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so I have followed the washing instuctions (40 deg, non bio etc), have tried reproofing with wash in Grangers, no tumble drying etc as per care label, yet I can't get my React Jacket to bead very well.
any experiences ?
Thanks
How old is the jacket? Have you washed on it's own or with other stuff?
I tend to use tech wash on waterproof jackets following a half hour empty cycle on the washing machine to help clear out soap scum. most detergents tend to have wetting agents in which does the opposite of beading.
cp - It's just over a year old, but only been used half a dozen times and washed twice. Might try again using your suggestion of running the machine empty first. I did clean out the conditioner drawer etc before washing it but guess there could still have been some other wash residue in the system. Always washed on it's own. Thanks
I found mine stopped beading after a while, but it doesn't seem to have any effect on it's waterproofness (word?). Got back after a 3 hour wet ride a couple of weeks ago expecting to be soaked but I was dry, even though the jacket appeared sodden.
if you don't get any luck by washing again, I'd get some [url= http://www.google.co.uk/search?sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=tech+wash ]tech wash[/url] and some [url= http://www.google.co.uk/#sclient=psy&hl=en&site=&source=hp&q=tx+direct&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&pbx=1&fp=fb940dbb4101f61 ]tx direct[/url], either wash in or spray on.
I've found they work well, especially when used reasonably regularly over the long term.
many thanks - have ordered some of the Nikwax stuff and will give it a go
mine started wetting out on the outer after a few months, it does seem to be waterproof, but eventually the fabric becomes too wetted and lets some water through, thats following the care instructions to the letter. If it wasn't for a careless crash i would have returned the jacket.
I now wash in tech wash, proof with nikwax proofer and then give it a very very quick tumble to 'set' the proofer, still wets a bit but it takes a lot longer
Weirdly the shorts of the same material have been blinding and work even better if i do a very short tumble as well, just enough to warm the fabric slightly.
thanks for that. I haven't tumbled as someone on here said the React fabric can delaminate if it gets hot - I guess a cool tumble shouldn't hurt though..
as the jacket had several holes in i figured i couldn't make it any worse 😉
as for repairs, i found instant tyre patches are ace.
😆
the problem with wetting out is it loses it's breathability, and ultimately waterproofing.
I had the same problem with Altura Night Vision. My view is that Altura's factory applied Durable Water Repellency is not as durable as other brands - it will not survive one wash, and even washed with Nikwax, it's never anywear near as repellent as it is new.
Still can't beat Goretex in this respect - but you pay the price.
Beading or not tends not to affect how waterproof something is as the outer layer is not waterproof as such.
Best thing to keep something waterproof is not wash it in normal detergent and conditioner as the tends to clog the membrane and water will seep in through that eventually.
Tech wash is good to wash in or get some good old pure soap flakes, dilate in hot water and wash in that. That will keep it waterproof.
If I want the bead back I have always used TX Direct spray on as per instructions and the beading has always come back.
This is how I look after my (non-bike) gore-tex stuff, you might have different mileage with other waterproof membranes depending on how good or not they are