Most solutions are a quick spray, scrub, or pour away from peak performance. Find step-by-step guides on each product page and in-depth tutorials on our Care Tips page.
Questions on specific product lines? We’ve got you. Scroll down.
At DFNS we strive for sustainability through innovation. The technology in our products sets them apart. For our spray bottles we use Airopack® – game changing compressed air containers manufactured in a process that aims to be people and planet friendly from start to finish. They are verified by Global GreenTag as VOC-free and, for the first time ever, the CARE Collection will feature the rPET Airopack® – the world’s first compressed air powered bottle made with recycled plastic. All of our solutions are water-based and biodegradable so they’re safe for your health and have a minimal environmental impact. It also means they won’t alter the functionality of your footwear or apparel.
Global GreenTag is one of the world’s most robust, trusted and widely recognized ecolabels, that rigorously tests and independently assesses products for true sustainability. Granting their seal of approval means Airopack® are delivering on their sustainability promise.
Usually, spray bottles require solvents to be effective, and release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere. DFNS’s Airopack® - the world’s first compressed air powered plastic bottles made with recycled PET and Global GreenTag certified Airopack® bottles - save 50.3% on carbon emissions compared to traditional aerosol and are used to help reduce environmental impact without compromising performance. Their unique Pressure Control Device guarantees a consistent spray right to the end of the bottle, so you’ll use 98% of the actual product. A 200ml bottle of Airopack® holds the same as 700ml of aerosol, so you get three times the active product at the same shipping impact and price.
Recycled PET (rPET) refers to re-using PET plastic that was already in circulation. Opting for rPET offsets the amount of new plastic that needs to be created, and generates more demand for recycled plastic. Its production also requires less energy than virgin plastic. The North Face CARE Collection powered by DFNS breaks the single-use plastic mould, with the latest innovation from Airopack® - the world’s first compressed air powered plastic bottles made with recycled PET. We use rPET bottles for as many solutions as currently possible in the CARE Collection. This comes with no compromise on the bottles’ performance, while maintaining a VOC-free spray. This is a vital step on the road to true circularity, and gives you the opportunity to make the planet-friendly choice when caring for your gear.
Much outdoor gear comes equipped with a Durable Water Repellent layer – a thin membrane that increases the surface tension on a microscopic level. Over time, from exposure to different substances and conditions, this layer wears down. Even if you’re not getting completely soaked, when the DWR is saturated, your gear may lose breathability, and feel damp and clammy on the inside. Proper maintenance of your waterproof gear can revive waterproof qualities that are weakened through use, and can add an extra layer of protection that improves water resistance and breathability.
When you buy high-performance gear like The North Face, the last thing we want to do is alter its appearance or damage its functionality. We have tested our solutions on a vast range of fabrics. For example, Footwear Protector is effective on everything from canvas, to leather, rubber, suede and nubuck. Apparel Launder works well across all items in your wardrobe (though silk should be avoided). High Performance Tech & Down Wash protects everything from wool, to silk, and down. Once you follow the directions for use closely, your gear should look and feel unchanged.
Because we all explore different paths, the care you need depends on how often you use your gear, and what it goes through. In general, reapplying every few outings, or once you see a dip in performance, is a safe bet. The wash solutions need only be applied sparingly – once or twice a year.
Both are effective in specific scenarios. Wash solutions are applied when your garment is completely immersed in water, so it hits all the folds, flaps, and hard to reach places on your gear. It also lasts for a very long time, needing only to be applied every once in a while, after heavy use. Apparel Protector on the other hand is effective for waterproofing your gear when you are already on the go – for example if you are worried about rain, or if you notice a specific area of your garment that needs further protection.
Tech & Down Wash cleans your kit, protects its material, and, if your gear is waterproof to begin with, will rid the surface of any dirt or oil that is reducing the effectiveness of the original Durable Water Repellent layer. The Water & Stain Repellent Inwash adds a long-lasting liquid repellent layer that is safe for specialised garments, without affecting breathability.
Yes – the Tech & Down Wash can be applied in the same wash as the Water & Stain Repellent Inwash. Make sure you follow the instructions on how to apply them together for best results. Our wash solutions should not be used in combination with conventional laundry products.
No. The last thing we want is to alter the look of your beloved sneakers. Our formula is transparent—just like the bottle it comes in.
Quite the contrary. Proper care with our solutions can revive waterproof qualities that are weakened over time, and add an extra layer of protection that improves water resistance and breathability.
