Keep your hunting clothing and boots performing season after season
Whether you’re out in wet Scottish forestry or stalking across moorland, giving your gear the right care will extend its life, retain performance and keep you comfortable outdoors.
Below we break down smart, practical care routines for both Härkila and Seeland clothing and footwear, based on their own recommendations.
1. Caring for Härkila Clothing
General Washing Tips
- Always follow the care label inside the garment - this tells you temperature, wash cycle and drying rules.
- Use detergent without perfume or optical brighteners to avoid spooking game animals during a hunt. Avoid fabric softeners which can clog functional fibres.
Material Specific Care
- Cotton Garments: Wash normally per label instructions. Avoid tumble drying - it wears out fabric faster.
- Wool Products: Wool is naturally self cleaning. Simply air them regularly; if washing is needed, use the wool programme on your machine.
- Membrane Shells (e.g., GORE Tex or similar): Use liquid detergent (powder residues can remain in the membrane), wash on low spin, and follow drying guidance on the label. To boost water repellency, a gentle tumble at low heat after washing can help, if the care label allows.
Pro Tip: Re-activate Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coatings with a warm dryer cycle (care label permitting), or use a spray-on waterproofing suitable for technical membranes.
2. Caring for Härkila Boots
Härkila’s boots are built tough, but proper maintenance makes them last years:
Leather Boots Care
1. Clean off dirt with a brush and water. Let them dry naturally - avoid direct heat like radiators.
2. Apply leather care oil (e.g., Härkila Mink Oil) evenly with a cloth or brush.
3. Allow the oil to absorb - high heat can damage leather.
4. For regular use, treat monthly; for heavy use, weekly.
Cordura / Fabric Boots
- After cleaning, use a waterproofing spray to protect fabric and seams.
Rubber Boots
- Clean and then coat with rubber care spray - this prevents cracking and ageing.
Extra Boot Care Tip: Keeping soles and rubber parts conditioned helps maintain flexibility in all weather.
3. Caring for Seeland Clothing
Seeland also provides excellent guidance on product care:
Everyday Clothing
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Cotton: Wash inside out, close fastenings, and iron while slightly damp to preserve shape and colour.
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Fleece: Wash inside out at 30–40°C, spin gently, and air dry - avoid tumble drying if possible. Do not iron or dry clean.
- Wool: Best washed cold or using the machine’s wool programme; or simply air out — wool is self cleaning.
Waterproof / Membrane Clothing
- Garments with Seetex® membrane can be machine washed at 40°C with gentle spin; avoid harsh detergents, softeners, stain removers or bleach which can hinder performance.
- After washing, air dry or tumble dry at low temp. A short low-temp tumble once dry can further help the water-repellent finish.
Tip: Always close zips and fasten straps before washing to protect seams and membrane integrity.
4. Caring for Seeland Footwear
Seeland’s boots and rubber footwear also need attention:
- Clean footwear with lukewarm water and a brush, then air dry upright at room temp.
- Never dry directly on heat - heat dries out materials and can cause deformities.
- For rubber boots, use a rubber-care spray regularly to stop cracking and provide UV protection.
5. General Gear Care Best Practices
- Always store gear clean and dry - moisture left on clothing or boots invites mould and odour.
- Treat high-abrasion areas regularly with appropriate conditioners or sprays.
- Follow manufacturers’ care labels - they’re tailored to the fabrics and tech used in the garments.
Taking a little time to care for your Härkila and Seeland clothing and boots will dramatically extend their lifespan and keep them performing when you need them most. By using the right cleaning routines, avoiding harsh treatments and choosing the correct conditioners and waterproofing products, your outdoor gear will stay ready for every adventure — season after season.
NOTE: These tips are general advice only - every piece of clothing is a bit different. ArdMoor can’t take responsibility for any mishaps, so always patch-test products first and follow Härkila and Seeland's own care guidance where you can.