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If you're living in a northern climate during a cold winter, a North Face coat may be a necessity. The jackets, which are made to withstand harsh natural elements such as wind, snow and ice, are constructed of Gore-Tex fabric and have DWR, or durable water repellent, coatings. Care for the coats according to their labels to ensure a long-lasting product.
Read the Care Label
Before attempting to wash your North Face jacket, take the time to read the garment's care label, which will most likely be stitched into the waist seam. Don't be afraid to clean your jacket regularly, and as it gets soiled, as washing it will help maintain the garment's DWR coating. The DWR coating allows water to bead up and roll off of the jacket.
Prepare the Coat for Washing
Prepare your coat for washing by zipping up all of its zippers and closing any Velcro fasteners. Spot clean any small soiled areas by dipping a soft cloth into a bowl of warm, soapy water. Use a mild detergent, such as dish soap, for the best results. Dab the cloth onto the stain to gently work it out before washing the garment. Repeat the process until the stain is gone.
Wash the Coat
Wash the coat in your washing machine on the gentle cycle using cold water. Use a gentle powder, rather than liquid, laundry detergent, as the latter can leave a residue on the outside of your jacket. Put the coat through the rinse cycle twice to ensure all detergent residue, which may interfere with DWR performance, is gone. Have down coats professionally cleaned.
Dry and Store the Coat
Dry your freshly washed coat in a low-temperature dryer, or allow it to air dry. If the coat is wrinkly, you can remove the wrinkles with a cool iron. Don't use any fabric softeners during the drying process, as they may also leave residues on the coat. Wait until the coat is completely dry before storing it, and hang it for best results.
