Care
1. Why we don't recommend using fabric softeners:
Fabric softeners create a waxy film on fabrics. This film can hinder the wicking or absorption properties of a performance fabric. You won't permanently damage the fabric, but it may not perform as well until the next time you wash it.
2. Caring for your DWR (durable water repellent) finish:
Most of our shells are treated with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish. The DWR helps water to bead up on the surface of the jacket, rather than soaking into the fibers of the shell, where it can impair the breathability of the membrane or coating that allows the fabric to function. Over time, the DWR gets worn away, most commonly in areas of abrasion such as the sleeves and shoulders of a jacket, or the seat and knees of pants. Retreating your garment is usually a simple affair, using one of the widely available spray-on DWR treatments for waterproof/breathable garments such as Nikwax TXDirect, Techtron, or Reviv-X (marketed by W.L. Gore & Associates). Wash-in treatments are also available although they tend to be less effective than the spray treatments and not recommended for Gore-Tex. Often a DWR can be revived simply by washing the garment in a mild powder soap, rinsing thoroughly, then tumble drying at a moderate heat for 30-40 minutes, or running a warm iron over the surface of the garment. The heat application is an important element in activating the DWR properties of a spray treatment, and most of the treatments listed above recommend that some form of heat be applied to the garment after it is treated. Follow the treatment manufacturer's instructions.
3. Caring for Down garments:
Machine wash cold, gentle cycle, with mild soap. Rinse thoroughly. Tumble dry low. Avoid excessive heat. To help the wet down clusters separate as they dry, add a couple of tennis balls to your dryer. Do not dry clean. Do not bleach. Re-treat DWR (durable water repellent) finish periodically, according to instructions in (2) above. Do not store wet. Do not keep garment compressed for an extended period of time as this will reduce the down's ability to loft and thereby reduce its insulative ability.
4. Caring for fleece garments:
Machine wash in lukewarm water (up to 105 degrees Fahrenheit or 40 degrees Centigrade). Tumble dry low temperature. Do not bleach. Avoid use of fabric softeners. Do not iron and Do not dry clean. For best results, launder garment with like colors.
5. How do I care for my Sierra Designs products made with Polartec® brand fabrics (Classic 200)?
Machine wash in cold water using a mild soap. Line dry. Do not bleach. Avoid use of fabric softeners. Do not iron and Do not dry clean. For best results, launder garment with like colors.
6. How do I care for my Sierra Designs Merino Wool garments?
Hand wash cold. Do not bleach. Lay flat to dry. Warm iron if needed.
7. Caring for Rainwear Jackets and Pants (Cyclone, Entrant™ DT, Hurricane, Microlight):
Machine wash in cold water with a mild soap, not a detergent. Hang dry away from direct heat. Do not bleach. Do not dry clean.
8. Caring for Torrent, Barricade and Barricade LT:
Machine wash in warm water with a mild detergent. Hang dry. For optimum performance you may also need to re-activate the DWR (durable water repellant) finish on your water-repellant garment from time to time. (see note #2 above) Do not dry clean.
9. Caring for Gore-Tex® brand garments
Machine wash in warm water (104° F/ 40° C) with a powder or liquid detergent. Do not use fabric softeners or chlorine bleach. Tumble dry in a warm, not hot, dryer. For optimum performance we recommends applying a topical water repellency restorative for outdoor fabrics, available at your local outdoor retailer. We do not recommend wash-in treatments. Do not dry clean. For stain removal use a pre-wash treatment such as Shout or Spray 'n Wash. Follow the pre-wash manufacturer's instructions and rince well.
10. How do I care for my Sierra Designs Durastretch, Sun Shirts and Quick Dry pieces (Nylon/Spandex, Nylon Tactel and 100% Nylon)?
Machine wash cold, gentle cycle, with mild detergent. Rinse thoroughly. Tumble dry low. Avoid excessive heat. Do not dry clean. Do not bleach. Do not iron or steam. Re-treat DWR (durable water repellent) finish periodically (see note #2 above).
11. Caring for garments with Lycra® (Holofiber/Friction Free, Functional Pique, Revival, Performance Stretch):
If the fabric in your garment includes Lycra fibers, machine wash in cold water with a powder detergent and lint dry. Do not use bleach. Do not dry in dryer.
12. How should I care for my Sierra Designs performance synthetic shirts (Spectrum Plus, Spectrum, Spectra Light, Cocona, UltraWick, ThermoWick)?
Machine wash in cold water. Hang dry. Do not bleach. Avoid use of fabric softeners (see note number 1). Do not iron and Do not dry clean.
13. How do I care for my Sierra Designs Torrent 3L Corduroy garments?
Hand or machine wash cold/gentle cycle. Use mild detergent. Hang dry right side out. Do not bleach or tumble dry or steam press. Do not dry clean. To enhance the performance of this garment, re-apply a water repellent finish after multiple washings or extended use.
14. How do I care for my Sierra Designs Waterproof Nylon/Oxford garments?
Machine wash cold. Remove fur trim. Tumble dry low. Do not iron. Do not bleach. Do not dry clean.
15. How do I care for my Sierra Designs Snow Fox garments?
Dry clean only. Use low iron if necessary. Do not bleach. Do not tumble dry. Flat dry if necessary.
16. How do I care for my Sierra Designs Windproof Wool garments?
Dry clean only. Flat dry. Do not iron. Do not bleach. Do not tumble dry.