Customers have complained that their waterproof jackets do not protect them from the rains after a point of time. At first, they do but over the years, the protective layer doesn’t do much justice to the water that seeps in. They have to eventually buy a new waterproof jacket. Is this how big firms trick us into buying new waterproof jackets? Not at all! The reason why your jacket isn’t protecting you from the harsh rains might be because you haven’t yet learnt how to maintain it.
Investing in good rain gear is expensive so you should make efforts to maintain it. And no matter how hard you try, you can't always keep your rain gear from getting dirty. So, you should learn how to wash and dry your waterproof jackets.
How to wash waterproof jackets
Most waterproof gears come with instructions on how to wash them. You should follow the specific process recommended by the manufacturer. If not, you can follow this general process:
- Check all the pockets and leave all the zippered pockets open in the washing machine and dryer.
- Close all the Velcro flaps. Otherwise, it might get filled with water and make the drying process difficult.
- Don't wash it with other garments. Mixing it with your other oily, dirty clothes can ruin your rain gear.
- Don't overload the machine, run it at half the load. Use warm water in your regular setting.
- Do not use the common laundry detergent. Use specially designed detergent for waterproof clothing. These detergents will be gentle on the pores but still clean them effectively.
How to dry waterproof garments
- For about half an hour, dry your waterproof gear at low to medium heat.
- Don't dry it in the direct sun if it's still wet, or it can overheat and fade the colour of your garment.
- The key to drying your waterproof garments is to protect them from excessive heat since it can ruin the fabric and membrane.
How to Re-Waterproof your garments?
Even after taking good care of your waterproof jackets, the membrane coating can wear off, and disrupt the waterproofing technology. To re-waterproof your jacket, run it through the dryer at medium heat for half an hour.
The heat can rejuvenate the DWR and reactivate it. And if it still doesn't work, you can buy a bottle of wash-in or spray-on DWR and recoat your waterproof jacket with it.
General tips to protect your rain gear
- Avoid using bleach, laundry detergent, and fabric softener when cleaning technical waterproof outerwear.
- When your raincoat is not in regular use, store it on a hanger. Do not fold it.
- Over washing your jacket can ruin its waterproofness and breathability. So do not wash your rain gear unless necessary.
- Maintaining your waterproof jackets is a task in itself. Be thorough with the instructions. Be very specific with the amount of heat, water temperature, detergent etc.
