FAQ’S
FAQ - Granger's Outerwear Care |
Q. What is DWR?
A. Durable Water Repellency is an invisible water-repellent finish applied to the outer fabric of most outdoor clothing and equipment. It prevents the fabric from absorbing water by making water bead up on the surface and roll off. DWR finishes (fluorocarbons) are applied to fabric in the textile factory. When water contacts the DWR it will assume a shape that has minimum surface area -- a sphere. Spheres, or beads of water, roll off the fabric rather than soaking into the fibers. Fabrics that shed water will do a better job of keeping you dry and comfortable.
Q. What is ‘fabric wet out' and why does it make me feel cold and clammy?
A. Performance outerwear fabrics have a durable water repellent (DWR) finish. This fluoropolymer treatment on the outer face of the fabric causes water and oil based liquids to bead up and roll off the fabric instead of being absorbed. The maintenance of the DWR is critical to the performance of waterproof / breathable fabrics. When fabric ‘wets-out,’ it cools the material (fabric, coating or laminate) to the extent that the humidity you generate inside the garment condenses inside the garment when it comes in contact with the cooled fabric. This causes you to feel clammy and cold. It can cause you to believe that the fabric is leaking. Even high-performance fabrics such as Gore-Tex®, eVent® TriplePoint®, Hell-Tech® and Entrant® and Sympatex® rely on the DWR to optimize breathability and comfort.
 
Fabric without DWR 'wets out.' Fabric restored with Granger's Waterproofing
Q. What is the durability of the DWR finish?
A. The durability of the durable water repellent finish (DWR) depends upon the quality of the original application at the textile finishing factory, the type and texture of the fabric and how you care for the fabric. The first two factors are out of your control. The maintenance is something you can affect. Fluoro chemical based DWR finishes on modern fabrics is long lasting. With normal use and proper maintenance—regular cleaning with a residue-free cleaner—the DWR should last several seasons. DWR finishes are not permanent and will eventually wear off. Luckily, the DWR is easily restored with Granger’s waterproofing treatments.
Q. How often does a treated garment need to be re-proofed?
A. The life of the DWR varies greatly depending upon the quality of the treatment, garment usage and maintenance. No DWR is permanent. The effectiveness of a DWR can be maximized with proper laundering of the garment--since dirt and contaminants will attract water. For cleaning garments, special residue-free cleaners are best—such as Granger’s G-Wash Cleaner, G-Wash Spray Cleaner or Down Wash Plus. Eventually, the DWR will need to be restored. Granger's offers treatments that restore the DWR to the various types of materials. We recommend restoring the DWR after every 6-8th wash or after 40 days of use. These are rough guidelines however; the most accurate gauge is when you notice that water is no longer beading on the fabric.
Q. Why special cleaners instead of regular laundry detergent?
A. Regular household laundry detergents should be avoided when washing garments that have DWR finishes. Detergents are powerful cleaning agents that can remove the fabric’s water-repellent finish. Most detergents also contain fabric softeners, fragrances, color brighteners and wetting agents that are difficult to rinse out. These residues are water attractive and will reduce or eliminate the effects of the DWR. Granger’s cleaners are the same residue-free cleaners as those used to clean the fabric prior to application of the fabric’s water-repellent DWR finish. Avoid soap products which can leave residue on the fabric—especially when used in areas of hard water.
Q. Is ‘pre-washing’ necessary prior to restoring the DWR?
A. Granger's treatments work best when applied to clean fabric. We strongly recommend using Granger's G-Wash Cleaner, G-Wash Spray Cleaner or Down Wash Plus (for down-filled items) as a pre-wash to remove dirt and any detergent residues that can prevent the waterproofing from securely bonding to the fabric fibers. This helps maximize the performance and durability of Granger’s waterproofing treatments.
Q. Is heat drying necessary?
A. Most restorative DWR treatments that rely on the industry standard fluoro chemical technology require heat (tumble drying or ironing) to align the molecules. It is the heat that activates the water and stain repellent properties. Always follow the garment manufacturers’ care tag instructions. For garments that can be tumble dried (and most can), we suggest 50 minutes on a medium heat (permanent press) setting. This is equal to 130F (50C). Another option is to iron (medium heat setting) the garment. The right Granger's treatment combined with the recommended amount of heat will restore the DWR to original DWR performance.
