Waterproof Care Instructions 

Be proactive: Taking proper care of your technical garments is not just about maintaining their appearance, but also about preserving their performance. Waiting for issues to arise before taking action can lead to irreversible damage. Therefore, it's crucial to be proactive in your care routine.

Wash your gear: Dirty gear will cause zippers to jam and wear out, and sweat and oil from skin and hair deteriorate waterproof membranes. We generally recommend that daily wearers wash their gear once a month or so, and before storing it for extended periods. When washing, use a gentle cycle with COOL or COLD water. If your washing machine allows you to specify water temperature, set your machine to 86°F / 30°C. Close all zippers and make sure pockets are empty. We recommend using liquid free and clear detergent or products specifically designed for technical garments. Grangers Performance Wash is available here on our store. Traditional detergents, mainly powdered detergents, leave residues that negatively affect the performance of your gear. Avoid any products with stain fighting, fabric softening, and whitening formulas. Hang-drying your Showers Pass gear is always the best option.

Tackle stains: If you encounter a stubborn stain, spot cleaning with liquid dishwashing detergent (not dish soap) can be effective. However, never use bleach or harsh chemicals on your jacket. To prevent stains on the interior of your jacket, wash new shirts, jerseys, and arm warmers before wearing them underneath.

Do not expose your gear to excessive heat: Newer garments can be tumble-dried on low heat. We suggest hanging older garments. Consult the care instructions on your garment's tag before drying. Excessive heat from tumble dryers (even a car dashboard in the summer) can cause multi-layered waterproof fabrics to delaminate or seam sealing tape to un-adhere.

Maintain with care: Do not store your gear in pockets or bags for prolonged periods- hang or lay it flat between uses and ensure it dries completely.

Perk up your DWR: The DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish on the outside of a garment, which makes the water bead and roll off, is a crucial feature of many technical garments. Over time, it will begin to wear or wash off. When water no longer beads on a garment's surface, it's time to reapply a DWR. When water saturates the face fabric on the exterior of a garment, commonly called 'wetting out,' your gear will become nonbreathable. Gear that has wet out may not let water in, but it will be cold and heavy and allow condensation to form on the inside. Grangers Performance Repel Plus is available here on our store. For more technical information on DWR, please read our blog post on How To Restore DWR For Waterproof Apparel.

Handle zippers with care: Don't be a jerk! Don't yank, pull, jerk, or force your zipper to open or closed. We use a variety of zipper styles to keep you dry and comfortable. Some zippers may be more challenging to operate than others. It's important to be gentle with them and draw them close to your body without pulling them away. Repeatedly yanking on sticky zippers can cause damage. Lubricate them with ordinary paraffin wax to keep them operating smoothly. By being gentle with your zippers, you can ensure they continue to function properly, prolonging the life of your gear. 

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Merino Wool Care Instructions

Merino wool is undoubtedly one of the best fabrics for outdoor use. Its warmth-to-weight ratio is unmatched. Merino’s ability to stay relatively odorless even when you sweat is also invaluable when you are days away from a washing machine. It wicks moisture more effectively than synthetics to boot. The one challenge in owning Merino wool clothing is the special care necessary to maximize its lifespan. If washed and treated properly, it can last many years. If not, you might find yourself questioning the high cost. Below are some general guidelines to follow, now that you are the proud owner of a Merino wool garment from Showers Pass. 

Do’s and Don’ts

DO read the label for the specifics on your garment. Some blends of Merino and synthetic fibers can handle a little more abuse than 100% Merino wool pieces, so it is important to note that not all Merino garments can or should be washed in the same manner.

DO wash the garment after a couple uses even if it does not stink or appear dirty. Keeping the fabric clean will decrease the chance of it pilling in the future.

DO turn clothes inside out when washing to prolong their lifespan.

DO wash below 85°F/30°C to avoid the garment shrinking or becoming misshapen.

DO lay flat to air dry and avoid direct heat. Merino garments can be heavy when wet, so drying on a line or hanger can stretch the fabric and cause it to lose its shape. 

DON’T use fabric softeners. The chemicals in them can deteriorate wool fibers at an accelerated rate.

DON’T wring your clothes dry, as this can leave them misshapen.

DON’T let Merino garments sit in the washing machine for too long after the cycle is done. This can also leave them misshapen.

“Ok, so how do I wash this thing?”

Read the label! If the label suggests machine washing then go for it! Follow the care instructions and when in doubt, refer to the aforementioned suggestions.  

If the label recommends hand washing, here are some best practices:

Do hand wash in a basin with warm water and soap. But to avoid shrinkage, do NOT allow to soak for too long.

Do use a soft cloth to dab (not rub!) soap on any stained areas. If the stain is stubborn, use a small amount of chlorine-free bleach. Be careful not to stretch the wool.

Do dry on a flat surface, preferably on a towel. Merino garments can be heavy when wet, so drying on a line or hanger can stretch the fabric and cause it to lose its shape.

Do reshape while still damp.

Don’t wring out the garment.

“Oh no, I messed up! What can I do?”

If you don’t follow the instructions above, you might end up with a shrunken garment.

The shrinking that occurs with Merino wool is not technically shrinking at all. What happens is the fibers migrate closer together, causing the garment to look and fit smaller.

If you’ve already washed your woolen garment and it seems shrunken, don’t panic quite yet. There is a way to stretch it back out.

Follow these steps:

• Fill a sink with room-temperature water. Add two tablespoons of hair conditioner or a gentle shampoo akin to baby shampoo. This will help soften the fibers so the fabric can be stretched back out.
• Soak your garment for about twenty minutes.
• Drain the water and gently PRESS out the remaining water from the garment. DO NOT wring the garment!
• Lay it out flat on a towel, and roll the towel up to remove even more water.
• Place the garment on another (dry) towel, and gently reshape it to its original size.
• Lay it flat to air-dry.
• Be more careful with your laundry next time!