How To Care For Your Waterproof / Breathable
Garment
Waterproof / Breathable clothes won't remain waterproof or breathable
unless properly cleaned and maintained. Most often, if a garment is leaking or damp,
it is because the manufacturer's Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish is matted or dirty. To keep your fabric performing like
new, adhere to the guidelines on the care label inside every
garment.
Washing Tips
- Dirt attracts water and can affect how well your jacket's DWR works.
Wash your garment periodically in warm water with no detergent.
- Really dirty items can be washed with mild powdered detergent or
a nondetergent-based technical wash. Rinse garment twice to thoroughly rinse soap
residue.
- Never use bleach or fabric softeners
- Never dry-clean
Using Heat
- Use a low dryer heat to rejuvenate your clothing's DWR
- Occasionally iron the outside on a warm/steam setting to rejuvenate DWR performance
Touch Ups
- Washings and wear eventually break down DWR finishes
- Consumer commercial re-finishes are recommended
- Spray-on refinishes are recommended for multi-layered garments. Wash in
applications work, but coat your entire garment inside and out. Therefore,
something like a wicking lining will no longer work as expected.
Return To Top