Yes, and they smell amazing. We’re making your gear care ritual a full sensory experience.
Our formulations are non-toxic, water-based and solvent-free.
Unlike traditional aerosols, our alu-air© technology eliminates VOCs and harmful chemicals. Better for your skin, lungs, and performance. Learn more about our commitment to sustainable innovation.
Found a damaged product inside an undamaged package?
We will contact the shipping company and work with you to resolve the situation promptly.
For any other issues, please email help@dfns.co.uk
Our solutions are non-toxic, water-based and solvent-free. They’re designed to preserve your footwear and apparel while taking care of your health and the environment.
Our solutions are crafted in a Cradle to Cradle Certified® facility, and our packaging is produced in an NSF-certified factory. Everything's manufactured in Europe.
alu-air© is the world’s first aluminum air-powered device, designed to tackle plastic waste and carbon emissions.
Emitting pure product at high pressure without harmful propellants, it cuts CO2 emissions by 79% compared to traditional aerosols. The can is made from 95% recycled aluminum, using 90% less energy to produce than new materials. No plastic labels, no internal plastic coating – just a smart, efficient design that’s easy to recycle.
Want to know more? Contact us through the alu-air© website.
Our products are designed to go the distance with you. A large bottle of Refresher treats approximately 25 pieces, while a large bottle of Protector shields about nine pairs of shoes.
The alu-air© bottle can be simply recycled with your general plastic waste.
For specific recycling instructions, please check your local guidelines to ensure proper disposal.
We ship yo the UK.
If you live in any of the countries below you can order through our dfns.com website.
The shipping costs are calculated at checkout, but you can find an estimated price here.
Your order will typically arrive within 1-5 working days, depending on your country of delivery. We aim to ship all orders within 1 business day, but final delivery timing depends on our carrier partner. You can find estimated delivery times for your country here.
You'll receive a confirmation email after ordering and another email after your order is shipped with a track & trace code that indicates the status of the delivery.
If you have any issue with your tracking information, email us at help@dfns.co.uk and we will be happy to help.
Unfortunately, that’s not possible. If there’s a mistake in your shipping address, email us at help@dfns.co.uk so we can handle it before your order is shipped.
Yes, you can make a return request within 14 days after the day your order was delivered.
Please note we only offer refunds if the product packaging is unopened and in a resellable condition, and the product is unused. We reserve the right to reject any return request that does not comply with these requirements.
Please note that all return shipping costs are the customer’s responsibility. For any additional information, please email : help@dfns.co.uk
Unfortunately, that’s not possible. We suggest you return your current order and place a new one.
Found a damaged product inside an undamaged package?
We will contact the shipping company and work with you to resolve the situation promptly.
For any other issues, please email help@dfns.co.uk
We usually sound out the letters, but whatever rolls off the tongue works fine.
The name 'DFNS' plays on the age old sporting mantra of 'Offense sells tickets. Defense wins championships.'
Of course. We work with many partners around the world to sell our products in store. Check out our store locator page to find where we’re near you.
We care about what you think as much as we care for your gear, so that’s a lovely question.
You can share your experience and get rewarded:
Applying DFNS CARE solutions to your outdoor gear benefits both your performance and the environment. The North Face is committed to making sustainably sourced high-quality gear more accessible and available, and to providing opportunities to dispose of it responsibly. DFNS takes these efforts full-circle, giving you the opportunity to maintain your gear properly, and look after the planet in the process.
The longer you can stay warm, fresh and dry in the great outdoors, the further you can push yourself, even in adverse conditions. Environmentally speaking, prolonging the life of your gear means replacing it less frequently, while protecting and refreshing it means less washing machine and dryer use. When washing is necessary, our solutions are designed with the planet in mind. Modern exploration should treat the environment and gear with the respect they deserve. We want you to explore like there is a tomorrow, and empower you to do just that.
Tech & Down Wash cleans your kit, protects its material, and, if your gear is waterproof to begin with, will rid the surface of any dirt or oil that is reducing the effectiveness of the original Durable Water Repellent layer. The Water & Stain Repellent Inwash adds a long-lasting liquid repellent layer that is safe for specialised garments, without affecting breathability.
Yes – the Tech & Down Wash can be applied in the same wash as the Water & Stain Repellent Inwash. Make sure you follow the instructions on how to apply them together for best results. Our wash solutions should not be used in combination with conventional laundry products.
