Washing Your Waterproofs
© Gore-tex
Waterproof clothing is built to last, but will last longer and perform better if cared for correctly. To ensure your wet weather gear is in tip top condition we thought we would explain how it all works, and how to wash and re-waterproof your waterproof jackets and over-trousers.
All waterproof clothing has a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment applied to the outer fabric. This treatment has recently undergone a makeover to reduce its environmental impact and is now mostly PFC free. This new treatment forces water to bead and roll off the fabric as before but does not have any oil resistance, so can be impacted more quickly from body oils and stains. As such your waterproof garment is likely to require a little more tender loving care than before with washing and re-applying of the DWR treatment.
The performance of waterproof fabrics is linked to its ability to repel water and allow moisture from within to escape. Once water begins to soak into the outer fabric of a jacket or trousers or it becomes dirty, it loses this quality. Whilst the inner membrane will still ensure the garment is waterproof, it won’t be able to let sweat escape, and so it will feel damp inside.
Worry not though as you can easily clean and restore your clothing’s waterproofing at home using aftercare products from Grangers or Nikwax.
Wash
Step 1
Before washing, empty all pockets then zip up the front, pockets and pit zips completely.
Fasten any loose flaps and straps and secure any press-studs in place.
Gently rinse off any thick dirt from your garment by hand.
Ensure there are no detergent or fabric conditioner residues in your washing machine by cleaning out the trays and letting it run empty on a rinse setting.
Step 2
Hand or Machine Wash (Check garment care label but generally 30C is recommended).
Wash using a technical cleaner such as Nikwax Tech Wash or Grangers Performance Wash.
Select an appropriate wash cycle on your machine - ideally with a low spin speed and temperature setting of 30C
Rinse twice if possible and minimize spinning.
Avoid using powder detergents, fabric softeners, dry cleaning, stain removers, or bleach as these will harm the garments performance.
Don’t wash with other clothing.
© Gore-tex
Dry
Step 1
Tumble dry on a warm cycle or line dry your garments.
Don’t dry at a high temperature.
Step 2
Once dry, tumble dry for a further 20 minutes to reactive the Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment.
If a tumble dryer is not available, iron the garment on a gentle setting.
When ironing, protect the garment with a towel or cloth and do not let the iron come into contact with zips, or logos.
Don’t use steam.
You can do this step any time you notice the water repellency needs a boost.
© Gore-tex
Re-Apply DWR
Step 1
If the water doesn’t bead and run off after washing, you’ll need to think about reapplying a durable water repellent finish.
Use a DWR product of your choice, such as Nikwax TX-Direct Wash In or Grangers Clothing Repel
If your jacket has a fabric inner, you may prefer to use a spray-on proofer so not to coat the lining such as Nikwax TX-Direct Spray On or Grangers Performance Repel Plus.
Step 2
Following application, tumble dry your garment for 20 minutes to activate the DWR treatment.
Or iron the garment on a gentle setting (warm, no steam), placing a towel or cloth between the garment and the iron.
© Gore-tex
Finishing Touches
Check all components such as cordlocks and replace if damaged.
Lubicate zips. We recommend using a product such as Gear Aid Zipper Cleaner and Lubricant.
The garment can now be stored away in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight ready for its next adventure.
