How to restore the GORE-TEX DWR (durable water repellency) | Wash & Care, by GORE-TEX® Brand on YouTube. 4 min 10 s.
- Video length
- 4 min 10 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Test the surface with a little water. If drops bead up and roll off, the DWR is working. If the fabric darkens or soaks in, it needs restoring.
Empty the pockets, close all zips, fasten flaps and Velcro, and loosen any drawcords. This stops the garment snagging and lets water and detergent reach the whole surface.
Wash the item on a warm synthetic cycle at about 40°C or 104°F. Use a small amount of technical or performance liquid detergent. Do not use fabric softener, bleach or ordinary washing powder.
Set the machine to rinse twice. Extra rinsing removes leftover detergent, which can attract water and make the DWR perform poorly.
Tumble dry the garment on medium heat until it is completely dry. Add a few extra minutes of heat, as warmth helps reactivate the existing DWR.
Check the finish again with water. If droplets still do not bead, apply a spray-on DWR treatment to the clean, damp garment. Pay extra attention to shoulders and hood.
Tumble dry the sprayed garment on low or medium heat, or follow the DWR product label. Heat sets the treatment and improves its water repellency.
Let the item cool, then sprinkle water over the outside. Water should form round drops and roll off. If it still soaks in, repeat the wash and DWR application.
Tips and common mistakes
Never use fabric softener or bleach, as both can damage the DWR and the fabric.
Wash your shell regularly; dirt, sweat and sunscreen can make water soak in even when the DWR is intact.
If the care label allows tumble drying, heat is often enough to restore DWR before you buy a new spray.
Use a dedicated technical detergent, not a normal household detergent with added softeners or brighteners.
Questions
Why does my GORE-TEX jacket feel wet inside?
If the outer fabric wets out, it can feel damp and clammy even when the membrane is not leaking. Restoring the DWR usually fixes this.
Can I use normal detergent on GORE-TEX?
No. Use a technical or performance liquid detergent without softener, bleach or added conditioners.
How often should I restore DWR?
Clean the garment when it looks dirty or starts to wet out. Reapply spray DWR only when washing and tumble drying no longer make water bead.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
