Don’t Use Rain Protection Detergent (Do This Instead)
You really only wear your waterproof gear when it rains, so you can be forgiven for thinking it’s not something you need to wash all the time. It practically gets washed off every time you put it on, right? If only. As it turns out, the more water your raincoat protects, the less it will work over time. According to REI , this is called “getting wet”: if the outer part of your waterproof jacket soaks up water in the rain instead of collecting (due to things like dirt, oil from your skin, sunscreen, and other pollutants), it breathes. the layer stopped working, and the water-repellent system is broken. Your coat needs to be washed right now, but that’s easier said than done.
How to wash raincoats
First, find obvious dirt stuck to the outside of the slippery surface. It’s easy to remove; just shake it off or wipe it down with a damp paper towel, according to Lands’ End . If your coat is plastic (like many children’s raincoats), you can use a soapy sponge. Getting rid of simple problems early will help you focus on more difficult steps in the future. Zip all pockets, fasten all zippers, and rinse off dirt.
If you’re dealing with very dirty wool, fill the sink with water and add half a cup of baking soda. Soak it for about an hour, rinse and hang to dry.
According to REI, household cleaners leave marks on slippery surfaces, which can actually lead to “wetting.” Before washing the rain cover in the washing machine, it is necessary to remove the remaining detergent from the dispenser inside it. Then read the label on your clothes for instructions on how to wash them, but be aware that you will likely need a specialty detergent. The most famous and popular of them is Nikwax Tech Wash . Lands’ End notes that your clothes may say they are safe to use with regular detergent, but in those cases you should still choose a product made for delicate fabrics, and it is. no bleach, and avoid fabric softener entirely.
Reading the care instructions for your clothes and the detergent you choose is important, but most manufacturers, like Jan and Jul , recommend hanging your clothes out to dry no matter what. Also, you should do it well in the washing machine once you get rid of any detergent left over from past loads. However, be careful not to wash more than two pieces of medium-sized waterproof clothing at a time.
How to restore waterproofness from rain
Perhaps the most important step in washing waterproof clothing is to make it waterproof again. REI notes that you may not always need this, especially if the garment stops getting wet after a simple wash, but if you see signs that it hasn’t fully returned to its water-repellent status, or you just think it’s necessary, you can easily re-prove this is. Nikwax also makes a product for this , known as DWR, a durable water-repellent formula. Read the instructions on whether you are washing DWR in water or spraying it directly onto clothing.
If your coat has a lining, you need the spray version of DWR no matter what; According to the New York Times , it cannot be put back into the washing machine for waterproofing. Instead, you will have to hang up your wet clothes and spray them by hand. Be especially careful where the coating tends to wear off, such as the back of the shoulders, elbows and cuffs. Soak it completely and make sure you don’t leave any dry spots.
Whether the jacket is washable or not, remember that it should not be tumble dried. Instead, hang it up to dry and expect it to take about 24 hours. (Just hope it doesn’t rain yet.)