Q. Does the use of a front load versus top loading washing machine make a difference with Granger's wash-in cleaners and wash-in waterproofing?
Front loading machines are becoming more popular in North America (they are the standard in Europe) due to their higher efficiency—they use less electricity, consume less water. Since they use less water it is possible to use less Granger’s Cleaners and Waterproofing treatments--as a general rule, you can use half of the amount recommended for a top loading machine. It is also true that front loading machines tend to be gentler on clothing—an important factor when washing down-filled garments, sleeping bags and comforters.
Q. Which application method (spray-on or wash-in) is best to use on my waterproof/ breathable Gore-Tex® jacket?
A. There are several factors that should be considered in choosing between wash-in and spray-on water repellent treatments. These include the type of garment, the manufacturer's recommendations on the care tag, convenience, and the type of lining.
Our philosophy is that a Wash-In (such as Granger’s Wash-In Waterproofing for Synthetic Fabrics) is often the most appropriate choice for use on waterproof/ breathable garments. With the Wash-In product, the washing machine does all the work and provides thorough, even coverage. Both versions maintain breathability of the Gore-Tex® waterproof / breathable membrane.
The Spray-On version is ideal for garments that cannot be machine washed or for those with high-tech ‘bi-component’ wicking liners to which you want to maintain the wicking properties of the lining. Spray-on treatments are best for most ‘soft-shell’ garments. The performance of the spray-on treatment will be excellent provided care is given to apply an even coat on the garment. The Spray-On version is a great choice when a quick 'touch-up' is desired or when a washing machine may not be convenient. Either application method is effective, but the Wash-In version has the edge when it comes to ease and thorough coverage.
Q. What recommendation does W.L. Gore make on how to best care for my Gore-Tex jacket?
A. Bill Aklin of the W.L. Gore --Fabric Care Advocate Team recommends the following.
First of all, we recommend following the manufacturer's instructions as the best way to care for the garment.
Generally, washing the garment in the washing machine, using regular laundry detergent, and then drying it in the dryer, on low to medium heat for about hour, is the best way to care for your GORE-TEX® garment. The heat from the dryer actually helps to "revive" the Durable Water Repellent (DWR) that is coated to the outside shell of the garment. The GORE-TEX® membrane is laminated to the inside of the outside shell, providing a waterproof barrier. The heat from the dryer does not affect the membrane in anyway. Higher heat may affect the outside shell of the product, but again, please contact the manufacturer for this information. Also, ironing the garment using low heat adds a nice finishing touch that helps enhance the effectiveness of the repellency.
What does happen when a garment is not cared for on a regular basis, is that the DWR becomes "masked" and then does not perform properly. The outside shell becomes saturated (called wet out) and this prevents the water vapors that are coming off your body from "escaping" to the outside (breathability). The garment becomes heavy and water logged, and then you begin to feel cold and damp on the inside. In fact, it might feel like the garment is actually leaking from the condensation that is occurring. So it is best to keep the DWR at its peak performance.
Ask your local "Outdoor Retailer" to show you a "Durable Water Repellent" (DWR) for Waterproof/Breathable Fabrics.
W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc does not recommend or endorse any one name brand over another. However, some examples would be:
Grangers http://www.grangersusa.com, Nik-Wax, Revive X.
NOTE: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc, does not recommend the use of "wash-in" DWR restoration products for garment with "high performance/wicking liners.
However, DWR does not need to be applied to the garment each time, and if you are still getting wet on the inside after applying the DWR then there may be a problem with the GORE-TEX® membrane (the waterproof membrane.)
Q. I have a bottle of the Granger's Wash-In Waterproofing for Synthetic Fabrics. The instructions refer to a measure called a "capful." The cap of the bottle consists of a large cap, and a smaller threaded cap inside of it. The two are considerably different in volume. Which cap do the instructions refer to?
A. The ‘capful’ referred to in the instructions is for the full (large) capful.
Q. What is the reason for adding UV protection to a garment?
A. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun damages fabrics by degrading the strength of the fiber and by causing colors to fade. The abrasion and tear resistance of nylon, polyester and cotton is greatly reduced by prolonged exposure to U.V. radiation. Color fading is also a problem when material is subjected to U.V. radiation. Colors will begin to lose vibrancy with moderate exposure. Do keep in mind that cloudy weather does not reduce U.V. exposure. Granger’s offers products that protect against U.V. degradation.
