Care instructions

Thank you for choosing ZAJO. Before diving into your new adventure, take a moment to read through this guide. It's here to help you understand the best ways to care for your ZAJO gear. Crafted from premium, cutting-edge materials, our products do need a touch of special attention. But fear not, it's simple! By adhering to a few fundamental guidelines, you'll ensure your ZAJO gear remains in top shape for many adventures to come.

Please note: While this guide offers general care advice, always prioritize the specific instructions found on your individual product. They might have nuances tailored to that item's unique materials and design.

ESSENTIAL CARE TIPS

1. Initial Wash: Before your first adventure, give your product a gentle wash. This ensures any residues from manufacturing or storage are removed.
2. Label Love: Always heed the care symbols on your product's label.
3. Prep for Machine Wash: Before tossing it in the machine, empty pockets and remove any items that could harm the material. Secure all zippers, buttons, hooks, and velcro to protect delicate fabrics.
4. Positioning: For best results, wash, dry, and iron your gear inside out.
5. Separate and Match: Wash your ZAJO gear separately, pairing with similar items in character and color.
6. Temperature Matters: Stick to the recommended washing temperature, typically 30°C. Trust the label over intuition.
7. Ironing: Most of our functional materials resist wrinkles, so ironing is often unnecessary. If you do iron, never go hotter than the label suggests.
8. Detergent Choice: For our materials, liquid detergents work best, especially those crafted for functional fabrics.
9. Skip the Additives: Avoid bleach, water softeners, and fabric softeners. They can alter color, damage the fabric, or block the material's breathable qualities.
10. Rinse Well: Ensure all detergent and dirt residues are thoroughly rinsed out after washing.
11. Post-Wash: Don't let your gear sit in the washing machine. Remove promptly and begin drying.
12. Drying: Avoid direct sunlight when drying. It can fade colors and compromise the material's functionality.
13. Storage: Never store wet or soiled gear for extended periods. Membrane products, in particular, should be kept away from direct sunlight and high temperatures. If storing for a while, hang in a dark place like a closet. If folding is necessary, ensure it's not under heavy pressure.
14. Cosmetics Caution: Steer clear of applying deodorants, perfumes, or other cosmetics directly onto the product.
15. Pilling Note: While our products undergo anti-pilling treatments, some pilling might occur due to wear and tear. It's a natural aspect of the fabric, countered by its functionality and comfort. This visual aspect doesn't compromise the product's performance and isn't grounds for a complaint.

By following these guidelines, you'll ensure your ZAJO gear remains ready for countless adventures ahead.

ORGANIC COTTON CARE GUIDE

Caring for your organic cotton T-shirt is straightforward:

1. Washing: Feel free to use standard washing programs, even at higher speeds. However, skip the fabric softener.
2. Drying: While these T-shirts can be machine dried, opt for the lowest temperature settings. Especially with organic cotton, higher temperatures can lead to shrinkage of up to 10%.
3. Print Care: Got a printed T-shirt? Turn it inside out when washing, stick to cooler temperatures, and avoid ironing directly on the print.

Always remember, the label on your T-shirt is your best guide. It offers detailed care, cleaning, and drying instructions tailored to that specific product. Some cotton items might have slightly different care needs, so always check the label before proceeding.

POLYESTER CARE GUIDE

Polyester stands out for its durability, flexibility, and resistance to shrinkage, making its upkeep a breeze:

1. Washing: Machine wash polyester items at cooler temperatures using regular detergents. However, avoid fabric softeners or emollients.
2. Drying: While some polyester products can be tumble dried, always choose lower temperatures and gentler cycles. Given its quick air-drying nature, avoid excessive tumble drying as it might lead to minor shrinkage.
3. Ironing: Polyester can be ironed, but it's best to use lower temperatures. Steaming is the ideal choice for refreshing polyester items.

As always, the product label is your go-to guide. It offers specific care, cleaning, and drying instructions tailored to that particular item. Since care requirements can differ slightly among polyester products, always consult the label before proceeding.

MERINO WOOL CARE GUIDE

Merino wool is a delicate fabric with unique characteristics:

1. Washing: Ideally, hand wash merino wool or use gentle machine cycles. If machine washing, place items in a mesh bag to protect them from zippers or buckles that might harm the fabric. Avoid fabric softeners.
2. Frequency: Due to its breathable and antibacterial nature, merino wool doesn't require frequent washing. Often, airing it out after use is enough to refresh the garment.

Always refer to the product label for specific care, cleaning, and drying instructions, as they can differ slightly among merino wool items.

