Maintenance
Maintenance
Proper maintenance extends the life of your THREE HILL gear and ensures consistent performance. Follow these guidelines to keep your technical outerwear in peak condition.
Regular Maintenance Schedule
After Every Use
- Shake out debris and dirt
- Hang to air dry if damp
- Check zippers and closures for damage
- Spot clean stains immediately
Every 2-3 Wears
- Wash according to Care Instructions
- Inspect seams and stress points
- Clean zipper tracks with soft brush
Every 20-30 Washes
- Reapply DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treatment
- Deep clean with technical fabric wash
- Inspect and repair any damage
Seasonal (End of Season)
- Thorough cleaning before storage
- Professional inspection for heavy use items
- DWR reapplication if needed
- Proper storage preparation
DWR Treatment Maintenance
When to Reapply
DWR coating degrades over time and with washing. Reapply when:
- Water no longer beads on fabric surface
- Fabric appears to absorb water (wets out)
- After 20-30 wash cycles
- Performance noticeably decreases
How to Reactivate DWR
- Wash garment thoroughly to remove dirt and oils
- Tumble dry on low heat for 20 minutes
- Heat reactivates existing DWR coating
- Test water repellency after cooling
How to Reapply DWR
- Clean garment completely
- Apply spray-on or wash-in DWR treatment following product instructions
- Allow to dry completely
- Heat-activate with low tumble dry or iron (check garment care label)
- Test water repellency before use
Recommended Products: Nikwax, Grangers, or other technical fabric DWR treatments
Zipper Maintenance
Cleaning
- Brush zipper tracks with soft toothbrush to remove dirt
- Rinse with clean water
- Allow to dry completely
Lubrication
- Apply zipper lubricant or beeswax to teeth
- Run zipper up and down several times
- Wipe excess lubricant
- Perform every 10-15 uses or when stiff
Common Issues
Stuck Zipper: Gently work zipper back and forth, apply lubricant, check for fabric caught in teeth
Separated Zipper: May indicate worn slider—contact us for repair options
Missing Teeth: Requires professional repair—do not continue using
Seam Care
Inspection
Regularly check seams for:
- Loose or broken stitching
- Tape delamination (on sealed seams)
- Stress point damage
- Abrasion wear
Seam Sealing
If seam tape begins to peel:
- Clean area thoroughly
- Apply seam sealer following product instructions
- Allow to cure completely (24-48 hours)
- Test in controlled environment before field use
Storage Best Practices
Short-Term Storage (Between Uses)
- Hang on wide hangers to maintain shape
- Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area
- Keep away from direct sunlight
- Ensure completely dry before hanging
Long-Term Storage (Off-Season)
- Clean thoroughly before storage
- Ensure 100% dry (moisture causes mildew)
- Store uncompressed in breathable garment bag
- Avoid plastic bags (traps moisture)
- Keep in climate-controlled space
- Check periodically for moisture or pests
What to Avoid
- Never store damp or dirty garments
- Avoid compressed storage for extended periods
- Keep away from heat sources and direct sunlight
- Don't store in humid basements or hot attics
Stain Treatment
Oil-Based Stains
- Blot (don't rub) excess immediately
- Apply small amount of technical fabric cleaner
- Gently work in with soft brush
- Rinse with cold water
- Wash as normal
Mud & Dirt
- Allow to dry completely
- Brush off dried mud
- Spot clean remaining stains
- Wash as normal
Stubborn Stains
For persistent stains, contact us at Hello@threehill.com for specific treatment recommendations before attempting aggressive cleaning.
Repair Services
When to Repair
- Small tears or punctures
- Broken zippers or hardware
- Seam failures
- Delaminated seam tape
- Worn cuffs or hems
DIY Repairs
Small Tears: Use repair tape designed for technical fabrics as temporary fix
Loose Buttons/Snaps: Re-secure with needle and thread or contact us for replacement hardware
Professional Repairs
For significant damage or technical repairs, contact us at Hello@threehill.com with:
- Photos of damage
- Product details (series, size, purchase date)
- Description of how damage occurred
We're committed to extending the life of your THREE HILL gear through repair services.
Performance Monitoring
Signs Your Gear Needs Attention
- Water no longer beads on surface
- Fabric feels heavy when wet
- Reduced breathability or comfort
- Zippers sticking or catching
- Visible wear on high-use areas
- Insulation clumping or shifting
Questions About Maintenance?
For specific maintenance questions or repair inquiries:
Hello@threehill.com
Our team can provide guidance on care, maintenance schedules, and repair options to keep your gear performing at its best.