cleaning gore-tex

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Date: 08 Nov 2007 21:58:16
From: Gary
Subject: cleaning gore-tex

I've read all the articles about Gore-tex and DWR and how to wash and treat
the garment, etc. But the commercial products like NikWax and TX-Direct are
so expensive. I've seen recipes on this NG for everything from energy bars
to hydration drinks- does anyone have a recipe for a home-made Gore-Tex
washing and/or treatment solution?

Date: 09 Nov 2007 21:23:05
From: Gary
Subject: Re: cleaning gore-tex

Thanks for the advice, but does anyone know how to fabricate some TX-Direct,
or something that will revive the DWR finish of the fabric so that water
beads up? I'm sure the commercial stuff that they sell for ten dollars costs
about fifty cents to make. Any chemists out there?

"Gary" <gasmiley@comcast.net > wrote in message
news:qICdnQiwhJBVUa7anZ2dnUVZ_gGdnZ2d@comcast.com...
> I've read all the articles about Gore-tex and DWR and how to wash and
> treat the garment, etc. But the commercial products like NikWax and
> TX-Direct are so expensive. I've seen recipes on this NG for everything
> from energy bars to hydration drinks- does anyone have a recipe for a
> home-made Gore-Tex washing and/or treatment solution?

Date: 09 Nov 2007 18:19:48
From: Jay
Subject: Re: cleaning gore-tex

"Gary" <gasmiley@comcast.net > wrote in message
news:qICdnQiwhJBVUa7anZ2dnUVZ_gGdnZ2d@comcast.com...
> I've read all the articles about Gore-tex and DWR and how to wash and
> treat the garment, etc. But the commercial products like NikWax and
> TX-Direct are so expensive. I've seen recipes on this NG for everything
> from energy bars to hydration drinks- does anyone have a recipe for a
> home-made Gore-Tex washing and/or treatment solution?
I'm afraid I can't join the bash-GTX parade. Maybe I am doing something
wrong?

I have been quite satisfied wearing GTX for years, year-round bike commute
in Chicago. I did have a pair of GTX rain pants and a GTX jacket that, after
years of wear, were no longer waterproof. So I bought a new GTX jacket and
rain pants, which I am told are new! improved! GTX. No complaints so far
after one year, and I have been in some sideways rainstorms.

I don't understand the American obsession with laundering things. GTX is
outer wear. The only GTX thing I have ever run through the clothes washer is
my GTX gaiters, which I did mainly out of curiosity. I usually just wipe the
winter road salt off with a wet cloth.

I suspect people tend to wreck their GTX stuff by laundering in washing
machines with whatever chemicals, and then using clothes dryers on the
normal (HOT) setting.

GTX is a high-tech composite (layered) material. If one launders it like a
cotton pillow case, it is ruined.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goretex

GTX J.

Date: 10 Nov 2007 09:11:10
From: Pat
Subject: Re: cleaning gore-tex

> I don't understand the American obsession with laundering things. GTX is
> outer wear. The only GTX thing I have ever run through the clothes washer
> is my GTX gaiters, which I did mainly out of curiosity. I usually just
> wipe the winter road salt off with a wet cloth.
>
> GTX J.

After I wear my Gore-tex cycling jacket, it is soaking wet on the inside.
The appeal of putting it on the next time with dried sweat in it just is
very low. Besides, it smells! I am currently looking into buying a jacket
made with eVent. If this constitutes "obsession", then count me in.

Pat in TX
>
>

Date: 10 Nov 2007 15:32:47
From: Jay
Subject: Re: cleaning gore-tex

"Pat" <Orion@starrynight.com > wrote in message
news:5pm037Fs4fi9U1@mid.individual.net...
>
>> I don't understand the American obsession with laundering things. GTX is
>> outer wear. The only GTX thing I have ever run through the clothes washer
>> is my GTX gaiters, which I did mainly out of curiosity. I usually just
>> wipe the winter road salt off with a wet cloth.
>>
>> GTX J.
>
> After I wear my Gore-tex cycling jacket, it is soaking wet on the inside.
> The appeal of putting it on the next time with dried sweat in it just is
> very low. Besides, it smells! I am currently looking into buying a jacket
> made with eVent. If this constitutes "obsession", then count me in.
>
> Pat in TX
>>
+
I had not thought of that kind of GTX garment. And our riding styles are
clearly different. I am just a commuter. Sounds like you are interested in
cycling as exercise. I agree, wearing smelly stuff disrupts the feng shui.

My jacket is a windbreaker - outer shell kind of thing. I always wear at
least one layer underneath. Same with my rain pants. So I only launder the
inner layers.

My GTX gaiters http://www.rei.com/product/725915 serve several purposes.
They keep my slacks out of the chain. They are great in cold or wet weather.
And they protect my slacks from the front tire spray, since I do not use
fenders.

J.

Date: 09 Nov 2007 09:23:31
From: Ozark Bicycle
Subject: Re: cleaning gore-tex

On Nov 9, 10:55 am, cyclingthi...@gmail.com wrote:

<sbipped >

> www.bikingthings.com

>From that site:

"You might not ride like a Pro; but at least you will look like one."

Geez, Louise - it's Wannabe Heaven! :(

Just the place to get those repulsive wearable billboards
comparatively cheap, so you can look like a fool without going broke.

Date: 09 Nov 2007 08:55:42
From:
Subject: Re: cleaning gore-tex

On Nov 8, 9:58 pm, "Gary" <gasmi...@comcast.net > wrote:
> I've read all the articles about Gore-tex and DWR and how to wash and treat
> the garment, etc. But the commercial products like NikWax and TX-Direct are
> so expensive. I've seen recipes on this NG for everything from energy bars
> to hydration drinks- does anyone have a recipe for a home-made Gore-Tex
> washing and/or treatment solution?

i agree, gore tex is not the best material. the best thing when
waterproof is required is nylon. it is the only tight enough fiber
that will prevent water from coming in. where i live, we have had 35
days with 30 days of rain. solution: nylon jackets
carlos
www.bikingthings.com

Date: 09 Nov 2007 16:34:26
From: Jim Flom
Subject: Re: cleaning gore-tex

Date: 09 Nov 2007 10:56:06
From: Pat
Subject: Re: cleaning gore-tex

>> I've read all the articles about Gore-tex and DWR and how to wash and
>> treat the garment, etc. But the commercial products like NikWax and
>> TX-Direct are so expensive. I've seen recipes on this NG for everything
>> from energy bars to hydration drinks- does anyone have a recipe for a
>> home-made Gore-Tex washing and/or treatment solution?

I use Woolite. It doesn't have whiteners or brighteners or bleach or
fragrances, etc.

Pat in TX

Date: 08 Nov 2007 22:32:09
From: Dennis P. Harris
Subject: Re: cleaning gore-tex

On Thu, 8 Nov 2007 21:58:16 -0500 in rec.bicycles.misc, "Gary"
<gasmiley@comcast.net > wrote:

> I've read all the articles about Gore-tex and DWR and how to wash and treat
> the garment, etc. But the commercial products like NikWax and TX-Direct are
> so expensive. I've seen recipes on this NG for everything from energy bars
> to hydration drinks- does anyone have a recipe for a home-made Gore-Tex
> washing and/or treatment solution?

goretex is the most useless "waterproofing" ever invented. i
have never, ever used a goretex garment that did not leak, which
is why i have never bought one. i'll take a *real* waterproof
garment over goretex any time.

when you live in an area with 180+ inches of rain a year, much of
it horizontal, you don't want goretex. you want helly-hansens or
something similar, or for cycling, a burley rainsuit.