How do you clean and restore Gore-Tex

[L.D.]

I've had a good set of Gore-Tex rainwear for close to 15 years now. I only clean them when even the fish can't stand me, then it's in a mild machine wash cycle and then put in the dryer. I paid about $250.00 for the set back then.

The first five years they were great, never got wet. Now the bibs slowly seep through the butt and top of legs and the jacket seeps through the front and shoulders, in a heavy rain.

There are no holes anywhere.

Any old rain vets out there ever wear out Gortex? Can they be restored? How?

[ernel]

After reading your post, I got in touch with one of the local stores that sell gortex locally and they said that it can't be brought back to "new" status. However, you can buy a silicone spray and use it to seal it back up. It won't last forever, but it should work they said. I personally have used a product called "Silicone Water Gaurd" on my camping gear and have had great reslts with it. You can find it at Wal-mart in the camping section.

[roadwarrior]

I don't know for sure, but I don't think so...Cabelas has their Guide line on sale and I just bought coat & bibs for around $200.

[Phishn_Phool]

i have a Billy Westmoreland bib and coat I have been wearing 4 20 years and still water proof, but now that I am in Florida I'm afraid it is going to be too warm.   Still a good buy 4 you guys up north

[roadwarrior]

Hey Phishn_Phool, is that a real fish? And if so, how much did that sucker weigh?

[BCAlbin]

L.D.

    Since Gore-Tex is a membrane that's laminated to the inside of the fabric, like fabric, it can get worn out in high wear/friction areas (i.e. knees, elbow, butt, etc.) Like ernel said, the best way to make worn GT efficient again is to treat the outside fabric with a water-proofer with a silicone spray like Camp-Dry so not as much water comes in contact with the GT membrane. I use a product made by Gore called Revivex, $10..00 for a 5 oz. bottle which is enough to treat 2 pieces (jacket, pants). You can find it in backpacking stores such as REI or Galyans. If that doesn't work you may have to consider purchasing new raingear, after 15 years I'd say you got your investment out of the old. Hope this helps...

p.s. After re-reading your post: DON'T dry Gore Tex in a dryer no matter what the manufacturer might say. The high heat can damage the membrane. It's best to let it air dry.

[tritonman]

I have tried camp-dry and it turn my gortex white, once it became white the mold just thrived in it.

[scubadave]

there is a product called nikwax that is made for gore tex.  you can use a waterproofing that is washed in and another type of nikwax made specifically for gore tex.  it is sold at most outdoor stores.

[Aaron_S]

BCAlbin hit it right on the head

[L.D.]

Thanks Guys, when I go to Cabellas to buy their Guide Wear I'll see about buying some of the products you mentioned for my old Gore-Tex.

L.D.