DWR
DWR stands for "durable water repellent". This is a Protective layer that repels water and dirt. The surface does not become saturated and does not appear wet - water beads off. This beading effect helps to optimally maintain the function of the membrane. The product retains its breathability and the athlete stays dry. A functional product must be regularly maintained and the DWR renewed to ensure top performance.
There are several options here. We chose C0 wherever possible - a PCF-free and environmentally friendly finish. There are, among others, C8 oand C6, which are superior to C0 in terms of performance, but have the disadvantage of not being biodegradable, C8 is particularly harmful to the environment and toxic.
For this reason, there has been an official requirement to reduce PFOA and PFOS (a subgroup of PFCs) in the EU since 2020, and since then these substances have been increasingly banned in many areas. This trend is also taking hold in the clothing industry.
However, the C0 finish is also highly suitable and weatherproof, and offers a comparable water-repellent effect to gear containing PFCs as well as high breathability. It must be refreshed more often, but you will be doing this for the love of the environment. We will tell you how to do this in a moment.
It is important to note that a jacket coated with C0 can sometimes absorb water, but it is still waterproof and offers full function, even though it looks wet.
Outerwear
WASHING OUTDOOR CLOTHING — REALLY?
Please do!
Washing your outdoor clothes prolongs the life of your clothing with proper care. The protective layer (DWR) wears off over time and dirt and sweat can affect the breathability of your clothing.
So always keep it clean.
Longer jacket life - longer product life cycle - better for the environment
washing
STEP 1: CAN I PUT MY PRODUCT IN THE WASHING MACHINE?
You can find out exactly what to do by looking at the care label on your product. Here you will find all the important information about washing and drying. It is important not to use to high a spin setting. 800 to 1,000 revolutions per minute issufficient.
STEP 2: CLOSE ZIPPERS, BUTTONS AND VELCRO FASTENERS
Close all buttons, Velcro and zippers. This prevents snagging and protects the products in the washing machine, helping them to retain their shape.
STEP 3: A LOT OF DIRT ?
For more stubborn dirt, simply include a pre-wash cycle in the program, or soak the product before washing.
This will dissolve the dirt particles and make them easier to remove. Simply put it in warm water with some detergent and let it soak. Half an hour should be long enough.
STEP 4: DETERGENT — WHAT SHOULD I USE?
What detergent should you use now? A standard household liquid detergent is sufficient. Powder should be avoided as its coarse structure may cause damage to the membrane. A maximum of one capful is enough, usually a little less. Do not use fabric softener. Sometimes manufacturers offer their own sports detergents, which you can use.
STEP 5: RINSE
To ensure that no residue remains on the product, it is best to start another rinse cycle to remove all residues and avoid leaving any unwanted layers that could otherwise clog the pores of the membrane and affect its function.
In order for your jacket to keep its protective layer, you still need to dry it properly.
drying and refreshing impregnation
DRYING
If your DWR protective layer is still active, you can simply hang your product up to dry. Alternatively, you can dry your product on the gentle cycle of your dryer. This is even often beneficial for the function of the DWR, because it is activated by heat.
If you don't have a dryer at home, you can also iron the product from the inside on a low setting.
Attention! Be sure to put a cloth between the iron and the jacket! The heat reactivates the DWR function sustainably.
REFRESHING IMPREGNATION
If the function has already diminished somewhat, we would recommend adding a wet impregnation (Nikwax, for example) to the wash cycle and then drying or ironing the product as outlined above.
After that, water should bead off the product again as usual.
If you bought a piece from our Shelter collection, you can order your Nikwax TX Direct® wash-in for free.
Get your Nikwax TX.Direct® wash-in
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Jerseys
washing
STEP 1: FOLLOW THE CARE LABEL INSTRUCTIONS
Before you put your jersey in the machine, first look at the care label. This will provide you with everything you need to know.
STEP 2: MANY FINE DETAILS?
For particularly fine products with many details, it is best to wash your jersey in a laundry bag. This protects your jersey and prevents possible snagging etc. with other products. It will still come out as clean as without a wash bag.
STEP 3: THE DETERGENT OF YOUR CHOICE
You don't need a special detergent here either. Household detergent is more than sufficient. You can also use mild detergent or extra functional detergent; the choice is yours.
STEP 4: DRYING
Dry according to the instructions on your care label, and your jersey will be ready to ride again.
Merino Base Layer
AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE - AS OFTEN AS NECESSARY
Wool is self-cleaning due to its natural properties, which means that airing it out is usually enough to remove bad odors.
However, if this is not enough, here is a little help on how to care for your wool products in the best possible way.
washing
STEP 1: PAY ATTENTION TO THE CARE LABEL
Look at the care label on your product offers for instructions on how to best wash and dry your product.
STEP 2: SOAK HEAVILY SOILED CLOTHING
Simply put it in warm water with some wool detergent and let it soak. Half an hour should be long enough to loosen the coarsest dirt particles from the fibers.
STEP 3: WASHING MACHINE
It is important to remember not to wash the product on too hot a setting, otherwise you run the risk of the product loosing its shape. It is best to choose the wool wash cycle of the washing machine. 400-800 rpm and a low temperature (cold: maximum 30°C depending on the care label) is enough and will be gentle on your clothes. It is best to use a special wool detergent without enzymes and fabric softener.
drying
STEP 1: PUT THE GARMENT ON A DRYING RACK
You must dry your garment lying flat as hanging it runs the risk of the product becoming misshapen.
Using the dryer is also not recommended, as wool products shrink very easily if you dry them in a tumble dryer.
You should also avoid putting them on the radiator or in the sun, as this damages the structure of the fibers and therefore the wearing properties.
STEP 2: OPTIONAL IRONING
Wool does not usually need to be ironed, but if the label allows it, simply turn it inside out and iron on the lowest setting without steam.
Now everything smells fresh again, is clean and ready for your next adventures.