The North Face apparel is built to last, but it requires proper care to maintain its technical performance: waterproofness, breathability, thermal insulation… Here is a practical guide to maintaining your The North Face jackets, down jackets, fleeces, and pants without damaging them.
🧥 1. Care for waterproof jackets (Gore-Tex®, DryVent®, Futurelight™)
The North Face technical jackets often feature waterproof and breathable membranes.
✅ Do:
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Machine wash at 30°C, gentle cycle
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Use a specialized detergent for technical fabrics (without fabric softener or bleach)
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Rinse thoroughly to remove any residue
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Air dry or tumble dry on low heat (activates the water-repellent membrane)
🔄 Reactivating the Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment:
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Use a water-repellent spray after washing (e.g., Nikwax, Granger’s)
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Or briefly tumble dry on low heat
🧊 2. How to wash a The North Face down jacket (down or ThermoBall™)
✅ Washing:
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Machine wash cold (30°C maximum), synthetic cycle
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Use a detergent specifically for down or synthetic
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Place 2 to 3 tennis balls in the drum to prevent clumping of feathers
💨 Drying:
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Very important: tumble dry on low heat with the tennis balls until the jacket is completely dry and fluffy
🚫 Never air dry flat a down jacket: it will lose its insulating power.
🧶 3. Care for fleeces
The North Face fleeces are generally made of recycled polyester.
✅ Washing:
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In cold or lukewarm water (max 30°C)
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Gentle or "wool" cycle
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No fabric softener
❌ Avoid:
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Tumble drying (opt for air drying flat)
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Ironing
👖 4. Care for technical pants and softshell
✅ Tips:
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Wash at 30°C on a delicate cycle
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Avoid fabric softeners
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Air drying recommended
💡 Softshell pants can benefit, just like jackets, from a regular water-repellent treatment.
📌 General advice
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Always close zippers and velcro before washing
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Read the care label inside the garment
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Use a mesh laundry bag to protect technical fabrics
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Avoid over-washing: frequent cleaning can wear down membranes
♻️ Bonus: Repair and extend lifespan
The North Face offers a repair program in certain regions (The North Face Renewed). You can also:
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Mend tears
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Reapply adhesive repair patches (e.g., Tenacious Tape)
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Apply a water-repellent spray between washes
