How to re-waterproof your jacket (or gear)
Your waterproof garments can go from being water resistant to absorbing water over time and you might be thinking of a new jacket purchase. But before you splash some cash on a new jacket (or any other waterproof gear) you can give re-waterproof your jacket with a couple of washing machine products.
Waterproof gear is OK to wash even though some people get a bit concerned about doing so. No need to fear. Do it right, and your gear could be around for many more outdoor activities.
Why is my gear not repelling water anymore?
Your gear loses its Durable Water Repellency (DWR) for a few reasons. Maybe, the gear is dirty, got oils on it, constant use. Dirt/oils build up on the jacket and then that reduces the DWR over time. You are meant to clean up your jacket regularly to help keep the DWR effective, but many of us don't give a lot of love to some of our waterproof gear.
There is a possibility that your much loved jacket is really old and falling apart (and it's not just grimy); so the following steps aren't going to help you a whole lot.
Waterproofing doesn't last forever, and that's why you need to re-waterproof. Here are your options:
Your gear loses its Durable Water Repellency (DWR) for a few reasons. Maybe, the gear is dirty, got oils on it, constant use. Dirt/oils build up on the jacket and then that reduces the DWR over time. You are meant to clean up your jacket regularly to help keep the DWR effective, but many of us don't give a lot of love to some of our waterproof gear.
There is a possibility that your much loved jacket is really old and falling apart (and it's not just grimy); so the following steps aren't going to help you a whole lot.
Waterproofing doesn't last forever, and that's why you need to re-waterproof. Here are your options:
Option 1 - Wash your jacket
Check your washing machine has no other detergent left in it - no residue. Maybe you need to do a speedy 15 min cycle with the machine empty first. Old detergent is bad news for your waterproof clothing.
You need to use a special waterproof detergent, not your everyday washing detergent. We recommend NikWax Tech Wash for your waterproof detergent.
Put your jacket/pants/clothing that you need waterproofing in a washing machine. You are trying to remove that dirt and oil we discussed above. Read the label on NikWax Tech Wash (or whatever special detergent you have) to ensure you use the appropriate amount of detergent and of course, READ THE LABEL on your gear and follow the care instructions.
Dry gear (a tumble dryer on a low heat - reading the care instructions on your gear beforehand of course!) or air dry, and your gear should now be back to repelling water. The DWR is back doing what it needs to do!
Buy Tech Wash here
Option 2 - Reapply a DWR product
Sometimes despite taking the step above of washing with NikWax Tech Wash, your gear may still be absorbing water.
You will need a new product to use after NikWax Tech Wash - you now need: NikWax.Direct Wash In. Remember to wash your jacket with the Tech Wash first. Don't just skip to the step of Direct Wash In.
This is once again done by adding NikWax.Direct to a washing machine a maximum of 3 garments needing DWR revitalisation. Read the instructions on the garments and on the NikWax to ensure you use the right amount based on your garments, and if you have a front loader or top loader. No washing machine? That's OK as well. You can use a bowl of water or sink to use this product.
You do not need to use a tumble dryer if you don't have one. Air drying is OK too.
If you don't want to go through Option 2 using the washing machine , you do have an alternative - a spray on waterproofing. Try NikWax TX.Direct Spray on. Which is what it sounds like - a spray - which you use all over the garment (about 15cm away) and spray all over. Surplus product you have sprayed will need to removed via damp cloth after a few minutes. FYI - you still need to have done the initial wash (option 1) before you using the spray because any grime/oil has to come off first.
Sometimes despite taking the step above of washing with NikWax Tech Wash, your gear may still be absorbing water.
You will need a new product to use after NikWax Tech Wash - you now need: NikWax.Direct Wash In. Remember to wash your jacket with the Tech Wash first. Don't just skip to the step of Direct Wash In.
This is once again done by adding NikWax.Direct to a washing machine a maximum of 3 garments needing DWR revitalisation. Read the instructions on the garments and on the NikWax to ensure you use the right amount based on your garments, and if you have a front loader or top loader. No washing machine? That's OK as well. You can use a bowl of water or sink to use this product.
You do not need to use a tumble dryer if you don't have one. Air drying is OK too.
If you don't want to go through Option 2 using the washing machine , you do have an alternative - a spray on waterproofing. Try NikWax TX.Direct Spray on. Which is what it sounds like - a spray - which you use all over the garment (about 15cm away) and spray all over. Surplus product you have sprayed will need to removed via damp cloth after a few minutes. FYI - you still need to have done the initial wash (option 1) before you using the spray because any grime/oil has to come off first.
Make sure you check out other camping/hiking gear care tips here:
How to wash a down sleeping bag
How to care for your camping gear
How to care for your sleeping bag
How to look after your tent