OUtdoor Gear Care

Over the years it’s taken a lot of time to find the right gear and develop routines for its care. Outdoor gear does not continue to last or perform if it’s dirty and uncared for. I also have yet to have anything last “forever,” with waterproofing in particular often failing at some point and needing to be replaced. I also like to keep tidy when I can. Always be sure your gear is clean and dry before putting it away for the season. Here are some tips I’ve learned over the years for taking care of your garments and gear:

Everyday Clothes

-Put in a plastic container (garbage bag, plastic waste bin) each day after being outdoors to help prevent in-home pests.

-Wash and dry as usual.

Potentially Poisonous Everyday Clothes (clothes that may have been exposed to poison oak or poison hemlock, for example)

-Change into spare clothes at your earliest convenience.

-Minimize exposure by handling with disposable gloves and placing in a plastic or washable bag if you’re away from home.

-Wash on hot with the maximum amount of detergent for your load.

-Dry on the hottest setting possible for your gear.

(There should be no need to wash separately from other clothes.)

Waterproof Clothes

Weekly:

-If muddy or exceptionally soiled, soak or rinse first (no need to get all the mud off, though).

-Wash as with everyday clothes (above), EXCEPT use mild detergent such as Downy or Woolite.

-Hang dry UNLESS your clothes are woven AND made of durable waterproof material (this would have been advertised when you purchased the clothes and may be on a label). THEN tumble dry the clothes at the minimum temperature allowed.

Every four to six weeks:

-Unless you have real rain slickers, once your waterproof clothes are clean and dry, apply additional waterproofing. I spray with Griot’s Garage Fabric Protectant. Concentrate on the seams (particularly the crotch and necklines), the seat, tops, and bottom hems of pants, and the shoulders and bottom hems of jackets and their sleeves.

Sneakers and Other Everyday Shoes

Every four to six weeks:

-Remove laces and insoles, wash them in a garment bag, then hang to dry.

-Place each shoe in a garment bag, then wash with your usual detergent and air dry.

-Once dry, apply polish and/or leather food as necessary.

-Apply additional waterproofing. I spray with Griot’s Garage Fabric Protectant.

Hiking-Style Boots

Every four to six weeks:

-Remove laces and insoles, wash in a garment bag, then hang to dry.

-If soles are dirty, soak the bottoms of the boots in water for about an hour, then clean the soles out with an old toothbrush.

-Gently clean the boots with a cloth or soft brush.

-Apply additional waterproofing. According to Lowa Boots, this should be done while they’re still moist from cleaning. I spray with Griot’s Garage Fabric Protectant.

-Once dry, apply polish and/or leather food.

Rain Boots

Every four to six weeks:

-If soles are dirty, soak the bottoms of the boots in water for about an hour, then clean the soles out with an old toothbrush.

-Gently clean the boots with a cloth or soft brush.

-Put in the sun to dry thoroughly.

Hats

Every four to six weeks:

-If it’s a baseball-style hat, wash in a garment bag, then hang to dry.

-If it’s a stiff-brimmed hat, use a hat brush then put it out in the sun for at least an hour. I do not yet have a good recommendation for cleaning the sweat bands inside.

Backpacks and Other Bags

Every four to six weeks:

-Wash in the delicate cycle, in a garment bag if it’s small, then hang to dry.

Tick and Mosquito Control

Every four to six weeks:

-Pick out which outfits (including socks), shoes, backpacks, and jackets you’ll be wearing and apply durable repellent. More information can be found here:

United States Environmental Protection Agency: Find the Repellent that is Right for You

United States Environmental Protection Agency: Using Insect Repellents Safely and Effectively

By Heather Taylor, teachoutside@gmail.com. You are welcome to share all materials with credit to her.