Q. Why include a UV inhibitor in a treatment for soft shell garments?
A. Soft shell garments are designed to have a broad comfort range and be worn in all but extreme nasty weather. This means that a person is likely to wear their soft shell garment more than they would there (hard shell) weatherproof outer garment. As a result, it is going to be exposed to the harmful UV rays of the sun for longer periods. Granger’s Spray-On Soft Shell UV Proof protects against the UV radiation thereby, maintaining the strength of the fabric and reducing fading.
Q. What are the advantages of Granger’s WaterWorks Technology®?
A. Granger’s WaterWorks Technology® is our group of products that use water instead of petroleum solvents to deliver the active ingredients. We use water in place of harmful chemicals in an effort to provide non-toxic, effective and environment-friendly products. No animal testing is involved in the development of these water based products. Granger’s WaterWorks Technology® products contain higher levels of active ingredients than petroleum solvent treatments resulting in better performance for you.
Q. I have heard that the EPA is studying the effects of PFOA, a byproduct of fluorochemical production, for health reasons. Does this relate to Granger's products?
A. While Granger's does employ fluoropolymers in the production of some waterproofing products, there is no concern here. There is a wide variety of fluorochemicals and manufacturing processes used by industry. The fluoropolymers used by Granger's does NOT contain PFOAs. While Granger's seeks to provide the highest level of waterproofing and stain repellency, we will do so only by using 'safe chemistry.' We are committed to the safey and well-being of our consumers, employees and the environment!
Q. Does your product work on Polartec® fleece?
A. Granger’s Wash-In Waterproofing for Synthetics works extremely well on all sorts of synthetic fleece garments. While the fabric fibers do not absorb moisture, the knitted construction tend to catch and trap water. Adding a water repellent finish will help eliminate this problem. Dry fleece is warm fleece!
Q. I was told by my local shop that Gore-Tex® should not be cleaned as it might harm the waterproofing and seam tape. Is this true?
A. No absolutely not. Gore-Tex® care recommendations actually suggest regular washing and drying to remove dirt and contaminants in an effort to maintain the outer fabric’s durable water repellent (DWR) finish so that the garment can perform at its best. In the early development of waterproof/breathable fabrics there were concerns with delamination of the Gore-Tex® fabric and seam tape. Those days are past and the quality of the lamination and seam taping has virtually eliminated this problem.
Q. I manage a ski area uniform program. Are there Granger's products that will help me get the most from my investment in our uniforms?
A. Granger's offers several products--cleaners and restorative waterproofing treatments-- that will keep your uniforms performing their best, looking good while helping your staff stay warm and dry. All of Granger's key products are available in economical bulk containers.
FAQ - Granger's Equipment Care |
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Q. Why is Granger's G-Wash Spray Cleaner Plus is ideal for sleeping bags (down or synthetic filled).
A. We all know how nice it is to slip into a clean sleeping bag. It’s no secret that a sleeping bag after just a few nights of use ends up being ‘less-than-fresh.’ For most of us, it’s too much of a hassle to wash and dry a sleeping bag on a regular basis. Now it’s a cinch to use Granger’s G-Wash Spray Cleaner to spot clean the collar and hood area as well as the lining material to quickly clean and freshen the bag. We recommend using Granger’s Down Wash Plus (for down-filled) sleeping bags and the washing machine version Granger’s G-Wash Cleaner (for synthetic filled) periodically to thoroughly clean the bag (shell and fill material) to restore it’s loft and insulating power.
Q. How should I clean a sleeping or comforter?
A. Due to the high bulk of sleeping bags, comforters and heavily insulated garments, we recommend using a large-capacity front loading machine. This may mean going to a laundromat but it’s worth the effort. There are three important reasons for using the large capacity machines. 1) They allow the item to move freely within the machine which helps disperse the cleaner. 2) Front-loading machines are gentler than top-loading agitator machines. 3) The larger machines allow more thorough rinsing. Hand washing in a tub or basin is also an option but tends to be much more labor intensive.
