FAQ - Questions answered directly
general questions and answers
Why should functional clothing be cleaned regularly?
As dirt and sweat can impair the water-repellent properties and breathability of membranes of functional textiles, they should be cleaned regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions. After regular use, functional clothing should be cleaned every 3-4 months, or after each intensive use.
Why and how often should functional clothing be reproofed?
Functional textiles come with a water- and dirt-repellent finish when first bought. Due to wear and tear as well as washing (mechanical stress), this impregnation wears off over time. We recommend reproofing functional garments after ever second or third household wash to restore the water- and dirt-repellent properties.
Can all stains be removed?
A professional washing process cannot guarantee to remove all types of stains. We have many years of experience in the removal of dirt and stains from many types of materials but there are certain textiles where stains cannot be completely removed without damage to the surface. Our options are limited by whatever treatment the fabric allows.
Why should I specify what caused the stain?
We use different removal agents according to the stain in question. Therefore, the more we know about the source of the stain (e.g., oil paint, laquer, or emulsion paint, or perhaps too much reproofing liquid from your own previous treatment), the better we can remove it in a manner that is gentle on the textile without having to experiment - very often with success!
Are all hairs and fluff removed from the clothing in the process?
It depends on the type of material if all hairs and fluff can be removed. For example, fleece and certain types of cotton materials tend to bind with hairs. The same goes for Velcro fasteners. In such cases, hair and fluff can only be removed by brushing or picking which is rather labor-intensive. Unfortunately, we cannot provide this special service and ask for understanding if hairs or fluff may remain on your garment even after our process.
Are garments always washed before reproofing?
To achieve best results, we wash every item before reproofing. Given the huge variety of textiles and types of stains, this is the only way we can ensure the quality you expect from our service. Even brand-new items, that look completely unused, are washed beforehand. We follow the manufacturer's instructions and ensure a careful washing process.
Questions Regarding Outdoor Clothing
Is it worthwhile to reproof softshell jackets?
Yes, it is. While softshell jackets are not waterproof due to the lack of a membrane, they are, however, water-repellent. Our special reproofing process restores the original water- and dirt-repellent properties of your softshell jacket. Please note, the seams and points of intensive wear will be the first places where dampness can reoccur due to wear and tear breaking down the impregnation.
My jacket has a fur collar. Can this also be washed?
Unfortunately, not. Both natural and artificial fur collars cannot be washed. If the fur collar of your jacket is removable, you can take it off before sending your jacket to us, of course.
What types of reproofing processes do you use?
(Spraying/washing/pressing processes?)
Over many years, we have developed a special wash-in waterproofing process for outdoor clothing. We have optimized the laundry and drying appliances and use industrial-strength, PFC-free waterproofing agents based on resin emulsions. Depending on the degree of dirtiness, the condition of the material and the weight of the garment, we determine the optimal amount of washing and reproofing substances. This kind of fine tuning of a process is not possible using common household laundry appliances.
Is the breathability of the material affected by the reproofing?
No, on the contrary. Our cleaning and reproofing process reactivates the breathability of functional clothing because the reproofing functions from the outside to the inside of the material. This effect has been confirmed by the regular tests made by the clothing manufacturers.
Is the inner layer reproofed in the process?
Or in the same context: How can a wash-in waterproofing process ensure breathability? Doesn’t it clog up the fabric? This is not the case. Our process, which has been developed over many years, ensures that the proofing is only applied on the outer side.
What are PFCs?
Poly- and perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) are environmentally damaging toxic chemicals that we no longer use for reproofing outdoor clothing. Further information on PFCs, their effects and toxicity can be found on the website of the German Federal Environment Agency:Press release/a>
We we keep the PFC-free and PFC-containing reproofing processes strictly separated from each other (also machinewise).
What do you use instead of PFCs?
We use environmentally friendly resin-based emulsions.
How do you check that my jacket is properly reproofed?
As part of our quality assurance process, we perform standardised periodic spray tests to check the water repellence of the outer fabric.
What does the abbreviation DWR mean?
DWR means durable water repellent. This means a reproofing that maintains permanently waterproof. In effect, water will pearl-off from the surface of the material. This is important in order to maintain the breathability ( that sweat is diffused outwards through the material), so that the functionality of the clothing is maintained. Even when this sounds slightly confusing DWR textiles should be treated exactly as other textiles especially so that the inner membrane functions correctly.
How do I see if the membrane of my clothing is intact?
Membranes of functional textiles are designed with a dual purpose: to prevent water penetration from the outside (water-repellent function) and allowing water diffusion from the inside to the outside (breathability). There are several types of membranes which are used (sewn in & glued, only glued, pressed on). Only completely intact membranes can guarantee fully effective functionality. If it is defect, rain will penetrate at the damaged areas. This damage can be seen when dry, particles break out of the seams or arms. The two pictures show a completely undamaged membrane compared with a damaged one:
 |  |
| Undamaged membrane: flat seams, no holes, no particles. | Damaged membrane: holes in the seams as well as on the surface, particles crumbling out of the jacket. |
Can the reproofing method or MeyerundKuhl repair a damaged membrane? Is my jacket then waterproof?
No, unfortunately we cannot repair a damaged membrane. Depending on the kind of damage, the manufacturer may be able to repair a membrane (e.g., glueing seams). In general, a damaged membrane is hard if not impossible to repair, so that often it is time to purchase a new jacket! We will also reproof defect jackets as the reproofing/pearling off effect will allow the jacket to be worn still however we cannot guarantee the total waterproof qualities.
Questions Regarding Shipping and Processing
What is important for shipments?
Please, ensure that no items are left in pockets (gloves, pens, knives, handkerchiefs, etc.). Please indicate any damage on a short note, included. With stains, please give any information on the source of the stain eg. oil, paint, laquer etc.
Is it possible to shipments made to a packstation or post office?
Yes, this is possible. Either at "my Account" or at “checkout,” before confirming your order, you have the possibility to choose a local packstation or post office as an “alternative delivery address.” Please ensure that ref.number and/or address is correct otherwise we cannot guarantee correct delivery.
How can I know that my shipment have arrived at your location?
To check the status of your order, go to "My Account" and then to "Orders" in the menu on the left. As soon as you have placed an order, it is shown with the status „not yet completed.“ As soon as your shipment arrives at our location, this status will change to show “shipment received.”
How can I see that my clothing items are on their way back to me?
To check the status of your order, go to "My Account" and then to "Orders" in the menu on the left. As soon as we send your clothing back to you, the order status will change to "order completed." You will also receive a shipment notification via email the shipment number so that you can check the status of the shipment and tracking link.
Can I also deliver my clothing items to you personally?
Yes, you can deliver your items to us directly during our opening hours. The procedure is simple: At the checkout in our online shop, choose "self-delivery" as the shipping address and complete the order process. Then bring your clothing to us in Hardegsen. Also, make sure to bring a printout of the delivery note or invoice sent to you as an email attachment.
Maier Sports GmbH in Cooperation mit MeyerundKuhl Spezialwäschen GmbH
