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GORE-TEX Wear Should Be Washed in Your Home Washing Machine! Delving Into the Secrets of "Freddy Leck"'s Specialized Detergent for Thoroughly Removing Dirt
GORE-TEX wear, which protects against wind and rain while providing a comfortable feeling, can be considered an essential material for the outdoors. Due to this nature, many people may think that it suffices to simply remove surface dirt and allow it to air out for maintenance.
However, what if that is the reason for diminishing the water-repellent properties of GORE-TEX?
FUJIEI Corporation operates Freddy Leck, which developed a specialized detergent for outdoor wear called "Outdoor Wear Wash."
Kei Sakaguchi from the company states, "GORE-TEX wear can maintain high water repellency precisely because it is washed." What is the mechanism behind it? Together with the backstory of developing this specialized detergent, we inquired about its intricacies.
PROFILE
Kei Sakaguchi
FUJIEI Corporation
FREDDY LECK Planning & Development
Bringing the Concept of Germany's "Freddy Leck Waschsalon" to Japan
The "Freddy Leck Waschsalon" was established in Germany in 2008, where the culture of coin laundries is well-rooted.Driven by the desire to make laundry environments cleaner and more comfortable, Freddy Leck opened a coin laundry in the northern Berlin neighborhood of Moabit.
What prompted the move to Japan?
"At that time in Japan, coin laundries were mostly found alongside public baths. One day, one of our employees learned about Freddy Leck's coin laundry through a magazine, was inspired by his vision of 'a positive mindset and lifestyle through the laundry scene,' and promptly traveled to Germany."
Things progressed swiftly, and by 2010, Freddy Leck's operations began in Japan. Inspired by German design’s rationality, functionality, and aesthetic, they embarked on developing original products tailored for the Japanese market.
"The reason for developing products in Japan is due to the completely different environment and culture. For example, in Germany, where hard water is prevalent, using warm water is necessary for effective washing. In contrast, Japan has soft water, which necessitated the independent development of domestic detergent products due to the differences in water quality."
Freddy Leck has been continuously developing products suitable for Japanese culture and environment. The launch of their specialized detergent for outdoor wear was highly anticipated.
Reasons Why GORE-TEX Wear Should Be Washed
The development of the "Outdoor Wear Wash" was initiated by a laundry workshop conducted in 2019 by GORE-TEX BRAND."GORE-TEX BRAND organized this workshop as part of an initiative to raise awareness that washing helps extend the lifespan of the wear. Our company not only provided the venue but also conducted a survey on Instagram.
"When asked the question, 'Do you wash your GORE-TEX wear?' a surprising 80% of respondents answered, 'No.' Some even expressed uncertainty about whether it is acceptable to wash them, highlighting the need to disseminate accurate information and the necessity for specialized detergent."
It's understandable to feel like washing doesn't matter since the water beads off, but Sakaguchi explained to me that this is actually the primary reason for the decrease in water repellency.
"The three major functions of GORE-TEX wear—waterproofing, breathability, and windproofing—are supported by the GORE-TEX membrane, which is an internal film. On the outside, fabrics like nylon are layered over it, and they are treated with DWR (Durable Water Repellent) processing.
"This water-repellent base has a structure with fine fibers that allows water droplets to roll off, thus achieving water-repellent functionality. However, when the water-repellent base becomes dirty and flattened, water spreads across the surface of the fabric.
"Of course, the membrane prevents water from actually getting inside, but the drawbacks include the clothing becoming heavier due to absorbed moisture and compromised breathability."
Even when wearing high-performance GORE-TEX gear, without proper care, the effectiveness won't last long. Although the appearance may be clean, in the microscopic world, dirt could be accumulating, which is why regular washing is necessary.
Fabric Softeners & Fragrances Are the Enemy of GORE-TEX® Clothing
If washing GORE-TEX wear is just like washing ordinary clothing, one might wonder if there was a need to develop a special detergent for outdoor wear, but that's not the case.
"Common detergents contain antibacterial agents, softeners, and fragrances that work by remaining on the surface of the fabric. However, in the case of GORE-TEX wear, if softeners or fragrances remain on the fabric's surface, they hinder the water-repellent function.
"That's why a detergent without unnecessary components was necessary.
"'Outdoor Wear Wash' is designed with a strong cleaning power and is weakly alkaline, making it effective at thoroughly removing dirt from the fabric while minimizing the likelihood of leaving residual components on the surface."
Knowing the mechanism of the water-repellent treatment, Freddy Leck understood the necessity of a special detergent. I asked if there were any other points to be cautious about when washing GORE-TEX wear.
"Basically, please follow the washing instructions on the tag. Additionally, closing the zippers can help reduce wash inconsistencies and allow for more focused washing of the water-repellent surface. Afterward, be sure to rinse at least twice to ensure no detergent remains."
Moreover, if you focus on setting the water-repellent base upright, running it through a dryer after washing or applying heat with an iron while using a cloth can enhance the inherent water-repellent function.
To Ensure the Longevity of Beloved Products
With such dedication packed into "Outdoor Wear Wash," will workshops where this product was created continue in the future?
"We regularly hold an event called Laundry Night. Occasionally, we invite guests to introduce methods for removing stains tailored to their concerns."
Given the specialized nature of these garments, places teaching how to wash them are rare. At Freddy Leck, not only "Outdoor Wear Wash" is offered but also detergents specializing in denim, sneakers, and even makeup stains have been developed.
"We believe that laundry is not merely a task of removing dirt, but a way to care for clothing. We are also developing detergents that help restore the fabric's texture through washing," Sakaguchi mentioned.
I asked him again, what kind of audience he hopes "Outdoor Wear Wash" will reach.
"Outdoor clothing is generally expensive and has a high fashion value. Recently, I’ve noticed more people wearing these garments during their daily commutes.
"I want to communicate to these individuals that they should wash regularly to enjoy good items for a longer period and that there are dedicated detergents available."
As Sakaguchi mentions, if you were considering replacing your gear due to decreased water repellency, why not try washing it with "Outdoor Wear Wash"?
Your beloved items might regain their original shine.
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