofing that’s worn out.
Noe said:
@Lex
Look up ‘Nikwak Tech Wash’ for washing waterproof gear without damaging the waterproofing. They also have a product for restoring or enhancing waterproofing that’s worn out.
Incredible feedback, thanks. I ordered it with same-day delivery on Amazon, so I’ll wash it tonight. It seems I’ll need to use two different products across two wash cycles. Really appreciate the advice.
Check for a laundry label with cleaning instructions, which might also have a holographic seal.
Use Nikwax Down Wash and Down Protectant combo. It’ll clean the jacket, remove the smell, and retreat it to extend its lifespan. Just follow the instructions on the label. It’s kept my gear in good condition for years.
@Van
Thanks! I purchased it on Amazon. Looks like a two-step process with each formula requiring its own wash cycle. Appreciate the help.
Lex said:
@Van
Thanks! I purchased it on Amazon. Looks like a two-step process with each formula requiring its own wash cycle. Appreciate the help.
Exactly. It’s simple, and it’ll make your gear smell like new if done correctly.
It’s all synthetic. Just use some Tide Zero to wash and hang it to dry, it will be fine.
Isn’t there a washing direction tag?
Aza said:
Isn’t there a washing direction tag?
Nope, I searched everywhere.
Use Ivory Flakes or Downy, or splurge for Tech Wash.