Maintaining Water Repellency

The outer surface, or face fabric, of most laminated waterproof-breathable garments is treated with a factory-applied durable water-repellent coating (DWR). This chemical treatment enhances the performance by forcing water to bead up and roll off the surface of the fabric.

Because durable water repellent coatings are not as effective when clogged with dirt or salt, it is important to clean your garments regularly. Coatings are non-permanent and will eventually wear off. When the garment begins to "wet-out" the face fabric is absorbing water, and it's time to re-apply the coating.

Maintaining DWR

Wash the garment with an additive-free detergent or soap. You can use regular laundry detergent, but you may have to give it an extra rinse or two to get rid of any residue. Do not use liquid detergents or delicate detergents as they contain fabric softeners that can impede the effectiveness of the DWR finish.

1. Machine wash your garments using the machine's complete cycle.
2. Repeat the rinse cycle once or twice to ensure all soapy residue is removed.
3. Dry at medium-hot setting, and let the garment cycle for 15 minutes after it's dry to revive the original DWR finish. If you have an iron with a cool synthetic setting, you can lightly iron the garment to perk up the DWR treatment.

Restoring DWR

Wash the garment with an additive-free detergent or soap and apply a DWR treatment. Use a spray-on treatment for 2-ply garments. Wash-in products work well for both 2 and 3-ply garments.

1. Machine wash your garment.
2. While the garment is still wet, saturate the outside with the spray-on product and follow the manufacturer's directions. If you're using a wash-in product, follow the manufacturer's directions.
3. Dry at medium-hot setting.
4. Clean any surface in your home that may have come into contact with the treatment. It is also a good idea to run your washing machine through a complete cycle while it is empty to remove any residue.