How to Clean and Maintain Your Outdoor Gear: Which STORM Product Do You Actually Need? | Outdoor Life Malaysia

Outdoor gear goes through quite a lot, especially in Malaysia. From muddy hiking trails and sudden rain to sweat and humidity, it's normal for jackets, hiking shoes and other equipment to get dirty over time.

But just because your waterproof jacket stops repelling water or your hiking shoes start looking worn doesn't mean you need to replace them.

Sometimes, all they need is proper cleaning and maintenance.

At Outdoor Life Malaysia, we carry STORM, a UK-based brand specialising in cleaning, waterproofing and caring for outdoor clothing, footwear and equipment.

Here's a simple guide to understanding which STORM products you actually need and how to take better care of your gear.

Why Is It Important to Clean Your Outdoor Gear?

Most outdoor products are made with materials designed for specific conditions. Waterproof jackets help keep rain out, hiking shoes provide protection and grip, while down jackets help retain warmth.

However, dirt, sweat, body oils and regular use can affect how these materials perform over time.

You might notice that:

• Water no longer beads on your waterproof jacket.
• Hiking shoes become dirty and harder to clean.
• Down jackets lose some of their loft.
• Outdoor clothing develops unpleasant odours.
• Leather footwear starts looking dry or worn.

Our advice: Regular cleaning and proper storage can help extend the life of your outdoor equipment. You don't need to wash everything after every use, but it's worth checking your gear after each trip.

Cleaning vs Waterproofing: What's the Difference?

One common mistake is assuming that cleaning and waterproofing are the same thing.

They're actually two different steps:

Water beading on fabric	Outer fabric soaking up water

Most waterproof jackets have a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish on the outer fabric. This helps water bead up and roll off instead of soaking into the surface.

Over time, this finish can become less effective due to dirt and wear.

Our advice: If your jacket starts absorbing water on the outside, try cleaning it first. If water still doesn't bead after proper cleaning and drying, you may need to reapply a suitable waterproofing treatment.

Remember, waterproofing treatments restore surface water repellency. They won't repair a damaged waterproof membrane or leaking seams.

Compare Our STORM Cleaning Products

Different materials need different types of care. A cleaner made for waterproof jackets isn't necessarily the best option for merino wool or down insulation.

Product	Best For	Main Purpose
STORM Apparel Wash	Waterproof jackets, technical clothing	Removes dirt while helping maintain breathability
STORM Base Layer & Sports Wash	Sportswear, synthetic base layers	Cleans sweat and dirt from performance clothing
STORM Wool & Merino Wash	Merino base layers, wool clothing	Gently cleans wool materials
STORM Down Wash	Down jackets, sleeping bags	Cleans down insulation while helping maintain loft
STORM Apparel Spot Cleaner	Localised marks and stains	Targets small areas before washing
STORM Tent & Gear Wash	Tents, tarps, outdoor equipment	Removes dirt and grime from outdoor fabrics

Which would we suggest?

• For waterproof jackets: STORM Apparel Wash, especially if you regularly hike or travel.
• For gym and activewear: STORM Base Layer & Sports Wash.
• For merino wool: STORM Merino & Wool Wash.
• For down jackets: STORM Down Wash to help maintain insulation.
• For tents and camping equipment: STORM Tent & Gear Wash.
  

For most customers, we'd recommend starting with the right cleaner before considering any waterproofing treatment.

How to Clean and Waterproof Your Jacket

If you own a waterproof jacket from Patagonia, Marmot, Rab or Salewa, proper washing is an important part of keeping it in good condition.

Here's a simple way to maintain it:

1. Check the care label. Make sure your jacket can be machine-washed and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
   
   
2. Prepare your jacket. Empty the pockets and secure the zips and fastenings as recommended.
   
   
3. Use STORM Apparel Wash. This helps remove dirt, sweat and contaminants from technical clothing.
   
   
4. Re-proof if needed. If water no longer beads after cleaning, STORM Apparel Proofer can help restore the outer fabric's water repellency.
   
   
5. DRY properly. Follow the jacket's care label and the treatment instructions, especially if heat activation is required.
   
   

STORM's wash-and-proof system allows compatible cleaning and waterproofing treatments to be used together in one wash cycle, following the product instructions.

Our advice: You don't need to re-proof your jacket every time you wash it. If water is still beading properly, regular cleaning may be enough.

How to Care for Down Jackets and Merino Wool

Not all outdoor clothing should be washed the same way.

Down jackets	Merino wool

Down jackets rely on their insulation to trap air and retain warmth. Using unsuitable detergents or drying them incorrectly can affect their loft.

STORM Down Wash is designed for down-filled clothing and equipment, while STORM Down Proofer helps restore water repellency on compatible down-filled items.

For merino wool, STORM Merino & Wool Wash provides gentler cleaning to help maintain the material's natural properties.

