Sports Apparel Care Guide: Washing Membrane Garments & Restoring DWR
With the right care, high-performance membrane apparel lasts longer and keeps its breathability and water-repellent behavior. This step-by-step guide explains how to wash membrane garments and how to restore the DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish so your kit keeps looking — and working — like new.
Which membrane garments does this guide cover?
This guide is intended for premium membrane apparel made with globally recognized, certified membrane technologies such as:
GORE-TEX
Toray Dermizax
Toray Defly
Sympatex
eVent
If your garment uses one of these branded membranes, the wash and care steps below will help maintain both its water repellency and breathability.
Warning: If your garment does not use one of the certified membranes above (or is made from unknown / uncertified laminates), washing and incorrect care may damage the fabric structure and reduce waterproofness and breathability. When in doubt, proceed carefully and follow the garment’s care label.
Toray Dermizax (20 000 mm/m²/24 h)
Toray Defly (10 000 mm/m²/24 h)
These materials deliver excellent waterproofness and breathability. Over time, however, water-repellent performance can fade if the garment isn’t maintained correctly.
What is Toray Dermizax and how does it work?
Toray Dermizax is a membrane that keeps water out while allowing moisture vapor to escape — protecting you from rain, snow, and wind without trapping sweat.
Hydrophilic vs. hydrophobic parts (simple view)
Hydrophilic areas (attract moisture): move sweat away from your body toward the outer fabric surface, where it can evaporate.
Hydrophobic areas (repel moisture): block external water (rain/snow) from penetrating the fabric.
When should you wash a membrane garment?
Washing becomes necessary when:
The garment smells unpleasant and airing it out doesn’t help.
The face fabric starts to “wet out” — instead of beading and rolling off, water begins to soak in and the jacket feels clammy.
In these cases, wash with a specialized cleaner made for technical outerwear.
Step-by-step: How to wash membrane apparel correctly
1) Check the care label
Always follow the manufacturer’s symbols for temperature and settings. As a rule of thumb for membrane garments:
Use a gentle cycle (up to 30 °C)
No bleach
No fabric softeners
Air dry (details below)
2) Prep the garment
Close all zippers and pockets.
Remove any detachable parts/accessories.
Make sure the detergent drawer is free of softener residue.
3) Use a specialized cleaner
We recommend Revivex Pro Cleaner (250 ml) — a gentle, effective detergent for technical membranes that won’t leave residues that can block breathability.
Do not overload the drum; garments should move freely.
Select a program without spin (e.g., “No Spin”, “Delicates”, “Hand Wash”, “Sportswear/Outdoor”).
5) Dry properly
Best is to hang dry in a vertical position. Avoid direct heat sources (e.g., radiators) that can damage the membrane.
6) Recover water beading with heat
Imagine your new shell jacket shedding rain like a freshly waxed car. Over time — heavy use or poor care — you notice water starts to cling. Why?
The face fabric’s micro-fibers initially stand more upright, creating tiny gaps that help water bead and roll off. With wear and dirt, those fibers lay down — like hair after a long day — and water starts soaking in.
Good news: gentle heat helps the fibers “stand up” again and re-activate the DWR on the fabric surface.
Tumble dry on an “Outdoor” or delicate setting (max 60 °C).
Warm iron on low with a towel or cotton cloth between iron and fabric.
Warm air from a hair dryer at a safe distance.
If heat no longer helps, it’s time to re-apply DWR
Quick water-drop test
Spritz a few drops onto the face fabric.
Observe:
If drops bead up and roll off — your DWR is active.
If drops soak in and darken the fabric — the DWR is worn and needs renewal.
What is DWR and why does it matter?
DWR (Durable Water Repellent) is a treatment on the outer fabric that makes water form beads and run off instead of soaking in. Dirt, abrasion, and washing gradually reduce its effectiveness — which is why periodic renewal is normal maintenance.
How to restore the DWR finish
1) Start with a clean, dry garment
DWR adheres best to a freshly washed, completely dry fabric.
2) Apply Revivex Durable Water Repellent spray
Spray evenly over the entire face fabric, paying special attention to high-wear zones (shoulders, elbows, back).
To bond the treatment to the fabric, finish with one of the following:
Tumble dry on Outdoor/Delicate (max 60 °C).
Low-temp ironing with a protective cloth.
Warm air from a hair dryer at a safe distance.
Re-test with water drops. If beading is still weak, repeat the heat step or add a second light coat.
Optional care add-ons & related products
Neutralize persistent odors (post-wash)
If smells linger after washing, treat the garment with Gear Aid Revivex Odor Eliminator (15 ml) — designed to neutralize odor-causing bacteria without blocking breathability.
When: after washing, before drying/heat activation.
How: follow package directions for dilution/soak; rinse if instructed, then proceed to dry/heat steps.
For smooth leather items (or leather trims that are not part of a membrane face fabric), use Gear Aid Revivex Leather Waterproofing Gel to add durable repellency and condition the leather.
Use on: full-grain/smooth leather footwear, gloves, and gear.
Do not use on: suede/nubuck unless the product states it’s suitable.
Tip: clean first, apply sparingly, allow to absorb, then buff off any excess.
Neoprene gear needs different chemistry. Wash with Gear Aid Revivex Wetsuit & Drysuit Shampoo (250 ml) to remove salt, chlorine, and organic residues without degrading the material.
Use on: neoprene wetsuits, drysuit seals, booties, gloves.
Why: prevents odor, preserves flexibility, extends service life.
Can I use regular laundry detergent on membrane outerwear? No. Standard detergents and additives can leave residues that reduce breathability and repellency. Use a technical cleaner such as Revivex Pro Cleaner.
How often should I renew the DWR? It depends on use and conditions. Check beading after each wash and after several wet-weather outings. If water no longer beads and rolls off, clean and re-treat.
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