Product care
PRODUCT CARE, FOR A LONG COMPANIONSHIP
HOW IT WORKS
Dirt and sweat impair the breathability of functional materials.
Waterproofness and water repellency are not the same thing. Waterproofness is provided by a membrane or a PU coating, while water repellency is provided by a durable water repellent finish (DWR). DWR prevents the garment from becoming saturated in the rain. Without DWR, the pressure from the moisture on the outside would be so great that the water vapor from perspiration would no longer be able to escape from the inside to the outside. The fabric loses its breathability, the water vapor cools down and condenses on the inside of the garment. The jacket feels wet, and you start to feel cold. As a result, it is often mistakenly assumed that the jacket is "no longer waterproof" - but this is simply your own perspiration condensing on the inside of the jacket.
Over time, however, DWR finishes lose their functionality (e.g., due to backpack straps or friction from movement). However, if they are treated with heat after washing (room temperature is sufficient), they can be reactivated. Regular washing and waterproofing will permanently restore the functionality of outdoor gear and extend its lifespan.
WASH
Wash only with membrane detergent, fabric softeners will destroy the membrane.
If fabric softener has been used previously, run the washing machine once without detergent and with a few clean towels. Please wash at a maximum of 30°C, spin at 400 rpm, let it dry at room temperature, and tumble dry at a low temperature.
Regular washing with a gentle detergent will restore the garment's natural water-repellent properties and breathability. Avoid using regular detergents. These are enriched with surfactants that leave residues in the interstices of the membrane, reducing breathability. They also attract water, thus destroying the waterproofing agents.
The detergent should be suitable for cleaning membrane clothing and avoid the use of fluorocarbons, which are harmful to the environment and human health. An additional rinse cycle is recommended at the end of the wash cycle, as this is the only way to rinse out the last surfactants. Even more gentle is simply washing by hand (inside and out). Wash the garment as described in the care instructions. After washing, the garments should be allowed to drip dry until they are just damp.
- wash regularly
- use suitable detergent
- rinse thoroughly
By washing properly, you can best prepare your garment for re-impregnation, which can only work optimally if the garment has been freed from dirt and body oils beforehand.
IMPREGNATE
Depending on the material and the use of the clothing, the waterproofing "bristles" may become so thin after a few washes that reactivation is no longer possible. If water droplets no longer bead up, it's time for re-waterproofing. Waterproofing agents are available as wash-in products or sprays. Most re-waterproofing agents also only become effective when heated, although room temperature is sufficient for this.
Wash-in products
Wash-in waterproofers can also be used without a wash cycle. They generally have the advantage of being evenly distributed over the fabric. Their disadvantage is that they also waterproof the inside of the fabric, which can impair breathability.
Waterproofing sprays
Spraying on waterproofing agents has the advantage of allowing for more precise and intensive waterproofing of particularly stressed areas. It's best to spray onto still damp, freshly washed clothing so the product can penetrate deep into the fibers.