Further Questions

• Which Jack Wolfskin care products are there?
• Washing Merino wool: good to know
• When should you wash your winter jacket?
• Where can I find an overview of all the care instructions?
• Washing woollen jumpers: why is wool so delicate?
• Washing a fleece? step-by-step instructions
• How often should a softshell jacket be washed?

• Which Jack Wolfskin care products are there?

  UNIVERSAL CLEANER PLUS
  Detergent

  UNIVERSAL DOWN CLEANER
  Detergent

  APPAREL CLEAN & PROOF 300
  Detergent and impregnating agent

  APPAREL CLEAN & PROOF 60
  Detergent and impregnating agent

  APPAREL PROOFER
  Impregnating agent

  APPAREL PROOFER WASH IN
  Impregnating agent

  FOOTWEAR PROOFER
  Impregnating agent

  FOOTWEAR BEESWAX
  Shoe polish

• Washing Merino wool: good to know

  Merino wool is a natural product: firstly, the properties

  Whether it is a jumper, top, leggings, underwear or socks: Merino wool is always a popular choice when it comes to functional clothing. Why? The wool from Merino sheep is a natural fibre and thus has unique properties.

  • Thermal regulation: Merino wool keeps you warm when it’s cold and cools you down when it’s hot.
  • Odourless: Merino wool remains odour-free for days even if subjected to activities that cause substantial sweating. Consequently, you will not need to wash a jumper made of Merino wool very often.
  • Comfortable on the skin: This wool is not itchy on the skin. That is the reason why it is recommended that functional underwear is made partly of Merino wool.
  • Easy to care for: Merino wool has self-cleaning properties, hence another reason why it is not necessary to wash it so often.
  • Keeps its shape: Merino wool seldom shrinks when it is washed.
  • UV protection: This is part of the natural properties of Merino wool.
  • Sustainability: Merino wool is a natural product and automatically conserves resources.

  Washing Merino wool: good to know

  Positive aspects first. Fortunately, Merino wool is easy to look after. Consequently, you do not have to worry that you won’t be able to wash your jumper or that you have to handle it in a special way. Indeed, you can even pop it into the washing machine – which is not recommended for all natural fibres. However, please note that Merino wool does not like fabric softener nor a tumble dryer. Then there is a danger that the wool will develop holes or shrink. As Merino wool remains odour-free for lengthy periods, there is no need to wash the item after wearing it. Indeed, it is often enough to simply hang out your Merino woollen jumper or jacket in the open air instead of washing it.

  Step by step: the correct way to wash Merino wool

  If you intend washing your favourite Merino wool item, please note the following:

  • Only use a detergent that does not contain any preservatives or use care products.
  • Make sure that the detergent does not contain protease. Protease is an enzyme which is often used to remove stains. However, protease damages Merino wool.
  • Fasten all zips and buttons on the item that is to be washed.
  • Turn the Merino wool garment inside out.
  • Wash light and dark items separately.
  • Pop the items into the washing machine and set the wash cycle for Merino wool to 30-40 degrees or as per instructions on the care label.
  • Select a slow spin (approx. 600 revs per minute) for Merino wool.
  • After taking the item out of the washing machine, it is best to leave it to dry flat on a towel.

  An extra tip: It is possible that pilling (also known as bobbling) may occur after several washes. These tiny knots or balls that form on the surface can be easily removed using a special comb. Another tip is to add a piece of clothing to the wash that is rougher in texture, such as a pair of jeans.

  Washing Merino wool by hand?

  Normally, you should wash your Merino wool item in a washing machine. This is merely because you can control the temperature more precisely and it is a more gentle wash cycle. Does the manufacturer explicitly recommend a hand-wash on the care label? Make sure that you choose a non-biological detergent. Also avoid rubbing and pulling the garment too hard, as this puts too much strain on the Merino wool. Gently squeeze out any remaining water. And above all else: do not use water hotter than 40 degrees. Read the instructions on the care label carefully to ensure that you get plenty of use out of your Merino wool item.

• When should you wash your winter jacket?

  The frost is glistening and the air is crisp and clear – it’s time to get out into the countryside. Make sure that you wash your winter jacket every now and then so it is always ready when you need it. But when should you wash your winter jacket? There isn’t a hard and fast rule. But the following three rules will give you an idea when it’s time to wash your winter jacket.

