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How to Clean & Reproof a Waterproof Jacket

8 December 2020
How to Clean & Reproof a Waterproof Jacket

Can you wash a waterproof jacket?

Yes. If you follow the basic rules of washing and re-treating waterproof garments it is completely okay to do.



Our guide to washing and reproofing a waterproof jacket, or any waterproof garment, will ensure your kit is in peak condition. This advice applies to all waterproof fabrics such as GORE-TEX, DryVent, Pertex Shield or e-Vent.

All waterproof clothing has a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment. It makes water bead and roll off the fabric, but wears off with time and use.

Don't use standard detergent or fabric conditioner as this will harm the garment's performance. Grangers and Nikwax make specialised detergents and treatments for waterproof clothing.

If any internal taped seams have detached, hand-wash and once dry reattach with seam sealant. Once you have repaired the seams, wash and reproof as per instruction



Cleaning & reproofing waterproofs with Grangers

Grangers 2 in 1

Products needed:

The product(s) you use will depend on how much time you have:

  • If you are short on time, choose Wash + Repel Clothing 2 in 1

  • For a more thorough clean and reproof, choose Performance Wash Concentrate and then follow with Clothing Repel (wash-in) or Performance Repel Plus (spray-on)

  • If your jacket has a fabric inner, you may prefer the spray-on proofer so as not to coat the lining 

How to clean waterproofs with Grangers

1. Ensure there is no detergent or fabric conditioner residue in your washing machine by cleaning out the trays and letting it run empty on a rinse setting

2. Rinse off any heavy dirt from your garment by hand. Then do up all the zips and Velcro before putting it in the machine

3. Use the amount specified on the label, shake the bottle, and pour it into the washing machine drawer

4. Wash on a full cycle at 30°C or according to care label instructions

NB: If using Wash + Repel Clothing 2 in 1, heat activation is required.  Tumble dry on low-medium heat, or apply heat using an iron or hairdryer.

How to reproof waterproofs with Grangers

Using Grangers Clothing Repel (wash-in):

1. Ensure the garment is clean

2. Use two capfuls (100ml) adding 50ml per garment

3. Shake the bottle and pour into the washing machine drawer

4. Wash according to care label instructions

5. Air-dry or tumble dry if the care label permits

Using Grangers Performance Repel Plus (spray-on):

1. Ensure the garment is clean

2. Protect the work surface and lay the garment flat

3. Shake the bottle and spray onto the damp garment, applying extra to areas prone to abrasion

4. Remove any excess with a clean cloth

5. Air-dry or tumble dry if the care label permits


Cleaning & reproofing waterproofs with Nikwax

Nikwax techwash

Products needed:

How to clean waterproofs with Nikwax

1. Ensure there is no detergent or fabric conditioner residue in your washing machine by cleaning out the trays and letting it run empty on a rinse setting

2. Rinse off any heavy dirt from your garment by hand. Then do up all the zips and Velcro before putting it in the machine

3. Use the amount specified on the label, shake the bottle, and pour it into the washing machine drawer

4. Wash on a full cycle at 30°C or according to care label instructions

NB: Nikwax recommends washing no more than two items at a time.

Top tip: Use neat Tech Wash and a sponge, or soft nylon brush, to treat stubborn stains before washing.

How to reproof waterproofs with Nikwax

Using Nikwax TX.Direct Wash-in:

1. Ensure the garment is clean

2. Use 100ml per garment (max 2 items)

3. Shake the bottle and pour into the washing machine drawer

4. Run 30°C synthetic cycle and slow spin

5. Air-dry or tumble dry if the care label permits

Using Nikwax TX.Direct Spray-On:

1. Ensure the garment is clean

2. Protect the work surface and lay the garment flat

3. Shake the bottle, hold 15cm away, and spray onto the damp garment

4. Wait for 2 minutes - remove any excess with a clean, damp cloth

5. Check to ensure no areas have been missed

6. After several minutes check for and remove any extra

7. Air dry or tumble dry if the care label permits


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