Product Care — Apparel & Textiles
Care for Outdoor Apparel & Textiles
Regular maintenance extends the life of your technical apparel and preserves its performance.
🧹 Cleaning
- Wash at 30°C maximum with a special technical textile detergent (without fabric softener or bleach).
- Close all zippers before washing to avoid damaging membranes.
- Prioritize the delicate cycle and gentle spinning.
- Do not use fabric softener: it clogs the pores of breathable membranes (Gore-Tex, softshell).
💧 Reactivating the Durable Water Repellent (DWR) Treatment
- After washing, tumble dry the garment for 10 minutes on low heat to reactivate the DWR.
- Alternatively, iron on low heat with a damp cloth between the iron and the fabric.
- If the water repellency no longer works, apply a re-waterproofing spray (Nikwax, Grangers) to clean, dry fabric.
📦 Storage
- Store garments clean and dry, never damp (risk of mold).
- Avoid compression sacks for long-term storage: prefer hanging them or folding them loosely.
- Store away from direct light and heat.
🔧 Common Repairs
- Small tear: use a compatible self-adhesive repair patch (Tenacious Tape).
- Stuck zipper: apply beeswax or a specific lubricant.
- Frayed seam: repair with strong thread or a heat-activated patch.
⏳ Lifespan and Signs of Wear
- DWR treatment wears off after 20 to 30 washes: reactivate it regularly.
- A membrane that no longer breathes or leaks water despite DWR indicates advanced wear.
- Regularly inspect seams, closures, and reinforcements.