  1. When you return from a trip: Your jacket will certainly be ready for a wash if you have worn it on a trip lasting several days in the wilderness. It will have come into contact with sweat, body fat or possibly road salt. This may impair the performance in the long run. Consequently, it is wise to wash a winter jacket after you have returned from a longer trip.
  2. When the season is over: As the days become warmer, you will swap your winter jacket for a lighter between-seasons jacket or a softshell jacket. This would be an ideal time to give your winter jacket a wash before putting it away until next winter.
  3. Dirt and stains: If you are out and about in the sleet and slush of winter weather, dirt and stains are sure to build up on your jacket and trousers. It would be wise to wash your winter jacket if it is heavily stained.

  But please note: every wash cycle will take its toll on your jacket’s fibres. Consequently, try to avoid washing your jacket too often.

  Washing tips for your winter jacket

  What is the best way to wash your jacket without it losing any functionality? The following tips will help you to clean your jacket gently. This applies to both down jackets and winter jackets with synthetic fibre insulation.

  How to wash your winter jacket the right way:

  • No fabric conditioner: It is not a good idea to add a fabric softener when washing your winter jacket. This is not only true for a Jack Wolfskin winter jacket but for outdoor jackets in general. Fabric softeners coat the fibres and may result in them losing their functionality.
  • Remove the faux fur collar: If you intend to wash your winter jacket which has a faux fur collar, it would be wise to remove any applications – where possible – beforehand. It would make more sense to clean any applications manually.
  • Close all fastenings: Otherwise fastenings can get caught up in the machine during the spin cycle. Consequently, fasten all zips, Velcro fastenings and press studs before putting the winter jacket in the washing machine. Loosely fasten all drawstrings.
  • Read the care label: What is the correct temperature and wash programme for your winter jacket? Can you tumble-dry the jacket? The answers to these questions will be on the care label on the inside of the jacket.
  • Not too hot: You can wash your jacket in the machine – however, the temperature should not exceed 40 degrees. Higher temperatures in the washing machine may damage functional textiles.
  • Pre-treat stains: Accidentally slipping on wet grass can leave unsightly stains on your jacket. It is best to pre-treat these stains with gall soap. Leave the soap to penetrate the stain before putting the item in the washing machine.

  Instructions: washing a down winter jacket

  Please differentiate between washing a down jacket or one with a synthetic fibre fill. Put a down jacket out to air overnight if the jacket has become damp or smells. You will generally find that it is back to normal by the following morning. Stains can be removed by treating it with some soap.

  How to best wash down jackets:

  • Wash individually: Down jackets generally have a lot of loft and usually become very heavy when wet. Therefore always wash them separately. The washing machine needs to have capacity for at least six kilos.
  • Detergent: One of the key questions you need to ask yourself when washing your winter jacket is: what is the best detergent to use? For down jackets, it is best to look for a detergent that is geared specifically to washing products filled with down. Conventional detergents are not suitable for down products because the protective natural oils of down and its loft may be impaired.
  • Wash programme: When you put your winter jacket into the washing machine, remember that you need a gentle wash. What programme is most suited to this? Some washing machines have a programme especially for down products. Alternatively, you can choose a gentle cycle or one for woollens at 30 degrees. Here, we recommend following the instructions on the care label. Remember that the drum should have plenty of water, as the jacket should be completely immersed.
  • Tennis balls: An additional and clever tip is to put some clean tennis balls into the washing machine with the down jacket. Three to four tennis balls will ensure that the down inside the garment will retain its loft.Spin: Down jackets should be spun in the washing machine as the material soaks up water. Set the machine to a spin speed of 800 revolutions per minute (RPM). When the wash programme nears the end, increase to 1000 RPM, in order to remove excess water.
  • Rinse: You may wish to select the ‘extra rinse’ programme after the wash programme to make sure that there is no more detergent left in the jacket.
  • In the tumble-dryer: Once the washing programme is over, put the down jacket into the tumble-dryer and add the tennis balls. Run the dryer for about one hour at 30 to 60 degrees, provided that the care label states that this is suitable for the jacket in question. It is often necessary to repeat the drying programme for a second or third time.
  • Airing: After tumble-drying, leave the jacket to air for a day to allow any residual moisture to escape.
  • Drying in the open air: Leaving a down jacket only to air dry is not such a brilliant idea. Firstly, it will take a couple of days to dry, and the feathers are likely to clump together, or the jacket will dry unevenly and leave stains. In the worst case scenario, it may even go mouldy. If you do decide to let your down jacket dry in the open air, it is a good idea to lay it out flat on a clothes horse and fluff it up several times a day.

