Keeping your waterproof and breathable garments performing their best is crucial for comfort and protection on the trail. Dirt, oils, and general wear degrade the essential Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish, leading to wet-outs and reduced breathability. Thankfully, Grangers' PFAS-Free Wash + Repel 2-in-1 and Clothing Repel offer eco-conscious solutions to restore near-new performance. Here’s how to use them effectively in your washing machine:

Understanding the Products & When to Use Them:

1. Grangers Performance Wash + Repel 2-in-1 (PFAS-Free): This innovative product combines a gentle, technical cleaner with a built-in PFAS-free water repellent restorer. It’s ideal for routine maintenance – cleaning your garment and refreshing its DWR in one simple wash cycle. Use it when your gear is dirty and you notice water starting to soak in rather than bead up.

2. Grangers Performance Repel (PFAS-Free): This is a dedicated, concentrated water repellent treatment. Use it when the DWR on a clean garment is significantly depleted, even after using the 2-in-1, or for maximum, long-lasting water repellency on gear facing harsh conditions. Always clean the garment first before applying Repel.

Step-by-Step Guide for Both Products:

1. Preparation is Key:

   • Zip Up & Secure: Close all zippers, Velcro, and fasten any flaps or pockets. Secure drawcords. This protects the garment and the washing machine drum.

   • Empty Pockets: Double-check!

   • Pre-Treat Stains (Optional): For heavy stains, gently pre-treat with a small amount of Grangers Performance Wash or Tech Wash (PFAS-Free) before the main wash. Avoid harsh stain removers.

   • Machine Check: Ensure your top-loading or front-loading machine is clean, free of detergent residues, fabric softeners, or dryer sheets. Residues can impair DWR performance.

2. Using Grangers Wash + Repel 2-in-1 (PFAS-Free):

   • Dosage: Add the recommended amount of Wash + Repel 2-in-1 directly to the drum before loading your garment. Check the bottle instructions based on your load size and water hardness. Typically, it's 50ml (approx. 1.7 fl oz) for a standard wash.

   • Load: Place the waterproof garment(s) in the machine. Wash with similar items (other technical gear is best). Do not overload.

   • Cycle Settings: Select a gentle cycle (e.g., "Delicates," "Hand Wash," or "Technical Gear"). Use warm water (40°C / 104°F max). Avoid hot water or heavy-duty cycles. Set the machine for an extra rinse cycle to ensure all cleaning residues are removed.

3. Using Grangers Performance Repel (PFAS-Free) AFTER Cleaning:

   • Clean First: Crucial Step. Wash the garment using Grangers Performance Wash or Tech Wash (PFAS-Free) following standard washing instructions (gentle cycle, warm water, extra rinse). *Do not use Wash + Repel 2-in-1 for this initial clean if you plan to use Repel afterwards.*

   • Dosage: Add the recommended amount of Performance Repel directly to the empty drum before reloading the clean, damp garment. Dosage is critical – usually 100ml (approx. 3.4 fl oz) for a jacket. Check the bottle.

   • Reload: Place the clean, damp garment back into the machine alone. Do not add other items.

   • Cycle Settings: Select a gentle cycle with warm water (40°C / 104°F max). Run a full cycle including the rinse. Do not use an extra rinse cycle here, as it would wash away the Repel treatment.

4. Drying: The Essential Reactivation Step (For Both Products):

   • Tumble Dry: Immediately after washing (while the garment is still damp), transfer it to a tumble dryer.

   • Heat is Crucial: Dry on a medium heat setting (approx. 40-60°C / 104-140°F) for 40-50 minutes. This heat is vital to reactivate and bond the PFAS-free DWR treatment to the fabric fibers.

   • Ironing Alternative: If you don't have a dryer, you can use an iron. Place a thin cloth (tea towel) over the garment and iron on a medium/warm setting (no steam). Keep the iron moving constantly to avoid scorching.

The Result:

Properly cleaned and treated with Grangers' PFAS-free formulas, your waterproof garment will emerge rejuvenated. You’ll see water beading up beautifully like new, restoring its vital first line of defense against rain and snow. Simultaneously, the removal of dirt and sweat residues from the membrane allows moisture vapor (sweat) to escape efficiently, restoring essential breathability. This simple maintenance routine significantly extends the life and performance of your valuable gear, keeping you dry, comfortable, and protected on every adventure, all without harmful PFAS chemicals.