Q. What is the best way to dry down filled clothing, sleeping bags and comforters?
A. Tumble drying is best. You may dry using the hang drying method, but tumble drying in a large machine on low to medium heat, is far better. Bring a good book and a roll of quarters. If your laundromat has an ‘extractor’ machine, use it. This high speed drum will gently spin a lot of water out of the garment/sleeping bag and hasten the drying process. Tumble drying helps fluff-up the down and hastens process. Some people recommend adding a few clean tennis balls or a pair of sneakers to the dryer in an effort to fluff the down and break-up the wet clumps. We feel that the light weight of tennis balls does very little to help. A pair of sneakers on the other hand could damage the item. We suggested pulling the item out of the dryer and manually checking for wet clumps breaking them up with your fingers every 15 minutes.
Q. Why is it important to add a water repellent finish to a waterproof tent rainfly?
A. Most tent flys are nylon or polyester with a waterproof coating (typically polyurethane coated or the newer siliconized nylon) on one side of the fabric (usually the inside). The coating provides weather protection however; the outer face (uncoated side) of the fabric is exposed to rain, snow, dew and dirt and can absorb moisture. When the fabric absorbs moisture it becomes heavy and takes longer to dry. Periodic restoration of the fabric’s water repellent finish will lighten your load. This also helps to reduce the likelihood of mildew forming on the fabric. The treated fabric dries quicker which reduces the risk of a damp rainfly being stored away and creating an environment that breeds mold and mildew.
Q. Why does Granger's Tent & Gear UV Waterproofing have a U.V. inhibitor in the formula?
A. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun damages fabrics by degrading the strength of the fiber and by causing colors to fade. The abrasion and tear resistance of nylon or polyester is greatly reduced by prolonged exposure to U.V. radiation. Color fading is also a problem when material is subjected to U.V. radiation. Colors will begin to lose vibrancy with moderate exposure. Do keep in mind that cloudy weather does not reduce U.V. exposure.
FAQ - Granger's Footwear Care |
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Take me to the 'Hiking Boot Care' page.
Q. Why do I need a different product for my Gore-Tex® footwear? Most other shoe care brands recommend their product for all types of footwear including Gore-Tex®!
A. W.L.Gore® has extremely high standards that require that care products do not impede any of the breathability qualities of Gore-Tex® footwear. The testing that Granger’s G-Tec has been subjected to, meets Gore’s standards. Any company can claim that their products are “suitable for” or “recommended for” Gore-Tex®. Only Granger’s can say that our products are actually ‘Tested By and Recommended By Gore® for Gore-Tex® Footwear.’ Why spend the extra money on Gore-Tex® waterproof / breathable technology and treat it with anything that will reduce the breathability and compromise the performance. Granger’s G-Tec footwear protectors, cleaners and conditioners optimize the performance of Gore-Tex® footwear.
Q. What is the difference between Granger's G-Tec and G-Wax lines of footwear treatments?
A. Granger's G-Tec optimizes breathability. The G-Tec line consists of footwear treatments that have passed W.L. Gore’s rigorous testing and earned Gore’s approval for use on Gore-Tex lined footwear. These protectants and conditioners are guaranteed to maintain the breathability of Gore-Tex® footwear. G-Tec treatments are ideal for any footwear with waterproof / breathable liners such as Gore-Tex®, eVent® or Sympatex®.
Granger's G-Wax products maximizes water and stain repellency.
G-Wax treatments are for the most demanding of conditions when you want the highest level of water and stain repellency. The G-Wax series of waterproofing treatment are the most durable as well.
Q. How long will the treatment last?
A. While no treatments are permanent—Granger's G-Wax line of products are formulated to bond securely to the leather or fabric of footwear. The tenacity of this bond allows the treatment to remain effect for a long time. As a rule of thumb, we recommend a monthly application if you use the footwear on a regular basis to insure that your feet will stay dry and the footwear protected from the elements. The best gauge is to reapply if you notice the leather or fabric starting to absorb moisture--‘wet out.’ The durability of the treatments will be enhanced by first applying them to clean footwear. Two or three coats of the treatment will improve durability and we suggest allowing the treatment to dry completely between applications.
Q. How is it that G-Wax Nubuck & Suede Waterproofing maintains the look of nubuck and suede leather?
A. Granger's G-Wax Nubuck & Suede Waterproofing is formulated in such a way that it does not rely upon wax or oils to add water and stain repellency. Our WaterWorks Technology® incorporates chemistry borrowed from the cosmetics industry. These components are readily absorbed into the leather and provide protection that is not oily or sticky.
