STW approved cycle ...
 

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STW approved cycle clothing waterproofer of choice?

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Years ago I had two bottles of the Nikwax stuff, one to clean, one to waterproof. I never really got on that well with it. Also forgot to use it and the waterproofer congealed.

Wore my unwaterproof waterproof jacket and shorts for todays commute, both items pretty much absorbed water but kept the worst of it off so I just got damp.

If there's a re-waterproofer that can handle this and bring these items back from the dead it will save me buying more waterproof shorts and jacket (on top of the waterproof trousers I still can't decide on which to buy).

What's the best stuff (or 2nd best if ridiculously expensive) these days? Cheers


 
Posted : 26/10/2023 7:17 pm
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If you’re talking about DWR stuff, I’ve got the Endura spray and it seems to work ok.

Nikwax reproofer is more for old fashioned wax type clothing I think?


 
Posted : 26/10/2023 8:08 pm
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Now we have less really nasty 'forever' chemicals in there, none of the DWR/reproofers are much use it seems.


 
Posted : 26/10/2023 8:11 pm
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Oh had forgotten about that. Still must be an improvement on how my jacket fairs currently.

Are there any options that forgo breathability in favour of water proofing?


 
Posted : 26/10/2023 8:44 pm
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I find that the Nikwax system works for modern fabrics, including Gortex etc, if you follow the instructions. Make sure the washing machine is clean, extra rinse and also although it appears wrong, a line dry followed by low heat tumble drier works - I’ve used it on non waterproof clothing to give a bit of help!


 
Posted : 26/10/2023 8:52 pm
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Amazing how wet a 24% chance of rain is, (jacket sodden within 5 minutes) especially when it continues for 100% of my commute.


 
Posted : 27/10/2023 10:26 am
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I've given up using a washing machine for cleaning and re proofing technical jackets. It always seems to destroy the seam sealing.

I now just sponge it down with nikwax cleaner, then sponge it with nikwax proofer a couple of times especially on the shoulders.

I still use a gentle tumble dryer as that seems to make it work better.


 
Posted : 27/10/2023 9:16 pm
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I use NikWax, it does the trick. When I moved out of my parents, they were away on holiday and I 'proofed' their tea towels. They were fairly hydrophobic until my Mum washed them. 


 
Posted : 27/10/2023 10:15 pm
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I used the nikwax stuff but watered down and soak in the sink, then line dry and a gentle tumble dry , seems to work, not as good as years ago though before it wemt green


 
Posted : 28/10/2023 6:20 am
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Due to the fact that the new variants aren’t cancer causing, hormone disrupting, ecological disasters, they aren’t quite as long lasting (not forever chemicals). <br />It just means that you need to re-proof more often. I’m finding that I need to do it at least twice a season - using Nik Wax separate wash and re-proofer. <br /><br />


 
Posted : 28/10/2023 8:24 am

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