  Instructions: washing jackets made from synthetic materials

  You can also tackle dirt and stains on jackets which are insulated with synthetic fibre material using soap and water. However, unlike down jackets, odours can’t be removed from synthetic jackets by simply hanging them out to air. By contrast, it is very easy to wash polyester winter jackets.

  • Detergent: Choose a detergent that is specially geared to functional textiles. This is the best bet because these cleaning agents are reliable, gentle on functional materials and, last but not least, environmentally friendly.
  • Wash programme: If your washing machine has a ‘sports’ programme, this is ideal for washing sportswear. Alternatively, select a gentle wash setting no higher than 40 degrees for your winter jacket (made of synthetic materials like polyester) and in accordance with the care label.
  • Spin: Polyester winter jackets should only be spun carefully and not faster than 800 revolutions per minute, in order to safeguard any possible coatings.
  • Rinse: If your washing machine does not have a programme for sportswear, you should look to repeat the rinse once or twice more at the end. It is important to thoroughly rinse the item, so that any remaining detergent in the jacket does not impact its breathability.
  • Drying: Check the garment label to see if your polyester jacket can go in the tumble-dryer. It is often more advisable to simply hang the jacket up to dry. In contrast to down, polyester dries exceptionally quickly.

  Waterproofing the winter jacket whilst you wash it

  Whether you wear your winter jacket to cycle to work or when you go on your next snowshoe hike: You definitely don’t wish to get wet doing this. Consequently, look to waterproof your winter jacket the next time you wash it. Waterproofing a jacket results in water simply rolling off the outside as well as increasing the jacket’s breathability. Rain jackets, ski jackets and 3-in-1 jackets, too, should be waterproofed now and again. They will then stay waterproof and dirt-resistant for longer.

  For professional waterproofing, you should look to use a special waterproofing product from Jack Wolfskin. Please ensure that you read the instructions carefully to achieve the best results.

  As you can see: by following the right tips, you can easily wash, dry and waterproof your winter jacket. It will then be ready and waiting for your next outdoor adventure!

• Where can I find an overview of all the care instructions?

  Comprehensive care instructions for apparel, footwear and equipment can be found here.

• Washing woollen jumpers: why is wool so delicate?

  Wool is a natural product with many fantastic properties: it is breathable, keeps the wearer nice and warm as well as being gentle on the skin. As far as looking after wool is concerned, the fibres are nevertheless delicate. If not washed correctly, you might as well throw the woollen jumper away.But what causes a soft and cosy woollen jumper to become hard and lose its shape after washing? Each fibre is enclosed within a fine cuticle layer in a similar way to human hair. This protective layer can be roughened by moisture, overly high temperatures and friction during the wash cycle. Consequently, fibres become entangled and matted.
  It makes no difference whether the jumper has been knitted with Merino, mohair or even alpaca wool. The basic properties are the same even though the fibres come from different animals.

  Choosing the appropriate detergent: what detergent is best for washing woollens?

  We would recommend that you use a mild detergent for washing your woollen jumpers. These special detergents have a neutral pH value, which protects delicate fibres. By contrast, fabric conditioners, biological detergents and colour detergents are not suitable for washing woollens, as they contain enzymes and other ingredients which may damage the woollen fibres.

  How can I best wash woollens in the washing machine?

  If you do decide to wash your woollen jumper in the washing machine, please ensure that you choose a gentle wash cycle so that there is as little friction as possible. The care instructions on the jumper’s label will let you know whether it is machine washable or whether it is better washed by hand. Woollens are generally machine washable. How to do it:

  • Only fill the machine half way. This means that there are fewer woollen items that will rub against each other.
  • Do you intend to put items with a zip in the same wash? Then you would be wise to use a mesh laundry bag to safeguard your woollen items.
  • Select a gentle wash cycle in accordance with the manufacturer’s care label. Most washing machines have a “wool” cycle – or a “handwash” programme.
  • Ensure you choose a wash cycle at a low temperature and make sure you read the manufacturer’s care label. The temperature should not exceed 30 degrees, in order that the delicate woollen fibres aren’t damaged.
  • The same applies to the spin programme – the less spins the better. The special programmes often omit the spin cycle or only include a very short spin in the programme.

