To properly wash your Under Armour Storm jacket and maintain its performance, machine wash it cold with like colors and then line dry or tumble dry low. Following these specific care instructions helps preserve the jacket's unique water-repellent technology and extends its lifespan.
Understanding Your Under Armour Storm Jacket
Under Armour Storm technology is designed to repel water without sacrificing breathability. This durable water repellent (DWR) finish on the fabric surface allows rain and snow to bead up and roll off. Proper washing and drying methods are crucial to maintaining this protective layer and the overall integrity of the garment.
Step-by-Step Washing Instructions
Caring for your Under Armour Storm jacket is straightforward when you follow the recommended guidelines.
Washing Phase
The goal during washing is to clean the jacket effectively without damaging its water-repellent properties.
- Preparation: Before washing, zip up all zippers, close any hook-and-loop fasteners (like Velcro), and empty all pockets. Turning the jacket inside out can also help protect its outer surface.
- Temperature: Machine wash cold. Using cold water helps protect the fabric fibers and the DWR coating from potential heat damage, which can degrade the water repellency over time.
- Colors: Wash with like colors to prevent dye transfer and maintain the jacket's original appearance.
- Detergent: Use a mild liquid detergent. Avoid powdered detergents, which can sometimes leave residue, and harsh chemicals that could compromise the fabric. Sport-specific detergents are an excellent choice as they are formulated to clean technical fabrics effectively.
Here’s a quick overview of the washing steps:
| Step | Instruction |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Zip zippers, close fasteners, empty pockets, consider turning inside out |
| Water Temp | Machine wash cold |
| Load | With like colors |
| Detergent | Use mild liquid detergent (avoid harsh chemicals) |
Drying Phase
Drying correctly is as important as washing to preserve the jacket's performance features.
- Drying Method: You should either line dry, or tumble dry low.
- Line Drying: This is the most gentle method. Hang the jacket on a clothesline or drying rack in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. This preserves the fabric and DWR finish.
- Tumble Dry Low: If using a dryer, select the lowest heat setting. High heat can melt or damage the DWR coating and the synthetic fibers of the jacket, impairing its water repellency and potentially causing shrinkage or damage. Remove the jacket promptly once dry to avoid unnecessary heat exposure.
Important Tips for Longevity
To ensure your Under Armour Storm jacket continues to perform at its best for years, consider these additional tips:
- Avoid Fabric Softeners: This is crucial. Fabric softeners can clog the pores of technical fabrics and leave a residue that compromises the DWR finish, reducing the jacket's water repellency and breathability.
- Do Not Bleach: Bleach will damage the fabric, color, and the DWR coating.
- No Ironing: Ironing can melt or damage the synthetic fibers and the DWR finish.
- Avoid Dry Cleaning: The chemicals used in dry cleaning can strip away the DWR coating and harm the fabric.
- Reactivating DWR: Over time, the DWR finish may wear off. If water no longer beads up effectively, you can try reactivating it by tumble drying the clean jacket on low heat for 20 minutes (if the care label permits) or by applying a DWR-restoring product (e.g., from brands like Nikwax or Granger's), following the product's instructions.
- Washing Frequency: Wash your jacket only when necessary. Excessive washing can gradually wear down the DWR coating. However, washing is important to remove dirt and oils that can also compromise the DWR.
Why Proper Care Matters
Properly washing and drying your Under Armour Storm jacket is not just about keeping it clean; it's about maintaining its core functionality. By following the recommended cold wash and low-heat or line dry instructions, you protect the jacket's durable water-repellent finish, ensuring it continues to shed water, remain breathable, and keep you comfortable in various weather conditions. Neglecting these steps can lead to the jacket "wetting out," where the fabric absorbs water rather than repelling it, diminishing its performance and lifespan.
