Washing General
- All Ground Effect clothing enjoys a warm 40ºC machine wash.
- As a rule of thumb, a laundry product that is easy on the planet is also easy on your body. Select a mild plant-based soap like
Ecostore, Earthwise or Aware.
- Hand washing is sometimes the only option on tour, but a washing machine rinses more thoroughly and is preferable if you have the choice.
- Avoid cold-water detergents and those with bleach, 'oxygen whitener' or fabric softener.
- The cold-water varieties have little enzymes that are super-charged to brave the cold but can damage technical fabrics and cause skin irritation.
- Bleach rots natural fibres like merino, strips the dye, attacks laminates of waterproof fabrics and can also cause skin irritation.
- Sodium Percarbonate (the main ingredient in oxygen whitener) can make colours run.
- Fabric softener and wool wash destroy the water repellent finish on waterproof fabrics, and can also cause colours to run.
- Most Ground Effect gear dries super-fast, so hanging on the line or draped over the bedpost is generally the best option.
- High heat can damage some fabrics so if you do take your threads for a spin in the dryer, set the device on 'medium' or 'warm' rather than hot.
- A dryer is recommended for your rain jacket or pants, as it helps recharge the water repellant treatment on the outside of the fabric.