Outdoor clothing is designed to keep you protected from the elements, but even the best waterproof jackets, walking trousers and technical layers need a little care to keep them performing at their best.
Dirt, sweat and regular use can affect the performance of technical fabrics over time. You may notice that water no longer beads on your waterproof jacket, or that your favourite baselayer seems to hold onto odours even after washing.
That doesn't necessarily mean it's time to replace your gear. With the right care, you can help maintain your outdoor clothing and extend its useful life.
Grangers produces specialist clothing-care products designed for outdoor and technical clothing. Here, we look at three products available from Summits: Performance Wash, Performance Repel Plus and Active Wash, and explain what each one does and how to use it.
Why use specialist outdoor clothing wash?
Technical outdoor clothing is different from your everyday clothes. Waterproof jackets, for example, often combine specialist fabrics, waterproof membranes and a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish to keep rain out while allowing moisture vapour to escape.
Dirt, oils and residues can build up on these fabrics during use, potentially affecting their performance.
Using a specialist wash helps clean technical clothing without leaving behind the residues associated with some conventional detergents.
That's why cleaning your outdoor clothing properly is an important part of waterproof jacket care.
Grangers Performance Wash
What does Performance Wash do?
Grangers Performance Wash is a specialist cleaner designed for waterproof and technical outdoor clothing. It removes dirt and odours while helping maintain the performance of technical fabrics.
It is suitable for waterproof and windproof clothing, soft shells and fleeces, including garments made with fabrics such as GORE-TEX® and eVent®.
Performance Wash is also an ideal first step if you're planning to reproof your waterproof jacket.
How to use Performance Wash
- Check your garment's care label.
- Add 25ml (half a capful) to your washing machine's detergent drawer.
- Use it instead of your normal laundry detergent.
- Wash at 30°C, or follow the garment's care instructions.
- Dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.
When should you use it?
Use Performance Wash when your waterproof or technical clothing is visibly dirty, has started to develop an odour, or needs cleaning before being reproofed.
[Shop Grangers Performance Wash at Summits]
Grangers Performance Repel Plus
What does Performance Repel Plus do?
Cleaning your waterproof jacket is only part of maintaining it. The outer fabric of many waterproof garments has a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish, which helps rainwater bead up and run off the surface.
Over time, this finish can become less effective through regular use, washing and abrasion.
Grangers Performance Repel Plus is a spray-on treatment designed to restore water repellency to waterproof and technical outdoor clothing. It is suitable for waterproof and windproof garments, soft shells and fleeces, including GORE-TEX® and eVent® garments.
How to use Performance Repel Plus
For the best results, apply Performance Repel Plus to a clean, damp garment.
- Wash the garment using Grangers Performance Wash.
- Leave it damp after washing.
- Spray Performance Repel Plus evenly over the outside of the garment.
- Pay particular attention to areas that experience more wear.
- Remove any excess product with a clean cloth.
- Allow the garment to dry naturally, or follow its care instructions.
Performance Repel Plus doesn't require heat activation, making it a straightforward way to reproof your outdoor clothing at home.
Does your waterproof jacket need reproofing?
A simple test is to sprinkle a little water onto the outside of the jacket.
If it beads up and rolls away, the DWR finish is still working.
If water spreads across the fabric and begins soaking into the outer material, it may be time to clean and reproof the jacket.
[Shop Grangers Performance Repel Plus at Summits]
Grangers Active Wash
What does Active Wash do?
Not all outdoor clothing is waterproof. If you're regularly running, cycling, hiking, climbing or working out, you'll probably have plenty of activewear that needs washing frequently.
Grangers Active Wash is specifically designed for activewear and helps tackle the sweat and odours that can build up during exercise.
It is suitable for materials including Lycra, cotton, polyester and Merino wool, making it useful for everything from technical baselayers and running clothing to gym kit.
How to use Active Wash
- Shake the bottle before use.
- Add 30ml (one capful) to your washing machine's detergent drawer.
- Wash at 30°C, or follow the garment's care instructions.
- Dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Active Wash is particularly useful for activewear that seems to retain sweat odours even after a conventional wash.
[Shop Grangers Active Wash at Summits]
Which Grangers product do you need?
Choosing the right product is simple:
| Product | What does it do? | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Performance Wash | Cleans technical clothing | Waterproof jackets, walking trousers, soft shells and fleeces |
| Performance Repel Plus | Restores water repellency | Waterproof and technical clothing |
| Active Wash | Cleans activewear and tackles odours | Baselayers, running kit and sportswear |
If your waterproof jacket needs cleaning, start with Performance Wash.
If it's clean but no longer repelling water, use Performance Repel Plus.
If you're washing baselayers, running kit or other activewear, Active Wash is the better choice.