  Tips for washing woollen jumpers by hand

  You may have been told that it is better to wash woollen items by hand. Nevertheless, washing the woollen item in the machine can often be significantly more gentle on the woollen fibres than washing it by hand. After all, it is all too easy for water for handwashing to be too hot or there is too much friction when rubbing and wringing out the items.If you nevertheless decided to wash your woollen item by hand, please be especially careful as follows:

  • Only use lukewarm water.
  • Fill a bowl with enough water to cover your woollen jumper.
  • Add detergent suitable for delicates and mix well in the water.
  • Place the woollen jumper in the bowl.
  • Gently squeeze the jumper several times in the water but avoid rubbing it.
  • Afterwards, thoroughly rinse your woollen jumper in lukewarm running water.
  • Make sure that excess water is only wrung out of the fibres carefully. Do not wring out the jumper as a whole.

  Drying woollen jumpers: how to do it

  Normally, you would hang washing on a clothes horse to dry. This is, however, not such a good idea for your woollen goods as it leads to them losing their shape. Bright sunlight or proximity to a radiator are not good for woollen items either, as they then tend to become hard and scratchy. The tumble dryer, too, is no place to dry woollen items.
  A better idea is: to lay wet woollens out flat to air dry. This is still the case irrespective of whether you have washed the woollen items by hand or in a washing machine. As the fibres absorb a lot of moisture, don’t forget to get as much excess water out of the garment as possible in advance. As was the case with washing: do not wring out the woollen item! Tip: place the jumper etc. on a large towel, roll it up and gently squeeze out the water. The towel will absorb the moisture.

  How often should woollen jumpers be washed?

  Even if you take special care in washing woollens, every wash cycle still has an adverse effect on the fibres. Consequently, only wash woollen jumpers when it becomes absolutely necessary to do so, i.e. when there are stains or dirt particles on it. Otherwise, it is normally sufficient just to hang the woollen item outside for a while in the fresh air. You can often avoid the smell of perspiration etc. by wearing a T-shirt underneath the jumper.

• Washing a fleece? step-by-step instructions

  A functional jacket with lots of benefits

  Fans of the outdoors, in particular, love the benefits of a fleece, as it will keep you warm, is breathable and yet is extremely hard-wearing. To keep your fleece in good condition, you should wash it correctly. The jackets are normally made of polyester or cotton and are very easy-care. There are different types of functional jackets, ranging from a classic fleece to a knitted, honeycomb or stretch fleece.

  Prior to washing: pretreat spots and stains

  Does your fleece have some stains from your last hike? Never mind. It makes sense to treat oil and grease stains before putting the fleece in the washing machine. It doesn’t take very long.

  • Moisten the spot with lukewarm water.
  • Rub some washing-up liquid over the spot/stain.
  • Then put the fleece directly into the washing machine.

  Washing fleeces: step-by-step instructions

  Take a look at the care label inside your fleece before washing the item. It will give you advice on the correct temperature for the wash. If the care label has a ‘hand wash’ symbol, you should only put your favourite fleece into the washing machine if you have a special ‘hand wash’ programme. But don’t worry, you can normally wash a fleece in the washing machine on a low temperature (30 degrees). Proceed as follows:

  • Empty out all the pockets prior to putting it in the washing machine.
  • Fasten all zips and Velcro fastenings.
  • Turn the fleece inside out to minimise possible pilling.
  • Use a mild detergent for functional clothing such as the Universal Cleaner Plus from Jack Wolfskin. It was developed specifically for functional wear and cleans very gently.
  • Do not use fabric conditioner as it can impair the breathability of the fleece.
  • Do not put on a fast spin, 600 to 800 revs per minute are sufficient.

  Environmentally friendly when washing with Guppyfriend

  Have you ever thought about making a contribution towards the environment when washing your fleece? You’ll find this is easy to do with the Guppyfriend wash bag. The very fine mesh wash bag captures the minute fibres that break away when synthetic items are put in the wash. If these are not filtered, they enter the water waste system and end up in lakes and the seas, thereby contributing to environmental damage. How to use the smart wash bag:

  • Put your fleece into the Guppyfriend before putting both into the washing machine.
  • The fibres that break away from the garment during the wash remain inside the wash bag.
  • After the wash cycle, the fibre residue inside the wash bag can then be disposed of in the household.

