APPROPRIATE WASHING + A LITTLE TLC = RAIN GEAR LONG LIFE
We strive to make durable products because we know our customers rely on their gear. All garments will wear out over time, but a garment that is properly cared for will last much longer than one that is neglected. We want you to have the best possible experience with your Showers Pass gear, so here are our tips for getting the longest life and best performance from your outerwear:
Be Proactive! Proper care helps to prevent untimely wear and preserves performance, but it shouldn’t be expected to reverse damage that has already occurred from heavy use or neglect. Don’t wait for something to go wrong take action!
Wash your gear! Dirty zippers are more likely to jam or wear out and sweat and oils from skin, hair and and cause waterproof membranes to deteriorate. We generally recommend that daily commuters wash their jackets once a month or so. When washing, use a gentle cycle, with COOL water. If your washing machine does not have a COOL setting, use the COLD setting. 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 a free and clear detergent or a detergent specifically designed for technical garments. Traditional detergents, particularly powdered detergents can leave residues that can negatively affect the performance of your garment. Avoid all products with fabric softeners or bleach. Grangers Performance Wash is a great option. You can find it on our site here.
Hang drying your Showers Pass gear is always the best option. Some garments can be tumble dried on low heat. Consult the care instructions on your garment’s tag prior to drying.
Perk up your DWR. The DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish on the outside of a garment is what makes the water bead and roll off. Over time it will begin to wear or wash off. When water no longer beads on the surface of a garment, this means it’s time to reapply a DWR. When water saturates the face fabric on the exterior of a garment, commonly called “wetting out”, the garment’s breathability will be limited. A jacket that wets out may not let water in, but it can be cold, heavy and uncomfortable to wear. In some conditions, wetting out will create a temperature differential that can cause condensation to accumulate inside the garment. Our favorite product for retreating outerwear is Grangers Performance Repel plus. Get it here.
Do not expose to excessive heat. Seam tape can fall apart in a dryer, and it is not a pretty sight. Excessive heat (even a car dashboard in the summer) can also cause multi-layered waterproof fabrics to delaminate.
Store with care. Just because a garment can stuff into its own pocket or stuff sack does not mean it wants to live that way all the time. Hang it up or lay it flat between uses; and make sure it dries completely.
Be kind to your zippers. We sometimes use 2-way zippers for venting, and water-resistant zippers to keep you extra dry. Both of these features can make the zippers harder to operate. Please be gentle with them. In our experience, yanking on them repeatedly will only make them angry. For the occasional extra-sticky spot, we’ve found that paraffin wax makes for a good lubricant. Regular pencil graphite rubbed on the zipper’s teeth is a good lubricant as well (Just don’t wear it over a white shirt that day!)
Spot treat stains. If you have a really tough stain, spot cleaning with liquid dish detergent can help. Never use bleach or harsh chemicals to clean your jacket. To protect the interior of a jacket from stains, be sure to wash new shirts, jerseys and arm warmers before wearing them underneath your jacket to prevent colors from depositing onto the lining.
Further questions?
Email us at support@showerspass.com
Call us at 1-503-203-8000.
Subscribe Today
We'll send you a discount code to use on your next purchase
