Waterproof Jacket Aftercare Guide
Living in the UK means we aren’t shy of rain showers, so having a high-quality waterproof jacket to help keep the elements out and you dry is crucial to enjoying your time outside.
Rab provides just that. Pioneers for the outdoors who want to keep you outside for longer, Rab is an innovator that brings to the table some of the best waterproof garments on the market, which will keep you protected from the elements.
Shop Rab Waterproofs
Over time, the durable water repellent (DWR) coating on your waterproof jacket will wear off. This is because the dirt and contaminants that the jacket will come into contact with such as mud, body oils, sweat etc, reduce the DWR’s ability to repel water. This means that when it rains, it will no longer bead off but instead will soak into the fabric and ‘wet out’. When this happens, moisture can’t escape your jacket and will affect the breathability of the jacket too.
All waterproof jackets will experience this over time, so it is important to wash and reproof your jacket to ensure that they perform at their best, for longer.
The Importance of Washing & Reproofing Your Waterproof Jacket
The DWR coating on your jacket needs to be reactivated, and this can be done using specialist treatment used to wash the product, which can then be activated by applying heat. The heat will help to re-activate the DWR on your jacket.
Previously, DWR used to be made using chemicals called PFCs, which in recent years the outdoor industry have realised that they can be harmful to the environment. These PFCs are often referred to as ‘forever chemicals’ as they unfortunately don’t break down when they enter the environment. We don’t know the full impact this has had on the environment yet, but we know that the side effects are serious.
In a bid to combat this negative impact on the environment, we’re moving away from the use of PFCs, and are instead opting to use PFC-free DWRs. This means the way we care for our gear is changing, as PFC-free DWRs require more regular maintenance than you may be used to. You will probably notice your waterproof jacket ‘wetting out’ more quickly, but don’t be alarmed by this, this doesn’t mean the jacket is no longer waterproof, but that the breathability of the jacket is compromised.
Step-by-step guide to washing your waterproofs
1.Before washing your waterproof, rinse your washing machine first. This clears out the leftover detergent that could damage the fabrics and the DWR of the jacket. Clean the detergent drawer and run the rinse cycle.
2. Make sure there is nothing in the pockets, then close all zips, pockets and hook-and-loop fastenings.
3. Use a non-biological liquid detergent, liquid pure soap, or a specifically formulated technical cleaner.
4. Place the wash solution in the detergent drawer as well as the technical proofer in the conditioner compartment if you are reproofing your jacket at the same time.
5. Wash on a gentle, cool setting. Most waterproof garments should be washed at around 30ºC, but always check the white care label first.
6. Spin on a low speed of 400, before hanging the garment on a line to dry naturally.
7. Again, check the care label before you do, but if it allows then tumble dry your garment for 20-30 minutes on low heat to help activate the technical proofer.
8. If you don’t have access to a tumble dryer, iron the garment on a medium heat, but use a tea towel or something similar as a barrier to protect the garment from the direct heat of the iron.
You may not have access to a washing machine, but that’s fine, as you can handwash your garment using a non-biological liquid detergent and a spray-on DWR re-proofer. Spray the garment while it is still damp and make sure you follow the bottles instructions.
Now, your jacket should be ready for your next adventure, and if the rain hits, ensure you’re protected from the elements!
