Product use and care

VAUDE has limited influence on users’ conduct with our products in the outdoors and on their way to the mountains, let alone how they wash and care for their gear at home.

However, the greatest percentage of a piece of outdoor apparel’s ecological footprint most often originates during this usage phase – either directly from washing and drying or indirectly - from travelling for example.

What we at VAUDE can do: provide good information and raise awareness of what we as consumers and product user can contribute - see "Raising consciousness with sustainability communication".

In terms of resource consumption during the usage phase of a VAUDE product, maintenance plays a vital role. We provide users with detailed instructions for product care. These are also sometimes attached directly to the product, for example on the sewn-in care label or the instructions are included in a booklet that comes with the product.

• Wash as often as necessary, as rarely as possible.
  
• Air out clothing after wearing it.
• Follow recommended washing temperatures: 30 °C is usually warm enough for functional clothing.

• Carefully remove stains by hand.
  
• Wash only when the machine is full.
• Functional clothing does not require ironing; this saves energy and time.

• Use detergent sparingly.

• Avoid tumble drying, unless it is needed to reactivate water repellent products – see care label. This saves energy, functionality and increases the lifespan of VAUDE products.

• Use economy programs when washing. Modern washing machines use less water and energy

• More information and detailed care information: www.clevercare.info or on the VAUDE homepage
  

We recommend Nikwax products for cleaning and maintenance. They are environmentally friendly because they are waterbased, solvent-free and fluorocarbon- free.

VAUDE is proud of its high quality and products. They are dependable, day-to-day companions, and are manufactured for intense use. Nevertheless, minor defects or wear occasionally occur.

Many products can be easily repaired. We operate a competent customer service and repair department at our Obereisenbach location. Retailers and end customers can send in their VAUDE products to be repaired. Read more at "Product guarantee".

In 2014 we revised our repair manual. The goal is to repair and continue to use even more products with the help of clearly defined decision criteria. Products that cannot be repaired but essentially still “work” (such as when a zip on an inside pocket no longer functions but the jacket is otherwise in good shape) are donated to FairWertung, an umbrella organization of non-profit organizations. For more information see "Recycling & Disposal".

And if your closet is overflowing? VAUDE products usually make excellent second hand goods and are gladly seen by second or third hand users as donations, gifts or used clothing sales. As users, we contribute to extending the usage phase of the product – and therefore its sustainability. VAUDE supports private resale of used products at a re-commerce platform on eBay. More about it at "End of product lifecycle".

Get outdoors – naturally! Your eco-friendliest option – by bike or train.

Always ask yourself whether you can get something done without using the car – or by carpooling (such as with www.flinc.org). It pays off. It not only saves resources, it is also more fun. Of course, this includes the daily commute to work as well. See also „53,672 km of bike commuting“.