washing gore-tex boots

[markv]

I get such thorough and varied responses from this board, that i'm encouraged to just keep asking questions. sooo...

Any reason why i shouldn't stick my Merrel Torque gore-tex boots in the washer along with a couple old blankets? They are starting to smell and look not so nice. Does the gore-tex break down? I wouldn't be drying them...just washing.

 

[NYBRAD]

Washing them is fine. They might fit a bit different afterwards though. But DO NOT use liquid soap on ANY Gore-Tex. It will clog the pores that allow the fabric to transfer body moisture from inside the boot. Use a approved product such as Nikwax, Techtron or a mild powder detergent.
I don't think Gore-Tex boots breath very well except for when they are new, but I still would only use the approved soaps.