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When I read the blurb, it suggests it's best to wash every month or so (using tech wash, not detergent, obvs) and only apply the reproofing spray/wash-in stuff twice a year or so. However, being simple of mind and ham of fist, if the garment doesn't look dirty I've always just thrown more and more reproofing gunk at it, which seems to work but prob isn't great for the environment (or my skin!). Does anybody have any real world experience to add? What have people found to work best?
Depends on the fabric type I’d have thought. <br /><br />
My Paramo outer layers only need reproofing every few washes. There is some blurb somewhere that suggests too much DWR build up can be counterproductive.
I’m pretty sure that the wash in stuff is meant to be for waxed cloths, not semi-permeable membranes?
On cheaper fabrics, washing seems to degrade the adhesive holding them together, and so can make them more prone to delamination IMV.
I tend to only wash them when they’re dirty, being careful to make sure that there’s no detergent or conditioner left in the machine.
I use Endura DWR after washing. Seems to work well.
I’ve not tried every brand, but Gore seem to be more durable than Endura to me.
Use an umbrella to prevent the water getting to your breathable waterproof in the first place. 😉
Depends on the fabric type I’d have thought
Gore tex and eVent type stuff I guess
I’m pretty sure that the wash in stuff is meant to be for waxed cloths, not semi-permeable membranes?
This kind of stuff, I'm pretty sure it's for semi-permeable membranes:
https://www.nikwax.com/en-gb/products/waterproofing/tx-direct-wash-in/
It would explain an awful lot if it wasn't! 😀
Use an umbrella to prevent the water getting to your breathable waterproof in the first place. 😉
You joke, but I've genuinely considered this before! Just for hiking though, not biking lol
Liquid soap flakes (cheap from Amazon/eBay etc) = Nikwax tech wash
Oil from your skin blocks the pores hence washing.
Or just buy Buffalo/Montane extreme pile and pertex instead
Liquid soap flakes (cheap from Amazon/eBay etc) = Nikwax tech wash
That's a good tip, I've always wondered if it's the same stuff!
Oil from your skin blocks the pores hence washing.
Do you reproof it again afterwards?
Do you reproof it again afterwards?
The 'proofer' is the DWR outer coating. You only need to do it if the jacket isn't beading or is wetting out in the rain.
No beading = moisture from inside the jacket can't get out
A warmish tumble can 'revitalise' a DWR and also helps 'activate it' when youve reproofers it. Don't go too hot or you'll melt the tapes.
..... Or just wear buffalo
What’s different about the Buffalo material?
What’s different about the Buffalo material?
Some people think it's a load of bull, others wear it because they don't want to be seen following the herd. I tried it for a bit but found I was always fresian. So I went back to the udder type of waterproof but with a light Jersey underneath.
Excellent attempt
I've had a look at Buffalo, as well as Paramo, but all their stuff is too heavy for what I need it for
Don't wash in a washing machine.
I've come to the conclusion that your machine has residue of normal washing detergent in it, and this is really good at stripping DWR. So do the wash by soaking in a clean bucket and then rinse very well.
Then use spray-on proofing not wash-in - partly for the same reason, but also because the wash-in coats both sides of the membrane, and this will prevent condensed moisture from soaking into the inside of the membrane in order to be sucked out. That means the jacket won't breathe until you've rubbed it off the inside from wearing it.
What’s different about the Buffalo material?
Buffalo is completely different concept. Not waterproof at all. Its meant to keep you warm when wet, but it has significant limitations. One main one is that you will boil to death unless you are motionless; another is that if it's raining hard the cold water soaks straight through quickly enough to cool you down. However, when cycling, given the first point, you will welcome that.
A warmish tumble can ‘revitalise’ a DWR
Only if the care label permits - many don't. You can however iron it to achieve the same effect again as per the care label.
Liquid soap flakes (cheap from Amazon/eBay etc) = Nikwax tech wash
I don't think they are the same but they both work.
Oil from your skin blocks the pores hence washing.
For eVent yes, for GoreTex and other PU membranes just wash when dirty or before a reproof.
Definitely avoid powder detergent or any fancy liquid detergent. I used to work for one of the big laundry companies in thier research dept and there's a whole bunch of additives that aren't friendly to your DWR (although the base surfactant isn't that bad). Pure soap flakes or handwash detergent will do a decent job but will degradeyour DWR a bit quicker than tech wash will. I usually wash and tumble dry then test to see if the water is beading. If not then it goes back in for a reproof.
I’ve come to the conclusion that your machine has residue of normal washing detergent in it, and this is really good at stripping DWR. So do the wash by soaking in a clean bucket and then rinse very well.
Good idea if you normally use powder, much less of an issue if your normally use liquid detergent as that leaves less residue.
Then use spray-on proofing not wash-in – partly for the same reason, but also because the wash-in coats both sides of the membrane
Just checked 3 gore tex jackets in the cupboard and the label recommends wash-in. Obvs different garments with different construction may advise spray-on. I guess 'follow the manufacturer advice' applies here too.