North Face Arctic Parka - what to wash it with?

[Mocked]

Hi

I have one of these amazing (and expensive!) coats. It needs a wash - it has some oil on it where I brushed against the car (sob!) and other general dirt.

I was planning to wash it at home and then take it to a launderette to dry it.

But I see previous recommendation to use a 'proper' detergent. Nikwax was mentioned but I am struggling to see which I should use . Is it the Down Wash?

Thanks (embarrassed...). Oh, and is there anything I can do about the oil?

I just do mine in the liquid you use for delicates. I'd rub the area which has oil in it with neat fairy liquid first.

Thanks bonzo. I only have Ariel bio so do I need non-bio?

And do you then have to re-waterproof or does it keep its waterproof-ness?

I'd get it done professionally if you're not sure. It will definitely need tumble drying if you do wash it otherwise it won't puff up again and will dry flat. If you do wash it yourself, dry it on a very low heat in the tumble dryer. If you go on the Nik Wax website, I am sure they have a thing where you put in what material you're washing and it tells you what to use (if it's still there!). Don't forget to take the fur trim off too

Do not use Fairy Liquid! Do not use any detergent. It can permanently affect the breath ability of the jacket.

I use Liquid Soap Flakes for most of my technical garments as it is not a detergent (also excellent for wool and silk). Nikwax Techwash is recommended for most technical garments, but IME is no good for stains. OTOH their customer service is very good for advising which detergent and which proofing agent for your garment, so call or email them if you're not sure.

I rub neat LSF into grease marks.

Even using LSF or Techwash you may still need to reproof to maintain breathability. I'm not sure whether TKDirect or Downproof would be the best - ask Nikwax.

It needs to be washed with Nikwash and then tumbled on a low setting with dryer balls or clean trainers added to plump up the down filling.Take the garment out and give it a good shake every so often whilst it's drying.Oh and before you wash it make sure that the detergent drawer on your washing machine isn't clogged up with any remnants of previous laundry products.

OK, thanks all. I cannot afford to have it professionally cleaned so will have to do it myself. I will give Nikwash a call. Good advice Tzibeleh!

fallenempires - also good advice re the soap drawer. Mine needs cleaning and everytime I do a wash I think "I will do that next time" but never get around to it. I am going to do it right now (and again before I wash my coat!). Oh, and the advice about getting it out and shaking it is also good.

Thanks everyone

It's Gortex though isn't? - no resurfacing needed, I just used non bio on mine, have washed it several times, have had it 4 years now and it's in perfect condition. Inside out and tennis balls in the tumble dryer.

Thanks Silverjohn. I emailed Nikwax and, while they were quick and thorough with their reply, they didn't actually tell me what to use.

They call it HyVent rather than Goretex. Is that the same? Good to hear yours hasn't been damaged though.

Yes it's a breathable waterproof membrane similar to Gortex technology and it will be stuck to the inside of the exterior fabric. Seriously though I use my coat in muddy conditions, it gets very little care and it comes up like new every time. I have washed Dh's as well and his is as good as ever. Speak to North face if you are worried about it.

I have washed mine loAds on normal wash and then just left to dry for a good few days and it just magically repuffs self up

Unlike a waxed waterproof coating, the breathable waterproof membrane is on the inside of the fabric, beside the down, if it degrades it can't be fixed. Treating the outside of the coat with a waterproofer is likely to prevent the breathable membrane from releasing perspiration which is the whole point of buying a technical coat.

Go to your outdoor shop and they'll tell you - nikwax do down washe , tecwash for gortex Etc

The proofing is not to make the fabric waterproof, but to enable the membrane to do its breatheable stuff. Proofing causes water to bead on the surface of the outer fabric, rather than wet it. As long as the outer fabric does not become water-logged, the garment remains breathable - air can pass in and out of it. If the outer fabric becomes waterlogged, the inner membrane (and therefore the whole garmsnt) remains waterproof, but is no longer breathable.

AFAIK all Nikwax wash-in proofing treatments are suitable for Gortex, but I would double-check.

The NorthFace website says this:

WASHING

What's the best way to wash my Hyvent® garment?

Please refer to the manufacturer’s care tag.

How often should I wash my Hyvent® garment?

Wash your garment as often as you need to remove such impurities as dirt, campfire smoke and cooking odours. Washing and drying your garment helps restore the durable water repellent (DWR) that is important to the performance of a Hyvent® garment.

What cycle do I use to wash my Hyvent® garment?

You can use a gentle cycle that does not rigorously spin the garment. Reducing the spinning will minimize creasing or damage that can be caused by pulling and twisting the garment.

Can I use either powder or liquid detergent?

For best results, we recommend using liquid rather than powder detergents.

Should I wash my waterproof garment separately?

You do not need to wash your Hyvent® garment by itself. You can wash it with similar garments that are not heavily soiled. We suggest a second rinse cycle to ensure that all of the detergent and soil are completely rinsed out of the garment.

Can I use stain removers on my Hyvent® garment?

We do not recommend stain removers. Instead, we recommend using liquid detergent in the pre-wash cycle of your washing machine to remove stains and heavy soil. If your machine does not have a pre-wash cycle, simply soak the garment in warm water with liquid detergent.

Can I use bleach?

Please do not use bleach with any Hyvent® garment. It could affect the colour and performance of the garment.

Can I professionally clean my Hyvent® product(s)?

Dry-cleaning does not harm waterproof fabric. However, always follow the manufacturer’s care instructions for your particular garment to make sure they recommend dry cleaning. If you decide to professionally dry-clean your garment, request clear, distilled hydrocarbon solvent rinse and spray-on or wash-in DWR repellent.
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Wow it sounds an awesome garment. Far easier to care for than most of my technical clothing!