Waterproof Shell Care

Keep your shell well.

You can and *should* wash and dry your shell. Dirt, sunscreen, campfire smoke and peanut butter smears can all degrade the durable water repellent (DWR) finish, a coating added to waterproof gear to help moisture bead up and roll off the outer surface. (Few sights are more satisfying during a downpour.) If you want your DWR to keep working well, show it some TLC (tender laundry care): Warm water, mild detergent, low heat. Wash, heat, repeat.

 

DWR Revival

Most waterproof/breathable shells on the market are treated with a Durable Water-Repellant finish (DWR) which keeps the outer fabric from becoming saturated so the breathable barrier can do its job of keeping you comfy and dry.

Remember, a clean shell is a happy shell. Be sure to wash your waterproof/breathable garments and regularly replenish their water-repellent coating. Drying waterproof/breathable fabrics on a medium/warm setting will help to renew the fabric’s durable water repellent (DWR) finish.

After many adventures and washings, your waterproof/breathable garment will require more than a simple washing and drying to revive the DWR finish. When water no longer beads up on the garment, it’s time to turn to a spray-on solution which you can find at your favorite outdoor gear shop.
 

Shop Storm Care

Standard detergents can impact the durable water repellent (DWR) finish and lead to premature wetting out, when the exterior of the fabric looks wet because the DWR coating has worn off, but the inside (and you) aren’t wet. After testing a dozen options, we recommend Storm products, a pH-neutral detergent made for technical outerwear and equipment.

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