How To: Maintain Your Waterproof Gear

You won’t have to spend long in Ireland before realising rainwear is more necessity than luxury. The cool-temperate oceanic climate we enjoy courtesy of the Atlantic Ocean ensures the Emerald Isle stays just that, emerald.

In Ireland The average number of "wet days" (days with more than 1 mm of rain) ranges from about 151 days a year along the east and southeast coasts, to about 225 days a year in parts of the west.

Just as essential as owning good quality rainwear, be it a waterproof jacket, rain pants, or waterproof footwear, is knowing how to properly maintain them. Proper maintenance ensures your rainwear stays clean, breathable, waterproof, and extends the lifespan significantly.  

To ensure the you’re getting the most out of your rainwear, we have compiled some tips, recommendations, and some how-to videos, explaining exactly how to clean and care for your rainwear, to keep you dry for years to come.

 

What Makes A Garment ‘Waterproof’ Or ‘Water Repellent’?

Waterproof wear, like waterproof rain jackets or trousers, are coated in a hydrophobic glaze that allows the garment to be breathable, yet waterproof.

This glaze, known as a durable water-repellent finish (DWR), lets water vapor—like sweat—out, but keeps rain from getting in.  A tell-tale sign that your rainwear’s DWR is performing as designed, is water droplets beading and running down the garment's surface. If this is not the case, it’s time for some maintenance.

Portwest – The Outdoor Shop stocks a number of brands, specialising in cleaning and “reproofing” your rainwear, to its optimal performance.  

But Why Can’t I Use Ordinary Detergent Or Fabric Softener On My Rainwear?

This is because the chemicals in ordinary detergent break down the composition of the fibres with each wash and will eventually strip the fabric of its DWR. After regular use, whether it be while you are out and about on walking trails, or just touring all of the spectacular places to visit in Ireland, your rainwear will eventually stop repelling water.

This occurs as dirt and debris from frequent use clog the rainwear’s pores, reducing its breathability and getting you wet from the inside, as well as breaking down the garment’s DWR, getting you wet from the outside. 

 

How Do I Maintain My Rainwear?

At Portwest – The Outdoor Shop, we highly recommend the use of NikWax products to properly maintain your rainwear and equipment. Nikwax Products are not only great for use on waterproof clothing and footwear, but also for enhancing the performance of tents, rucksacks, down, ropes, and even maps.

 

How Do I Clean My Waterproof Garments?

• Use Nikwax Tech Wash^® in a washing machine... 

 

Use neat Tech Wash® and a sponge, or soft nylon brush, to treat stubborn stains before washing. Remove all non-washable parts. Shake well before use. Follow care label instructions. Do not use conventional detergents.

1. Remove all detergent build up from the detergent dispenser.
2. Place item(s) in washing machine (maximum 2 items).
3. Use 150ml in medium/hard water* areas and 100ml in soft water areas for 1-2 items.
4. Wash according to care label.

* If your kettle furs up you have hard water. For extreme hard water use 200ml.

• Nikwax Tech Wash^® can also be applied by hand... Use gloves.

1. Immerse item(s) in 6L hand-hot water in sink or bowl.
2. Use 150ml in medium/hard water* areas and 100ml in soft water areas for 1-2 items.
3. Rinse 3 times in clean water.

*If your kettle furs up you have hard water. For extreme hard water use 200ml. If the item doesn’t require re-waterproofing, air dry or tumble dry on a low setting if care label allows. If you intend to re-waterproof the washed item there is no need to dry it first.
   

How Do I ‘Reproof’ My Waterproof Garments?

• Use Nikwax TX.Direct^® Wash-In in a washing machine… 

 

For best results remove all non-washable parts and always clean item(s) first with Nikwax Tech Wash® in a separate wash cycle. No need to dry item(s) before waterproofing. Shake well before use. Follow care label instructions.

1. Remove all detergent build up from the detergent dispenser
2. Place maximum of 2 clean garments in washing machine
3. Use 100ml per garment
4. Run 30°C synthetic cycle and slow spin

Do not machine-wash garments if taped seams have become dislodged.*
To maintain waterproofing always wash with Nikwax Tech Wash®. Do not use detergents.

*Faulty taped seams sometimes become detached on old or worn garments. They can be re-stuck using a proprietary clear glue after waterproofing and drying.

