To effectively "waterproof" or restore the water repellency of your GORE-TEX jacket, you need to reactivate its Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish. This vital layer helps water bead up and roll off the fabric surface, ensuring your jacket performs as intended. Over time, the DWR can degrade, causing the fabric to "wet out" even if the membrane is still waterproof. Reactivating the DWR is a simple process that typically involves applying heat.
Understanding DWR and Its Importance
DWR (Durable Water Repellent) is a polymer coating applied to the outer fabric of your GORE-TEX jacket. Its purpose is to prevent the fabric from absorbing water, allowing the GORE-TEX membrane to breathe effectively. When the DWR is compromised, water soaks into the outer fabric, reducing breathability and making the jacket feel cold and damp.
Restoring the DWR is not about making the membrane waterproof again (it already is), but about refreshing the outer fabric's ability to shed water, which is crucial for comfort and performance.
Methods to Restore Water Repellency
The primary methods to restore your jacket's DWR involve applying heat, which reactivates the DWR polymers. For best results, ensure your jacket is clean before beginning this process.
Method 1: Tumble Drying
One of the most common and effective ways to restore your GORE-TEX jacket's water repellency is by using a tumble dryer.
- Ensure Jacket is Clean: For optimal DWR performance, your jacket should be clean. Wash it according to the care label, ideally using a technical fabric cleaner.
- Gentle Heat Setting: Place the dry jacket into a tumble dryer.
- Low Heat Cycle: Run the dryer on a low heat (gentle) setting for about 20 minutes. The heat helps to reactivate the DWR finish, allowing it to once again repel water effectively.
Method 2: Ironing (Alternative if No Tumble Dryer)
If you do not have access to a tumble dryer, you can use an iron to reactivate the DWR. This method is equally effective when done correctly.
- Ensure Jacket is Dry: Make sure your jacket is completely dry before ironing.
- Use a Protective Layer: Place a towel or cloth between the garment and the iron. This protects the jacket fabric from direct heat and potential damage.
- Gentle Ironing Setting: Set your iron to a gentle, warm setting.
- No Steam: Crucially, ensure there is no steam when ironing. Steam can counteract the DWR activation process.
- Even Application: Carefully iron over the jacket, ensuring even heat application across the entire surface to reactivate the DWR.
By following these simple steps, you can restore your GORE-TEX jacket's water repellency, ensuring it continues to keep you dry and comfortable in wet conditions.
