Jackets maintenance and aftercare

How to clean your waterproof jacket

When you have a new jacket its amazing how the water just runs off the outside. This happens because of a durable water repellent treatment (DWR) that's applied at manufacture to all jackets. However, dirt, oil and normal household detergents will mask the DWR coating over time, causing the outside of the jacket to absorb water; Known as wetting out. 'Wetting out' reduces breathability, comfort and performance, making the jacket feel cold and wet to touch. Unlike normal detergents, technical cleaners from Granger's and Nikwax, remove dirt, oils and stains without harming the DWR; making your jacket work like new again and it's original performance restored!

How to reproof your waterproof jacket

Reproofing your waterproof jacket: Want to keep your old jacket performing like new? Over time, your jacket loses its durable water repellent (DWR) treatment due to dirt, oil and general wear and tear. Technical jackets need care and maintenance if they are to last a long time. Re-proofing your jacket is required to restore its breathability, comfort and performance so it can continue to protect you against the elements and not end up saturated.

How often do I re-proof my waterproof jacket?

There is no standard text-book answer to this question; only recommendations. This is because how often you need to reproof your jacket depends upon how often you use it, in what conditions and the quality of the material. For example, a jacket worn frequently on the hill in bad weather, hopping styles and brushing past stone walls will need re-proofing sooner than a jacket you wear on the odd occasion to the football.

The best way to tell when your jacket needs to be re-proofed is if wet patches start appearing on the outside fabric when it comes into contact with rain; this is known as 'wetting out'.

It may feel like the jacket is leaking, but this is usually due to a build up of water on the outer fabric. The build up of water reduces breathability, which means vapour builds up inside the jacket and is unable to escape; eventually soaking the clothing and creating a damp feeling next to the skin.

We recommend reproofing your jacket at least once every year or two! This time can vary depending on how often you use your jacket, and the material it is made from. Abrasion, grime and washing the fabric in normal household detergents can reduce the waterproof performance (DWR) of the garment, and so it's essential to keep it clean! Remember to look out for wet patches appearing on the outside of the jacket fabric as a tell-tail sign you need to reproof!

Maintaining and cleaning down

Down fill items are considered to be the hardest to clean. Some people believe you cannot clean down yourself and that it can only be done professionally. This is not the case, as many specialist products have been developed to make the process a lot easier to do yourself. The trick to cleaning down is not to wash it regularly, but with time and care.

Always remember: Check the label carefully before washing down. Professional cleaning might be the kindest route, and many manufacturers will be able to recommend a suitable service.

Often the down fill itself isn't dirty and doesn't need cleaning. If the surface fabric on your garment is looking a bit dirty it may just be in need of a cosmetic clean. If this is the case, a spray-on cleaner such as Nikwax Wash/Down Proof Mini Twinpack would be best. (See below for instructions on the cleaning process)