• Nikwax TX.Direct® Wash-In can be applied by hand… Use gloves

1. Immerse 1 clean garment in 6L of hand-hot water in a bowl or sink
2. Add 50ml of TX.Direct^®
3. Agitate to mix, leave to soak for 5-10 minutes, then agitate thoroughly
4. Rinse with cold water until water runs clear

Nikwax TX.Direct® treated clothing needs no heat to develop Durable Water Repellency (DWR)…

Air dry or tumble on a low setting if care label allows.

How Do I Clean My Waterproof Footwear?

• Apply Nikwax Footwear Cleaning Gel by hand... 

 

Recommended for Gore-Tex®, eVent® & SympaTex® footwear.

1. Rinse item with clean water to remove loose dirt and to dampen surface.
2. Shake well before use. Press brush applicator to break seal or turn spray nozzle to 'ON' position
3. Apply generously over the area to be cleaned.
4. If very dirty scrub with a stiff nylon brush (e.g. nail brush).
5. Rinse well with clean water.
6. If required, apply appropriate Nikwax WaterBased waterproofing or conditioner while footwear is damp.

Note: Colour may run, test on a hidden area first. Always allow footwear to dry naturally... Leave footwear to dry at room temperature. Paper can be stuffed into the toes to absorb excess moisture, this should be replaced when wet. Keep footwear away from fires and radiators, drying too quickly can crack leather and cause bonded soles to peel.  

 

How Do I ‘Reproof’ My Waterproof Footwear?

For Fabric and Leather:

   

• Apply Nikwax™ Fabric and Leather Waterproof by hand... 

 

1. Clean the shoe with a damp brush to remove dirt. For greasy and difficult-to-remove stains, use Nikwax™ Shoe Cleaning Gel.
2. Shake before use. Press the sponge until the lock is released.
3. Apply generously to wet shoes.
4. After 2 minutes, wipe off excess liquid with a cloth and leave the shoes to dry.

Note: Light/coloured fabric and/or leather may darken after treatment. Test on a hidden area first. Always leave your shoes to dry naturally...  

1. Leave footwear to dry at room temperature.
2. You can stuff paper into the toes of your shoes to absorb excess moisture; it should be replaced when it gets wet.
3. Footwear should be kept away from fire and heaters; Drying too quickly may cause the leather to crack and the glued soles to come apart.

   

For Nubuck & Suede:

• Apply Nikwax Nubuck & Suede Proof™ by hand...

  

1. Brush off dirt with a damp cloth and clean using Nikwax Footwear Cleaning Gel™.
2. Shake well before use. Protect work surface.
3. Apply generously to wet footwear; spray from a distance of 5cm or sponge on.
4. Carefully remove excess drips or runs and allow to dry naturally.

Note: Light/coloured nubuck or suede may darken after treatment. Test on a hidden area first. Always allow footwear to dry naturally...

• Leave footwear to dry at room temperature.
• Paper can be stuffed into the toes to absorb excess moisture, this should be replaced when wet.
• Keep footwear away from fires and radiators, drying too quickly can crack leather and cause bonded soles to peel.

 

For Leather:

• Apply Nikwax Waterproofing Wax for Leather^™ by hand...  

 

For best results clean footwear using Nikwax^® Footwear Cleaning Gel^™.

1. Shake well before use.
2. Rub the wax thoroughly into wet or dry clean leather, using either the sponge applicator or your fingers, paying special attention to seams.
3. Remove any excess with a cloth and buff to a shine.

Note: May darken leather. Test on a hidden area first. Waterproofing Wax for Leather^™ will convert nubuck to a smooth waxy finish. Always allow footwear to dry naturally...

1. Leave footwear to dry at room temperature.
2. Paper can be stuffed into the toes to absorb excess moisture, this should be replaced when wet.
3. Keep footwear away from fires and radiators, drying too quickly can crack leather and cause bonded soles to peel.

 

With the Summer season coming to a close and Autumn/Winter just around the corner, now is a great time to ensure all your rainwear and equipment are in their best shape for the inevitable rainy months ahead.   By following the above steps, you can ensure that you’re getting the best value for money from your rainwear, by extending it’s lifespan, and ensuring you’re outdoor adventures stay as comfortable and dry as possible.