The outer surface of most laminated waterproof-breathable fabrics are treated with a durable water-repellent coating (DWR). This chemical treatment forces water to bead up and roll off the surface of the fabric.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO CLEAN YOUR GARMENTS REGULARLY

DWR coatings do not work when pores become clogged with dirt, or salt from your body's sweat. Regular cleaning is important to maintain the performance of your garment.

HOW TO CLEAN DWR COATED GARMENTS

STEP I: Machine wash your garments using the machine's complete wash cycle. Make sure to use an additive-free detergent or soap. DO NOT USE ANY DETERGENTS THAT CONTAIN FABRIC SOFTENERS. Fabric Softeners interfer with the effectiveness of the DWR coating. The following cleaners are recommended because these products rinse out well:

Elimitrax® Sportwash®
Grangers® G-Line Cleaners for Outterwear
Nikwax® Tech Wash
McNett® Revivex® Synthetic Fabric Cleaner
Blue Magic® Tectron®

STEP 2: Repeat the rinse cycle once or twice to ensure all soapy residue is removed.

STEP 3: Dry on a 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.

COATINGS ARE NOT PERMANENT AND WILL WEAR OFF

When a garment begins to “wet-out”, the face of the fabric is absorbing water. It is time to restore the DWR coating.



The image on the left shows fabric which is absorbing water because the DWR coating has worn off. The image on the right shows fabric that has been restored. The DWR coating forces water to bead up and roll off the fabric.

HOW TO RESTORE THE DWR COATING

STEP I: Wash the garment with an additive-free detergent or soap and apply a DWR treatment. The following treatments are recommended:

Grangers® G-Line Waterproofing for Outterwear
Nikwax® TX-Direct
McNett® Revivex® Water Repellent.
Blue Magic® Tectron®

STEP 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.

STEP 3: Dry at medium-hot setting.

NOTE: Clean any surface in your home that may have come into contact with the treatment. Run your washing machine through a complete cycle while it is empty to remove any residue.