  By the way, as the Guppyfriend stops the garment from rubbing against the washing machine drum, there will be less tangled fibres, meaning your fleece will stay fleecy for longer.

  Drying a fleece: a no-brainer

  So you’ve washed your fleece? Then it’s best to hang the fleece out to dry in the fresh air. Maybe you’ve already noticed that the fleece feels almost dry as soon as you take it out of the washing machine, so it won’t need long.

  • Place your fleece on a clothes horse or hang up on the washing line for a couple of hours.
  • Don’t dry it in a tumble dryer, as this will put a strain on the material.
  • Putting your fleece on the radiator to dry is also not a good idea.

  How to prevent pilling and eradicate it

  You may find that undesirable balls of fluff form on your fleece after a while. This is known as pilling, which begins to appear after the item has been washed several times. The formation of so-called ‘bobbles’ can also mean that the fleece is not of high quality. It pays to keep an eye out for a good quality product.
  They may be more expensive in the first instance but you’ll be able to wear them for much longer. If these fuzz balls have formed, you can always get rid of them using a fabric shaver. What’s more, you can reduce the amount of pilling by always turning your garment inside out before putting it in the washing machine.

  How to get your fleece fleecy again

  Your fleece feels wonderfully fluffy when you first get it. However, this soft and cuddly feeling against the skin tends to disappear over time. This is normal and is due to the natural wear and tear of the item as well as natural ageing and washing. You can, however, do something to regain the fluffiness in the fleece.

  • Let your fleece hang out on the line for a while after the next wash.
  • Put it in the tumble dryer at a low temperature and slow spin.
  • Take it out again after a few minutes.

  This short tumble-dry will straighten the fibres, making them nice and fluffy once more, ready for your next trip.

• How often should a softshell jacket be washed?

  Generally speaking, a softshell should be washed frequently. This is especially the case with softshell jackets featuring a membrane like our Stormlock softshell. If your softshell is subject to intensive use, you may find that the membrane becomes clogged up over time by such things as:

  • sweat
  • suntan lotion
  • make-up.

  Ultimately, how often you wear your softshell dictates how often you should wash it. If you wear it on longer trips or excursions, it is a wise to wash it on a regular basis. As a rule of thumb: if the cuffs on the sleeves or the collar appear soiled, then it is time to put the item into the washing machine. If, on the other hand, it is only a matter of a few spots or splashes – then leave it for a couple more rounds in the countryside.

  Should I use a fabric softener with a softshell – yes or no?

  The answer is a definite no – avoid fabric softener at all costs. How come? Fabric softener penetrates the material’s pores and clogs them up and forms a thin film on the surface, meaning that your jacket loses its breathability.

  Instructions: how to wash a softshell jacket

  In essence, liquid detergents are more suitable than powder, as the latter can clog up the membrane. It is best to choose a detergent for delicates or one that is geared towards outdoor functional clothing, including certified products as care products for your softshell.

  How to wash a softshell correctly:

  • Please read the instructions on the care label.
  • Pretreat any major soiled areas or greasy cuffs and collars. Use a soft sponge, warm water and a delicate detergent, and rub on the soiled areas. Let the detergent work for a while and then rinse thoroughly.
  • Fasten all zips and Velcro fastenings
  • Put the softshell into the washing machine.
  • Select the correct temperature – 30 or 40 degrees (see care label) and the programme for delicates, wool or hand-wash.
  • Fill the washing machine to no more than two-thirds of maximum capacity, in order to ensure that the garment is rinsed thoroughly.
  • Spin the jacket at less than 800 revs per minute.

  How to let your softshell jacket dry after washing

  It is best to let the softshell dry naturally in the fresh air. Our tips:

  • Either hang the softshell on a washing line or dry it flat.
  • Do not put the softshell out to dry in direct sunlight or intense heat.
  • Only use a tumble dryer (at a low temperature and gentle cycle) if stated on the manufacturer’s care label.

  Waterproofing a softshell jacket correctly

  You are out in a downpour and the rain simply beads up and rolls off your jacket – great, that means that the jacket is in perfect condition. If this repellent effect wanes, then it is time to reproof your softshell. Sprays with an optimal composition or appropriate waterproofing products are recommended.
  Top-quality clothing that is well looked after is not only more comfortable to wear on your outdoor adventure, it is also safer, and ... you’ll have more fun. Take a look at our tips on how to care for functional clothing.