How Do I Re-Waterproof My Gear?
- Wash It. Two main features keep your gear in waterproof condition.
- Dry It. Heat reactivates water-repellent treatments, so you can throw a jacket or rain fly in the dryer.
- Use a Spray-On DWR Treatment.
- Let the DWR Dry.
- Check the Seams.
In this post
How do I reactivate my waterproofing?
Line dry your garment or tumble dry it on a warm, gentle cycle. Once it is dry, tumble dry your garment for 20 minutes to reactivate the durable water-repellent (DWR) treatment on the outer fabric.
Does waterproofing wear off?
Waterproofing doesn’t last forever. Whether from rubbing against a dirty car while packing up groceries, or a muddy dog wanting snuggles, a dirty jacket will stop repelling water. Wetting Out: When your jacket stops repelling water. Luckily, it’s easy to clean and re-waterproof your rain jacket so you can stay dry.
How do you restore water repellent properties of your jacket?
I recommend drying in a tumble dryer using the synthetic programme. This is the best way to put the feathers back in place and restore their original volume. As when washing, I recommend you ventilate the jacket during the drying period.
How do you rejuvenate a rain jacket?
You have two options: spray-on or wash-in. If your jacket has a wicking liner, go for a spray (such as Nikwax TX Direct Spray-On or McNett Revivex). If not, a wash-in (such as Grangers Wash-In Waterproofing or Nikwax TX Direct) is best; it’s easier to use and coats the fabric more evenly.
Can you make GORE-TEX waterproof again?
GORE-TEX Outerwear
Follow the wash instructions for your product, then line dry your garment, or tumble dry it on a warm, gentle cycle. Once it’s dry, tumble dry your garment for a further 20 minutes—this will reactivate the durable water-repellent (DWR) treatment.
Which waterproofing spray is best?
- Best Overall: Granger’s Performance Repel Plus at Amazon.
- Runner Up, Best Overall: Star Brite Waterproofing Spray at Amazon.
- Best Budget: Kiwi Camp Dry Heavy Duty Water Repellent at Amazon.
- Best for Jackets: Nikwax Spray-On Waterproofing at Amazon.
- Best for Suede:
- Best for Leather:
- Best Eco-Friendly:
- Best for Boots:
How long does waterproof last?
While basic waterproofing membranes should last at least ten years, they can last much longer given the right choice and circumstances. Conversely, poor quality waterproofing will rarely last the distance.
What’s the difference between rain proof and waterproof?
Essentially, water resistant and waterproof designate the degree to which rain is kept from getting through a jacket, while water repellent refers to an extra coating that improves any rain jacket’s performance (waterproof, included).
Does GORE-TEX lose waterproofing?
It’s incredibly durable, and unlike other “waterproof/breathable” fabrics that can lose waterproofness after repeated laundering, flexing, abrasion, exposure to body oils or insect spray, the waterproofness and breathability of GORE-TEX® fabric is guaranteed under any conditions you may encounter.
How do you reproof a jacket?
Waterproof washing liquid and waterproof washing powder activates with heat so if your product allows you to tumble dry or wash at 40°C, the heat will help activate the coating. Once finished, you can hang the jacket to dry out or if you use a tumble dryer, you will be good to go.
Can you waterproof a water resistant jacket?
This means the jacket has a waterproof coating on the outer fabric with fully taped seams and it may have a built in membrane lining.
| Water-resistant | Waterproof |
|---|---|
| No taped seams | Taped seams |
Why is my rain jacket not waterproof?
If the face fabric of your rain gear is wetting out, it means that the DWR has worn off, or at least has become deactivated. A wet-out rain jacket is not only heavy and well, wet, but the face fabric being saturated with water also means no vapor transfer can happen via the waterproof/breathable membrane.
How do you clean waterproof fabric?
Use warm water on your regular setting. The most important rule is to never use normal laundry detergent on waterproof gear. Laundry detergent is designed to break down grease and oils, and the DWR coating looks a lot like grease to detergents. So use a Nikwax detergent that’s specially designed for waterproof gear.
How long does a rain jacket last?
If you wear the jacket frequently and are out in all conditions we recommend reproofing every three to four months. However, if you wear your jacket less frequently or are out in less extreme weather, then reproofing your jacket every six months should be sufficient.
How do you reproof GORE-TEX jackets?
Here’s how to reproof a waterproof jacket. Wash your jacket as above, but before you place it in the tumble dryer, use GORE-TEX waterproof treatment. The most common types are a waterproof spray or a wash in waterproofer. Apply the GORE-TEX waterproof treatment and then put the jacket in the dryer for 20 minutes.
Does nikwax work on GORE-TEX?
Washing a GORE-TEX, eVent, or any waterproof breathable rain jacket is remarkably simple. Follow these three steps to a clean rain jacket: Read the care label in your jacket prior to cleaning. Wash in your washing machine with a technical cleaner like Nikwax Tech Wash.
Why do rain jackets delaminate?
Delaminating Layers
“The main reason is buildup of dirt, sweat, and body oil,” Culp says. To prevent that from happening, she suggests letting the jacket completely dry out before putting it away. Never store it wet—that will attract fungus and bacteria that can degrade the glue holding the layers together.
What can I do with an old raincoat?
An old raincoat is great for making an airtight seal on bowls, pots or other containers. Raincoats are usually water-permeable, which is ideal to keep your food fresh. In addition, the cover can be easily washed.
How long does waterproof spray last?
For example, typical footwear waterproofing spray will only last for four weeks, however if you are using a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) spray on a jacket or tent then it can last for years, with most DWRs remaining effective for over 100 washes.
Does Scotchgard work for waterproofing?
Scotchgard is certainly one of the most recognized brands for waterproofing materials. We chose the heavy duty version, since that will be the best for outdoor gear and the rugged materials we tend to utilize. This includes tents, outerwear, canvas, boat and sporting gear, canvas, and patio furniture.