The breathability of the Neoshell fabric comes from the millions of tiny pores in its membrane. These pores allow the jacket material to release sweat, regulate temperature, and protect your body from microbes and bacteria—just like the pores on your skin.
To maintain the optimal performance of your jacket, regular cleaning and maintenance are essential. Additionally, regular cleaning helps reactivate the DWR coating’s long-lasting water resistance and extends the life of your jacket.
I.When or how often should you wash it?
Based on usage environment, activity type, and contact with substancesand other factorsto decide when to wash it.In other words, if it’s dirty, it’s time to wash. Regularly clean your jacket to remove dirt, cooking odors, body oils, and sweat.
Decide when to wash based on frequency and intensity of use.If it’s not very dirty, but you use it intensively (e.g., running, skiing), it is recommended to wash it approximately every 10 days. For light use (e.g., walking, walking the dog), wash it about every 20–30 days. If you only use it during outdoor hiking trips, clean it thoroughly after each trip before storing it.
Judge and decide when to wash based on the condition of the DWR coating.As a surface treatment on your jacket, DWR repels water droplets. Over time, this coating loses effectiveness and needs to be reactivated through washing and drying.
You can test this by spraying some water on the outside of the jacket or garment. If the water beads up and rolls off easily, the DWR is still in good condition. If it no longer beads, you should reactivate it through washing and drying.
II.How to wash it?
Step 1 | Preparing for washingZip up the main zipper and underarm zippers. Zip up the pocket zippers. Loosen all elastic drawcords. Release and secure the cuff Velcro.
Step 2 | Washing
Place the garment in the washing machine (a front-loading washer is recommended).
Add a small amount of liquid detergent or performance detergent, such as ReviveX by Gear Aid.
Add a small amount of liquid detergent or performance detergent, such as ReviveX from the Grear Aid brand.
Wash using a normal cycle at medium temperature (40°C / 104°F), and rinse twice to remove any residual detergent.
Washing precautions:
Before washing, ensure there is no detergent or laundry powder residue in the washing machine. You may first rinse the machine with clean water.
Do not use soap, powdered detergent, or any washing products containing fabric softeners, conditioners, stain removers, or bleach, as they may damage the garment’s surface film and void its warranty.
Do not wash with heavily soiled clothes.
Do not use the washing machine’s spin-dry function to reduce wrinkles and potential damage.
Step 3 | Drying
Air-dry the wet clothing naturally.
After drying, place the clothes in a dryer and tumble on low heat for 20 minutes to reactivate the DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish.
If you don’t have a dryer,place a towel or cloth between the naturally dried clothes and the iron, and set the iron to a gentle (low temperature, no steam) setting to dry the clothes. This will help reactivate the DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish.
III.How to reapply DWR treatment?
DWR is a polymer coating that increases the surface tension of the outer fabric, causing water droplets to bead up and roll off, making the textile hydrophobic or water-resistant. Prolonged use and exposure to the elements can wear down this coating, causing moisture to no longer bead up on the fabric surface and instead be absorbed. In this case, reactivation through washing and drying is required.
If, after washing and drying, water droplets still do not bead up and roll off the fabric, it’s time to reapply the DWR coating. It is recommended to use Gear Aid.
If usingDWR detergentfor treatment, please follow the specific product instructions.
If usingDWR sprayfor treatment, it is recommended to apply it after washing but before drying. The general method is as follows:
Take the garment out of the washing machine and shake off excess water.
Zip all zippers, then hang the wet garment up.
Spray DWR onto the outer fabric, focusing mainly on high-wear areas.
Note:Before drying, turn the garment inside out to improve the outer fabric’s absorption of the DWR. Also, specific product instructions may vary slightly—please read the DWR spray instructions carefully.
The above care method for this waterproof jacket can also be used for westcomb NeoShell
Periodic cleaning and maintenance will help your waterproof jacket perform at its best outdoors, providing you with better protection and comfort. It’s time to create a washing and care plan for your jacket.