Q. I have a pair of combination nylon and leather trail running shoes—do I need separate treatments for waterproofing the different materials?
A. All you need is Granger's G-Wax Fabric & Leather Waterproofing—it is formulated to be effective on synthetic materials such as the nylon as well as leather. G-Wax Fabric & Leather Waterproofing also adds oil/stain resistance while maintaining the breathability of the footwear.
Q. How does G-Wax Paste Wax for Smooth Leather differ from the G-Wax Smooth Leather Waterproofing?
A. There are actually more similarities than differences. Both are formulated to give maximum water and stain repellency to smooth finished leathers. Both incorporate our WaterWorks Technology® which is an environment friendly water based solution that borrows components from the cosmetics industry—ingredients that protect and condition leather (skin), are easily absorbed, breathable and effective without being oily or sticky. We offer both for customers who prefer one application method over the other—sponge-on versus rub-on.
Q. Should I clean my leather boots even if they aren’t stained?
A. Periodic cleaning of the leather will help to remove salt deposits that accumulate in the leather from perspiration. Salt tends to dry out leather and therefore it’s a good idea to clean the boots on a regular basis. This is also true of the lining of your footwear—leather or fabric. To maximize the effectiveness of conditioners and waterproofing treatments we recommend cleaning the leather first.
Knowledge Base - Fabric Care |
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Outerwear Maintenance That Enhances Your Comfort
Did you know that microscopic fluoropolymers make up the garment’s DWR (durable water repellent) fabric finish and are key to maintaining overall performance of your rainwear? Modern outerwear fabrics have a DWR (durable water repellent) finish applied during manufacture. This microscopic fluoropolymer finish is designed to lower the surface tension of the fabric, causing water to bead up and roll off your shell garment and it also improves breathability and comfort. Some maintenance is required to optimize the performance of the DWR, but it’s fairly simple: wash it, dry it and on occasion apply a restorative DWR to replenish what is worn off over time.
Regular use and exposure to dirt, insect repellents, sun screens, air pollution even campfire smoke mask the DWR and allow the fabric to absorb moisture—wet out. This causes condensation and reduced breathability in the garment--which results in you feeling cold and clammy.
Clean your garment regularly with a cleaner that is specifically designed to remove the dirt without leaving water-attractive residue. Avoid common household detergents because they contain fabric softeners, fragrances and bleach which are water-attractive residues and difficult to rinse out. Special residue-free cleaners (Granger’s G-Wash Cleaner or G-Wash Spray Cleaner) remove dirt without masking the DWR. Heat from a dryer helps restore the DWR on the fabric. Some cleaners (soaps) are susceptible to hard water and can leave a residue on the garment. Water failing to bead on the surface of the fabric after proper cleaning and tumble-drying indicates that the DWR is in need of replenishment. Applying a restorative treatment such as Granger’s Wash-In Waterproofing for Synthetics Fabrics or Spray-On Waterproofing for Synthetics will restore the DWR.
ISO 9001 and 14001 Accreditation
The International Organization for Standardization has certified the quality and environmental management of Granger's as a company, it's systems, processes and its products meet the highest standards for quality and environmental safety. To find our more about ISO, click here.
Knowledge Base - Footwear Care |
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Optimize the Performance of Your Gore-Tex® Footwear
Even Gore-Tex® lined footwear benefits from having the leather or fabric maintained properly. Regular cleaning and the application of leather conditioners and water repellents aids in maximizing the breathability of Gore-Tex® footwear. Granger’s offers the only footwear products tested and approved by W.L. Gore® for Gore-Tex® footwear in North America.
Just as the maintenance of the DWR (durable water repellency) on waterproof/ breathable garments is critical to optimizing the performance of the garment, so to is it important for footwear with waterproof/ breathable liners such as Gore-Tex®, eVENT® and Sympatex®. In addition to adding repellency, the treatments should protect the leather without reducing the breathability. Granger’s offers the G-Tec line of cleaner, conditioner and several water repellents that have been tested, approved and recommended by W.L.Gore® for use on Gore-Tex® footwear. In order to pass Gore’s rigorous standards and earn their endorsement, the products must perform without any reduction in breathability. Granger’s G-Tec footwear treatments are the only products recommended by W.L Gore® in North America.
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