How to care for your winter jackets & gear

If you've taken the time to invest in a good winter jacket, preserving it for many seasons to come is important. Winter jackets and gear are often comprised of synthetic fabrics - they are cost effective, wick moisture and hold heat. But they're also very heavy and require special care. There are certain steps you can take, not only to make sure your winter gear lasts, but that it doesn't come out of storage every year smelling like moth balls.  

We recommend washing your jacket and gear before putting it away for the season and giving it a fresh wash at the beginning of each winter season. Here are some steps to take to preserve and care for your winter gear:

1. Check the care tag to make sure you follow washing instructions - different fabrics demand different care!
2. Pretreat your jacket to target any stains you may have accumulated over the winter season: think body oils, sweat, food or grass stains. We recommend pretreating with HEX Performance Stain & Stink remover. 
3. If your jacket and gear are made with synthetic fabrics (or some combination of synthetics) reach for a specialty detergent like HEX Performance Dual Action Gear Wash - which was specifically formulated to clean & protect these fabrics.
4. Remove the hood and gloves from your jacket - often times, these are lined with fur (or faux fur trim). You can hand wash separately by soaking in a tub or sink.
5. Make sure to empty and zip/velcro/snap your pockets prewash. Zippers, velcro and snaps can scratch and irritate fibers in the wash.
6. Wash your jacket and gear with a specialty, gentle detergent using warm water and a gentle cycle, this ensures a soft tumble and prolongs your gear. The HEX Performance Dual Action Gear Wash packs a 1-2 punch with it's dual action formula: 
1. Load the Clean formula into the detergent tray of your washing machine to deep clean and remove odors during the wash cycle
2. Load the Protect formula into the softener tray of your washing machine to prevent odors with our anti-odor technology and restore performance during the rinse cycle
7. To dry your jacket and gear, we recommend air drying for about an hour, then tumble dry on low to fluff the jacket/gear, but be careful not to overheat the garment. 

Store your jacket and gear in a cool, dry place - basements are not ideal as they could introduce moisture to the garments - causing mold, mildew and discoloration. If you can, opt for a lightweight, breathable, cotton storage bag for your garments.