Our advice: If you're preparing for a winter trip to Japan, Korea or somewhere colder, check your jackets and base layers before travelling. Clean them according to their care labels and make sure they're completely dry before storing or packing.

How to Take Care of Your Hiking Shoes and Leather Boots

Hiking shoes probably collect the most dirt out of all your outdoor gear.

After a hike in places like Bukit Gasing, Gunung Angsi or Cameron Highlands, it's normal to find mud, dust and moisture around your shoes.

Leaving them dirty or damp for too long can affect the materials, especially leather and suede.

For basic cleaning, start by removing loose mud with a suitable brush or damp cloth. Once the shoes are clean, you can apply the appropriate treatment depending on their material.

Compare Our STORM Footwear Care Products

 

Which would we suggest?

• For hiking shoes: Remove dirt first, then use Footwear Proofer if the material is compatible and needs re-proofing.
• For suede or nubuck shoes: Use the Suede & Nubuck Proofer with a suitable brush.
• For smooth leather boots: Start with Leather Soap, followed by Leather Cream or Leather Wax depending on the material and finish.

A tip for Malaysian weather: Always allow your hiking shoes to dry properly after a wet hike. Avoid leaving them damp inside your car or backpack, especially in our humid conditions.

What About Tents and Camping Equipment?

STORM Tent & Gear Wash is designed to remove dirt and grime from tents, tarps and other compatible outdoor fabrics.

For cleaning, we'd suggest using a soft sponge and following the product instructions rather than scrubbing too aggressively.

The STORM Non-Scratch Sponge is also useful for cleaning suitable outdoor surfaces without using a harsh abrasive.

Make sure your tent is completely dry before packing it away for long-term storage.

Our advice: After a rainy camping trip, don't leave your tent packed away while it's still wet. Set it up or hang it somewhere suitable to dry before storing it.

 

What If Your Outdoor Gear Has a Small Tear?

Small tears can happen, especially when your equipment comes into contact with sharp rocks, branches or rough surfaces.

Before replacing the item, check whether the damage can be repaired.

At Outdoor Life, we carry STORM Tear Aid Repair Standard Pack, which is designed for repairing certain tears and punctures in compatible outdoor materials.

This can be useful for small areas of damage, depending on the fabric and type of tear.

Always check the repair patch's material compatibility before applying it. Different fabrics and coatings may require different repair methods.

For damaged waterproof membranes, seams or safety-critical equipment, a simple patch may not be suitable.

 

Which STORM Product Should You Choose?

If you're still unsure, here's a quick guide based on common problems.

The important thing is to choose a product based on your gear's material and what it actually needs.

How Often Should You Clean Your Outdoor Gear?

You don't need to wash everything after every use.

It depends on how often you use your gear, the conditions you're in and how dirty it gets.

Our advice: One of the simplest things you can do after a trip is to let your gear dry completely before storing it. This is especially important in Malaysia, where humidity can encourage unwanted smells and mould.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use normal detergent to wash my waterproof jacket?

• We'd recommend using a technical cleaner like STORM Apparel Wash. Regular detergents may contain additives that aren't suitable for certain waterproof materials.

Does STORM make my jacket waterproof again?

• STORM Apparel Proofer helps restore water repellency on the outer fabric. However, it won't fix a damaged waterproof membrane or leaking seams.

Can I use STORM on GORE-TEX jackets?

• STORM Apparel Wash and Apparel Proofer are designed for compatible technical fabrics, including GORE-TEX. Always follow the jacket manufacturer's care instructions.

Do I need to waterproof my hiking shoes after every wash?

• Not necessarily. If the outer material is still repelling water properly, you may not need to reapply a treatment.

Can I use the same cleaner for my jacket and shoes?

• We'd suggest using the cleaner made for each type of gear. STORM Apparel Wash is designed for clothing, while Footwear Wash is made for shoes and boots.

Can I wash my down jacket at home?

• Many down jackets can be washed at home, but it depends on the garment. Always check the care label and make sure the insulation is dried thoroughly using an appropriate method.

Is STORM only for hiking equipment?

• No. STORM products can also be useful for everyday footwear, rain jackets, travel clothing and other compatible outdoor equipment.

Keep Your Outdoor Gear in Better Condition

Outdoor gear is made to be used and getting it dirty is part of the experience.

At Outdoor Life Malaysia, we carry a range of STORM products for clothing, footwear and outdoor equipment.

Whether it's your waterproof jacket, hiking shoes or camping equipment, a little maintenance can help keep everything in better condition for your next trip.

Still unsure which one to get?

Visit Outdoor Life Millennium, Level 2, Bangsar Shopping Centre, Kuala Lumpur to explore the range and speak with our team.

Explore STORM Care Products at Outdoor Life Malaysia