DOWN-FILLED PRODUCTS CARE GUIDE

Maintaining down-filled items requires special attention:

1. Professional Cleaning: Given their delicate nature, we suggest using professional laundry services equipped with dryers for down jackets.
2. Spot Cleaning: For minor stains or dirt, hand-clean using a soft sponge and warm water.
3. Machine Washing: If machine washing, opt for liquid detergents, preferably those designed for down. Avoid fabric softeners. Add three tennis balls to the drum to ensure even distribution of down. Use a gentle 30°C cycle or a specialized down program if available.
4. Drying: Thoroughly dry down jackets in a dryer on the lowest setting. You might need to run multiple cycles to ensure the down fluffs up properly.

Always consult the product label for specific care, cleaning, and drying instructions tailored to each down-filled item.

Note on Down Leakage: It's common for feathers to occasionally escape through the material and seams of down-filled products. The fabric's pores, which ensure breathability, can sometimes allow down to slip through. If you notice a feather poking out, gently push it back in rather than pulling it out. This ensures the fabric gap closes naturally. Pulling feathers out can widen the gap, leading to more leakage. A gentle massage of the area can also help realign the fabric.

SYNTHETIC PADDING CARE GUIDE

Products with synthetic padding are relatively low-maintenance:

1. Washing: Machine wash at cooler temperatures using standard detergents. Avoid fabric softeners.
2. Drying: Tumble dry on a gentle setting. For optimal results, you might need to run the drying cycle multiple times.
3. Storage: Hang synthetic-filled jackets for storage. Avoid using compression bags.

Always refer to the product label for specific care, cleaning, and drying instructions, as they can differ slightly among synthetic padded items.

MEMBRANE MATERIALS CARE GUIDE

Membrane materials require a touch of special attention:

1. Washing: Opt for cooler temperatures and gentler machine cycles. Consider a double rinse after washing. Use only liquid detergents, preferably those designed for membrane materials. Steer clear of fabric softeners.
2. Ironing: Iron at low temperatures, placing a towel or cloth between the iron and the garment.
3. Water-Repellent Finish: Jackets made of membrane materials often come with a water-repellent finish. While this doesn't impact the jacket's waterproofness, it aids in water runoff. Over time, due to wear, incorrect washing, and other factors, this layer can wear off. Regularly reapply a water-repellent treatment to maintain this feature.

As always, consult the product label for tailored care, cleaning, and drying instructions, as requirements can vary slightly among membrane products.

FLEECE JACKETS CARE GUIDE

Fleece jackets are known for their durability and breathability:

1. Washing Frequency: Only wash when there are visible stains or a distinct odor.
2. Washing Instructions: Use standard synthetic washing programs at cooler temperatures with liquid detergents. Avoid fabric softeners. For best results, turn the jacket inside out and ensure pockets are empty – paper remnants can be tricky to remove.
3. Drying: Tumble dry on low.
4. Ironing: It's best to avoid ironing fleece as it can compromise its insulation. If you must, use a steam iron and place a towel or cloth between the iron and the jacket, pressing lightly.

Always refer to the product label for specific care, cleaning, and drying instructions, as they can differ slightly among fleece jackets.

SLEEPING MATS CARE GUIDE

Maintaining your sleeping mat ensures longevity and optimal performance:

1. Protection: Keep air-filled mats away from open flames, sparks, coals, or any heat sources to prevent damage. When setting up, choose an area free from sharp objects that could puncture the mat. Each of our mats comes with a repair kit, complete with detailed instructions.
2. Drying: After use, air out the mat in a well-ventilated space or in the shade outdoors. Direct sunlight can weaken the material.
3. Storage: Never store a damp mat. Moisture can lead to mold growth, which can irreparably damage the material. Proper ventilation is crucial.

By following these guidelines, you'll ensure your outdoor gear remains in top condition for many adventures to come.

TREKKING POLES CARE GUIDE

Maintaining your trekking poles is straightforward:

1. Drying: After each use, ensure the poles are thoroughly dried to prevent oxidation of the duralumin. Never store them wet.
2. Accessories: Utilize the included rubber tips and snow baskets consistently. They protect the poles, particularly the joints and holes, from side-loading damage.

BACKPACKS CARE GUIDE

A well-maintained backpack can serve you for years:

1. Post-Hike Care: After each hike, dry your backpack completely in a well-ventilated area or in the shade. Storing it wet can lead to mold, causing irreversible damage.
2. Cleaning: For stains, gently use mild soap, a cloth, and warm water. Avoid machine washing or tumble drying. Regularly inspect and clean zippers and other parts to prevent dust and sand accumulation.

TENTS CARE GUIDE

Proper tent maintenance enhances its longevity:

1. Cleaning: After use, clean the interior of debris like dust, sand, branches, or leaves. Use a sponge, mild soap, and warm water for exterior cleaning. Avoid machine washing. Pay special attention to poles and zippers, as they are prone to collecting dust and sand.
2. Drying: Ensure the tent is completely dry before storage, ideally in a well-ventilated area or outside. Storing a damp tent can lead to mold damage.

For all these products, always refer to any specific care instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure optimal maintenance and longevity.