One of the essentials for most outdoor activities is waterproof jackets since they provide reliable instant rain protection. Unfortunately, a waterproof trouser or jacket can become less valuable and effective over time without proper care. After all, camping outfits will stop working as well as new ones did after months of use.
Worry less since it is actually easy to restore your waterproof outfits to their original glory. This article will talk about how to take care of your waterproof outfit while washing and using, and how to reproof them.
Table of Contents
Tips for taking care of your waterproof jackets or trousers
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Washing
Washing is essential for all waterproof jackets regardless of whether it is a heavy-duty or lightweight jacket. Ensure you read the care detail for every jacket or trouser before washing to use the right detergent.
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Removal of stain and dirt
If your camping outfit has a stain that is hard to remove using a brush, use a dump cloth lightly on the fabric. Add a gentle detergent in small amounts and wipe.
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Empty the pockets
After every hiking, ensure that you remove everything from your trouser and jacket‘s pockets to prevent losing shape and sagging.
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Clean before storing
Ensure you store clean trousers and jackets since moths are mostly attracted to scents like smoke, food, and perfume. You will have your waterproof outfits in good shape the next time you are going hiking or camping.
How to wash your waterproof trousers and jackets?
A waterproof hiking outfit should not any circumstances, be washed using fabric softeners. The chemicals in fabric softeners will clog jacket‘s or trousers’ membrane that prevents the passing through of moisture. Therefore, the jacket or trouser will not breathe.
It is essential to look for a technical outdoor fabric cleaner when washing your waterproof trouser or jacket. Technical softener will ensure thorough cleaning without any damage whatsoever. Below are the steps of washing your waterproof outfit.
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Step 1
This is a pre-washing step. Use a soft brush before washing your waterproof trouser or jacket to remove any loose dirt. Also, you should close all flaps and zips on the jacket and trouser.
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Step 2
Ensure your washing machine or basin is free of other types of detergents. You can carry a machine washing without anything inside (use hot water) to remove any unwanted leftover detergent.
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Step 3
Use the required detergent to wash your jacket or trouser. Follow the instruction on the product and clothing label to ensure that everything is in order. Put the required detergent into the detergent compartment of your washing machine.
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Step 4
Place your waterproof trouser and jacket into the basin or washing machine. You can increase the number of waterproof trousers and jackets to wash at a time. However, it is recommended to wash a maximum of two waterproof outfits at a time. Because of that, your hiking outfit will be cleaned and washed properly.
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Step 5
If you are using a washing machine, set the machine‘s temperature to 30 degrees on the gentle spin. Continue checking the care and washing label on your waterproof camping or hiking outfit for exact care detail since the temperature may differ.
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Step 6
After cleaning, the waterproof outfit should be hung on open air for drying, or you can tumble the jacket or trouser dry (ONLY if it is written on the care label).
How to reproof your waterproof outfits?
Once your waterproof trousers and jackets are clean, the next step is to reproof. It is easy to reproof since you only have to follow steps 2 to 6 but this time, use reproofing treatment in place of tech wash.
Take away
You need to properly take care of your waterproof garments to enjoy what they offer—no need to reproof your waterproof jacket and trouser after every outing. The right time to reproof is when your jacket or trouser is not repealing water or when they are no longer breathable. Before washing or reproofing, ensure you check the care label first to avoid mistakes.
