You can turn a motorcycle jacket made of Gore-Tex® or other waterproof material, like Dainese D-Dry®, into a (nearly) everlasting item. All you need to do is follow a simple maintenance plan. A few tricks make it possible for our Gore-Tex® jacket to stay in perfect condition even after a lot of use and keep us company for years, both in the city and on longer trips. That’s without resorting to a specialized laundry or specific products.
As with leather (a much more delicate material), it’s important to prevent dirt from accumulating on fabric garments, which over time could get into the weave and become very difficult to remove. Stains need be removed as soon as possible – the longer they stay, the harder it is to get rid of them.
To remove traces of insects, just wipe them with a soft damp cloth and neutral soap. Any oil or grease must be washed off straight away with a soft damp cloth, wiping with a gentle circular motion and avoiding excessive rubbing of the soiled area.
Garments with waterproof breathable membranes have to be washed in lukewarm water (max. 86 degrees) with neutral soap free of fabric softener and solvents. Fabric softeners could significantly worsen the properties of the surface waterproofing and oil-resistance treatments.
When washing make sure to handle the exterior with great care, as excessive rubbing could damage the fibers. It’s best to remove padding and protectors, as well as closing zippers and Velcro to prevent them from rubbing on the inner membranes and the fabric itself. With clothing made of more than one material, it’s a good idea to look at the label inside the garments themselves.
Finally, it’s important to remember to dry the garment in a well-ventilated damp-free area. Drying with direct light and heat should be avoided at all costs. It’s best to use a hanger to prevent the garment from creasing or getting into an unnatural shape.
Our Gore-Tex® or D-Dry touring suits can accompany us on all our adventures for many seasons through just a few simple tricks. By following these instructions and the indications on the label, anyone can keep their motorcycle jacket or technical fabric pants in perfect condition.