Durable Water Repellent

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Top part is ironed after washing and the water repellent is working by making the water bead up. Bottom part is not ironed after washing and becomes soaked.

DWR (Durable Water Repellent) is a coating added to fabrics to make them water-resistant. Durable water repellents are often used in conjunction with waterproof breathable fabrics such as Gore-Tex to prevent the outer layer of a laminated waterproof breathable from becoming saturated with water. Maintaining the DWR is critical to maintaining the breathable nature of waterproof breathable outerwear.

[edit] Brands

Garments made of waterproof breathable fabrics are treated with DWR at the factory, and don't need treatment before using. The finish wears off eventually, but the repellency can be re-applied using sprays or wash-in products. Common brands of DWR finishes include:

Nikwax (patented wax-elastomer base)
ReviveX (fluoropolymer base)
Scotchgard (fluoropolymer base)
Tectron (fluoropolymer base)
Kiwi Camp Dry (silicone base)
Granger's (fluoropolymer base)

[edit] Care

Despite the name, durable water repellent finishes tend to wear off and may need to be re-applied from time to time. The application method will probably make a big difference in the DWR you choose to use. Most fabric treatments are applied either by adding to a regular wash cycle in a washing machine, or by spraying. Keeping the fabric clean is also an essential part of maintaining the integrity of the outerfabric.

Fluoropolymer-type repellents tend to lose their properties when washing. Such garments need tumble drying in medium heat or ironing to restore the repellency.

WARNING: While fluoropolymers offer a high level of water repellency, as well as a high degree of oil and stain repellency, everyday users should be aware that fluoropolymer compounds degrade into PFOA's. PFOA's have been suspected by the EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) to be carcinogenic to humans.