Wash and maintenance
General information
It is important to wash and maintain the products so that they perform as well as possible and last for a long time. All garments have washing instructions attached that must be followed very closely. GORE-TEX® products should be washed after approximately 150 hours of use, or when dirty. Re-impregnate the water-resistance with spray after washing.
GORE-TEX and dri clothing
Washing
GORE-TEX® garments are not harmed by washing. On the contrary this will prolong the life of the garment. Normal washing instructions for GORE-TEX® garments are:
Remember to close all zippers and Velcro. The garment should be washed at 40 degrees without spinning, with a mild detergent and no softening or rinsing agents. Do not use bleach. Softeners, rinsing agents and bleaches can damage the fabric’s water-resistant properties (not the membrane/waterproofing) and the color of the fabric. Rinse the garment twice, if possible. Use water repellent spray on the outside of the garment after washing for optimal water-resistance (this has nothing to do with the waterproof quality of the garment, but makes it easier for water to roll off the outer fabric). Dry the garment on a low setting in the dryer, if you like, or iron it at a low temperature. Warmth helps to reactivate the waterproofing. The garment must be dry before washing and before being put away.
Water repellency
All GORE-TEX® products have water repellant (DWR Durable Water Repellent treatment) when they are new. This treatment prevents the fabric from attracting moisture and dirt, while simultaneously giving optimal moisture vapor transportation to the fabric. Over time, the water repellency will be worn away. This will take place especially in vulnerable places like the seat, knees, shoulders and elbows. To optimize the product´s abilities, it should be re-impregnated after each wash, or when the water repellency is not performing optimally. For water repellency treatments, we recommend the use of a spray. Spray re-impregnation ensures that only the outer side of the garment will be water repellent, which optimizes the moisture transportation of the product.
Technical cotton clothing
Washing
When washing
Norrøna cotton clothing, the washing instructions must be followed.
Usually, Norrøna cotton products are washed as follows:
Wash at 40
degrees inside-out. Normally, a cotton garment will shrink a small
amount when it is washed for the first time up to 3%. Do not use a
dryer. Can be ironed using medium heat. No bleach. Can be dry-cleaned.
IMPORTANT TO NOTE ABOUT COTTON:
Over time, normal wear and multiple
washes will cause cotton products to lose some of its color. Compared to
microfiber and GORE-TEX® products, they may look a bit worn out. Navy
blue cotton products are the most likely to suffer from this effect.
However, many people appreciate that their garment shows age with use
like a favorite pair of jeans. By choosing other or lighter colors, the
color fading will not be as great.
Water repellency
By
re-impregnating cotton clothing, you receive the benefit of the product
not picking up water and dirt as quickly as without the water repellent
finish. The products do not become waterproof, but it will take longer
for water to penetrate the product. Re-impregnating will also make the
garments more suitable for winter use.
Two types of waterproofing are available for cotton:
1. Liquid water repellent finish
2. Spray water repellent finish
Liquid water repellent finish has the advantage that it is much
easier to apply than spray water repellent finish. Spray re-impregnation
makes a garment water-resistant only on the outside.
Spray water repellent finish is sprayed onto the dry and
“newly-washed” garment. The water repellent finish should be allowed to
sink in for 15-20 minutes. Excess water repellent finish is to be wiped
off with a damp cloth. Dry the garment using warmth, for example machine
drying. Spray products provide good water-resistance and are quick to
use, but are not so easy to apply evenly over the garment.
For liquid water repellent finish that is to be used in the
washing machine, put the finish directly into the machine’s detergent
receptacle (be sure all remaining soap has been removed) Wash the
garment in the usual way, but don’t use soap or a fabric softener. Dry
the garment, preferably by machine dryer. Iron the garment when it is
dry.
Liquid water repellent finish is simple to use. In addition to
requiring only one waterproofing process. It delivers a good result both
right after the re-impregnation and after three washes.
Fleece products
Washing
When washing Norrøna fleece clothing, the washing instructions attached to the garment must be followed. Usually, Norrøna fleece products are washed as follows: Wash at 40 degrees without spinning, bleach, softeners or rinsing agents. Wash with similar colors. Do not put fleece in the dryer. Most of our fleeces dry quickly on the line. Do not iron fleece.
Microfiber products
Washing
When washing Norrøna microfiber clothing, the washing instructions attached to the garment must be checked, but are generally as follows. Wash at 40 degrees. Machine dry at a low temperature setting. Do not iron. No bleach. Can be dry-cleaned.
Water repellency
By re-impregnating microfiber products, you receive the benefit of the products not picking up water or dirt as quickly as without water repellent finish. The products do not become waterproof, but it will take longer for water to penetrate the product. Re-impregnating will also make the garments more suitable for winter use.
Two types of waterproofing are available for microfiber:
1. Liquid water repellent finish
2. Spray water repellent finish
An uncertain factor with liquid water repellent finish is that it reduces the garment´s breathability because it also impregnates on the inside. Therefore, we recommend using spray-on treatment to ensure that the breathability stays intact.
Spray water repellent finish is sprayed onto the dry and “newly-washed” garment. The water repellent finish should be allowed to sink in for 15-20 minutes. Excess water repellent finish is to be wiped off with a damp cloth. Dry the garment using warmth, e.g. tumble-drying.
Spray products provide good water-resistance and are quick to use, but are not so easy to apply evenly over the garment.
For liquid water repellent finish that is to be washed in by hand, it is important that the garment is clean before treatment. The liquid water repellent finish is mixed in a bucket, and the garment must be soaked for 30-40 minutes (turn once in a while). Rinse and dry the garment. Repeat the treatment. Dry the garment, preferably by machine dryer.
Backpacks
Washing
Take care of your backpack and clean it after every trip. Then it will stay in good condition longer and be ready for your next trip. The pack can be hand washed in a bathtub, if you like, or in a shower (40 degrees °C) with a brush. Avoid detergents that bleach. The pack should be re-impregnated after washing. The pack cannot be dry-cleaned.
Water repellency
Re-impregnation of backpacks is done with spray water repellency. The re-impregnation is sprayed onto dry and “newly-washed” backpacks. The water repellent finish should be allowed to sink in for 15-20 minutes. Excess water repellent finish is to be wiped off with a damp cloth.