Will laundry detergent ruin fleece?
Is there anything wrong with using a regular detergent like Tide to wash fleece, instead of gear-specific products like Nikwax? Are there any other fabrics that shouldn't be washed with regular detergent? Joe Edison, New Jersey
But I digress. All outdoor-clothing makers put their products through pretty rigorous in-house "wash tests," using ordinary washing machines and detergents that comsumers are apt to use. It's true, there are some detergents out there now that are purpose-made for outdoor clothing. As you note, Nikwax Tech-Wash ($8.75; www.rei.com) is designed for fleece or waterproof-breathable garments, and is meant to leave less residue than ordinary detergents. And it probably does, but to what extent the ordinary person would notice I can't say.
The one thing I can recommend is that you not use fabric softeners or those sheets you toss into the dryer. These most definitely leave a residue, particularly the sheets, which spread a very thin layer of waxy material over fabric. Sure, it leaves a pretty smell and reduces static, but it also inhibits the wicking ability of the fabric.
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