Mountain clothing is designed to withstand extreme conditions and offer protection, comfort, and performance in demanding natural environments. However, to maintain its technical properties, such as waterproofing or breathability, it is essential to care for it properly. In this guide, we explain step-by-step how to keep your mountain sports clothing in the best condition for longer. Take note and get ready to care for your gear as it deserves.
Why is it important to care for technical outdoor clothing?
Keeping mountain clothing clean and in good condition is not just a matter of aesthetics but a fundamental part of caring for technical gear. If not properly cared for, it can lose its properties and, therefore, its effectiveness and performance. A jacket that has lost its waterproofing or pants that no longer breathe well can ruin your day.
Regularly cleaning garments, reactivating waterproofing treatments, or checking their condition not only extends their lifespan but also ensures their proper functioning when most needed. Furthermore, properly caring for your garments is also a way to care for the planet. Longer durability means fewer replacements, less consumption, less waste, and therefore, greater sustainability and respect for the environment in which we carry out our favorite activities.
How often should mountain clothing be washed?
The first step to cleaning your gear is knowing when to do it. Depending on the quantity and intensity of use, it should be done more or less frequently. For example, if you use it regularly, you will need to wash it more often. It is not necessary to wash technical clothing after every use, except for base layers, but it is advisable to do so after intense use. Logically, if you notice that your gear is dirty or no longer repels water properly, you should clean it immediately.
Additionally, it is advisable to wash and clean all your sports clothing regularly, regardless of use. This way, you ensure it stays ready for when you need it.
As a general rule, the recommended washing frequency is:
- Waterproof jackets and pants: every 20-30 days of use, sooner if dirty, retaining odor, or losing their water-repellent properties.
- Base layers (t-shirts, socks…): after each use
- Fleece jackets and vests: approximately every 5-6 uses
- Hiking pants: every 3-4 uses
- Mountain footwear: clean dirt after each use
How to remove small stains from your technical mountain clothing
Often, clothing only has small stains or localized dirt. In these cases, a full wash is not necessary; simply clean the dirty areas by hand:
- Use a damp cloth with warm water.
- Gently rub the stained area.
- If necessary, apply a little neutral soap or a specific one for technical clothing.
- Rinse with a clean cloth to remove soap residue.
- Let air dry, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
If you want to remove a sticky substance, such as chewing gum or resin, first freeze the stain and then scrape to remove as much as possible. Then wash in lukewarm water with mild detergent and air dry.
How to wash mountain sports clothing in a washing machine
Despite what many people think, washing technical clothing in a washing machine does not damage its properties; quite the opposite, it helps to preserve them. However, it must be done in a special way, following specific recommendations. Below, we explain step-by-step how to do it correctly:
- Check the labels. Sometimes, garments have specific instructions on the label. Make sure to check them before washing in case you need to follow any specific indications.
- Prepare the clothing. First, empty the pockets and close all zippers, Velcro, or flaps. Also loosen cuffs and drawstrings.
- Sort the clothing. Avoid washing sports clothing with other regular clothes. You can also separate it by color and fabric for optimal washing.
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Remove odors. If the clothing has a bad smell, you can soak it in a mixture of water, baking soda, and white vinegar before washing. This ensures that the bad smell is completely gone after washing.
- Machine wash. The best option for washing mountain and sports clothing is in a washing machine. However, you must use a specific detergent or, if applicable, a neutral one. It is also important not to use fabric softener or bleach, as they could damage the fabrics and their properties. To wash your gear, use a gentle program, preferably on a delicate cycle, at a maximum temperature of 30ºC. Make sure it rinses well so that no detergent residue remains.
Can technical clothing be hand washed?
Yes, mountain sports clothing can be hand washed, although it is more advisable to do it in a washing machine. Still, for certain delicate garments, hand washing might be a better option.
If you want to do it this way and are wondering how to hand wash sports clothing correctly, here are the steps to follow:
- Fill a basin with cold or lukewarm water (below 30ºC)
- Add specific detergent or neutral soap
- Submerge the garment in the basin and gently move it so that the water reaches all areas. Do not rub too hard.
- Rinse and clean the garment thoroughly to avoid detergent residue.
- Air dry with the garment fully extended.
How to dry mountain clothing
Proper drying is a key point for preserving the technical properties of clothing. You can do it in two ways:
- Air dry:Â This is the best and most recommended option. Simply hang it in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and any heat source.
- In the dryer:Â This is the least advisable option. Unless otherwise indicated on the label, use a gentle cycle at a low temperature. For waterproof garments, using the dryer can help reactivate the durable water repellent (DWR) treatment.
How to store mountain clothing properly
It is as important to know how to clean and dry clothing as it is to know how to store it. If this last step is not done correctly, all the previous effort will have been in vain, and you will have to do it again. To prevent this from happening, below we explain how to properly store your mountain gear.
First, choose the right place. Ideally, it should be a dry, clean, and well-ventilated area, away from sunlight and heat. Once you have chosen the area, make sure that whatever you are storing is clean and dry. It is important not to store it wet or with dirt residues.
To store technical clothing correctly, it is ideal to avoid storing it compressed or wrinkled, so as not to damage its properties or shape. If possible, store it flat or on a hanger. Also make sure it is empty and with all pockets and compartments closed.
By following these recommendations for caring for mountain sports clothing, your gear will remain in the best condition and ready for when you need it.
