Cortazu logo
Cortazu logo

All articles

Maintenance and Care for Your Cortazu JacketUpdated 40 minutes ago

Regular care helps maintain your Cortazu jacket’s performance and extend its useful life. It helps preserve Barrier CT’s breathability, water protection, and comfort, so your jacket stays ready for everyday use and long days outdoors.

Always check your garment’s care label before washing, drying or applying a water-repellent treatment.

1. Keep It Clean

Sweat, body oils, sunscreen and dirt can build up on the fabric and reduce breathability and water-repellent performance.

After use, especially after exposure to mud, sand or saltwater:

  • Shake off loose dirt and debris.

  • Gently wipe surface dirt with a soft cloth.

  • Spot-clean where needed.

  • Air your jacket and allow it to dry completely.

Regular cleaning helps keep your jacket performing properly. Avoid leaving it dirty or damp for extended periods.

2. Wash Regularly—and Sooner When Needed

If you wear your jacket regularly, wash it every 4–8 weeks, choosing closer to four weeks during periods of heavy use.

Wash sooner if:

  • You have been sweating heavily.

  • Water stops beading on the outer fabric.

  • The outer fabric absorbs water more quickly.

  • You notice reduced breathability or visible buildup.

After heavy sweating, wash your jacket as soon as practical. If you cannot wash it immediately, air it thoroughly and let it dry completely.

Light everyday use does not require washing after every wear. Air your jacket between uses and follow the regular washing schedule.

For preparation, detergent, rinsing and drying instructions, follow our How to Wash Your Hardshell Jacket guide.

3. Restore Water Repellency When Needed

The Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish helps water bead and roll off the outer fabric. Over time, dirt and wear can reduce its effectiveness.

If water stops beading, wash and dry your jacket on low heat first, following the care label and washing guide. If the outer fabric still absorbs water afterwards, apply a suitable PFC-free DWR treatment.

Choose the treatment that suits the areas needing attention:

  • Spray-on treatment: recommended for home use, particularly for local or high-wear areas.

  • Wash-in treatment: suitable when the whole garment needs reproofing.

After applying DWR, use low heat to activate the treatment, following the treatment instructions and your garment’s care label.

Surface wetting alone does not mean your jacket is no longer waterproof. Restoring the DWR finish helps support breathability and comfort in wet conditions.

See our DWR care guide for full instructions.

4. Store It Clean and Completely Dry

Always allow your jacket to dry completely before putting it away. Prolonged dampness can affect adhesives and seam tape and encourage mould.

  • Store it clean and completely dry in a cool, dry place.

  • Preferably hang it loosely.

  • Avoid prolonged tight folding or compression.

  • Keep it away from direct sunlight.

  • Choose breathable storage and avoid trapping moisture in sealed containers.

5. Protect It from Heat and Damage

Keep your jacket away from:

  • Radiators, heaters, and high-heat drying.

  • Hot enclosed spaces for extended periods.

  • Prolonged strong sunlight.

  • Harsh chemicals.

  • Sharp objects and surfaces that could scratch or cut the fabric.

Low-heat tumble drying is part of the care routine when permitted by the care label. Follow the washing guide for drying settings and duration, and the treatment instructions when activating DWR.

6. Inspect Early and Repair Early

Check your jacket occasionally for signs of wear or damage, especially around:

  • Zippers and Velcro closures.

  • Seams and seam tape.

  • Drawcords and elastic components.

  • Areas exposed to frequent rubbing or abrasion.

Addressing small issues early can help prevent further damage and extend the life of your jacket.

Visit our Repair Section to learn about available repair options.

Caring with Purpose

Looking after your jacket helps maintain its performance and extend its useful life. Regular cleaning, proper drying, careful storage, and timely repairs can reduce waste and the need for replacements.

If you have questions about caring for your jacket, contact [email protected].

Was this article helpful?
Yes
No