How to wash Waterproof products
Washing garments doesn't damage it; washing is essential to keep it working properly! When your jacket stops beading, it may not need reproofing right away – it might just need a good clean.
Things like mud, sweat, body oils, insect repellents and detergents/conditioners can contaminate your clothing's DWR treatment, stopping it from working effectively.
How do I wash my Waterpoof Apparel:
You can use an in wash waterproof agent (eg. Nixwax products are a leading brand) to make your jacket and trousers waterproof again. Here’s how:
- Run your washing machine on a hot cycle with nothing in it and check that the tray is clean. This gets rid of any detergent left from previous washes, which work against your DWR.
- Do up all zips and set the machine to a 30-degree heat on a gentle cycles
- Only use a quality Tech Wash Product. Do not use standard detergent. (Follow the washing instructions on the product and your clothing)
- Do not tumble dry, dry in a warm place.
Why do I need to re-proof my waterproof apparel?
Nukeproof waterproof apparel is treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) that causes water to 'bead' on the surface rather than soaking in. This DWR treatment slowly wears out over time. When it does, your waterproof clothing starts absorbing water and loses its breathability and trapping perspiration inside. Reproofing tops up the DWR treatment your clothing comes with so that water continues to bead on the surface.
How do I get my waterproof apparel Waterproof again?
You can use an in wash waterproof agent (eg. Nixwax products are a leading brand) to make your jacket and trousers waterproof again. Here’s how:
- Run your washing machine on a hot cycle with nothing in it and check that the tray is clean. This gets rid of any detergent left from previous washes, which works against your DWR.
- Do up all zips and set the machine to a 30-degree heat on a gentle cycles
- Add Wash-in Technical Wash to the washing machine. (Follow the washing instructions on the product and your clothing)
- Do not tumble dry, dry in a warm place helps the DWR to bond with the fabric.
How often should I re-proof my Nukeproof waterproof?
Nukeproof Blackline jackets are rated to 20 washes before you should need to re-Waterproof the garment (this can vary depending on the contamination of the jacket from mud/ oils etc). It may be time to re-proof when you notice the products are not beading. This is our simple test to check whether it’s time to reproof:
- Wash them with a technical wash product
- Pour some water onto the high-wear points of your jacket. (Usually shoulders or saddle area of trousers where you contact with items).
- If the water soaks into the top layer of the fabric and ‘wets out’, it’s time to reproof.