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Caring for Your Waterproofs: How to Wash and Reproof Them
Waterproof jackets and trousers are an essential part of any outdoor wardrobe, especially for spring adventures when rain showers can be frequent and unpredictable. High quality waterproofs, such as those from Páramo Clothing, offer protection, comfort and breathability – but like any technical gear, they need proper care to maintain their performance over time.
Washing and reproofing waterproof clothing may seem daunting, but it is essential if you want your jackets and trousers to remain effective, long lasting, and comfortable. This guide explains why care matters, when to wash, and how to reproof your waterproof gear.
Why Caring for Waterproofs Matters
Over time, waterproof jackets and trousers can lose their protective properties due to dirt, sweat, oils, make up, and general wear and tear. Even fabrics a that use durable water repellent (DWR) coatings, can wear down with prolonged use.
When the DWR coating diminishes, water starts to soak into the outer fabric rather than beading off it. Whilst the jacket may still stop rain from penetrating through it, breathability decreases, and you feel wet and uncomfortable from condensation build up. Reproofing restores the DWR and helps maintain both water resistance and breathability.
Proper care also extends the life of your jacket, meaning your investment in quality Páramo waterproofs will pay off over many years.
How Often Should You Wash Waterproofs?
Waterproofs should be washed when they become visibly dirty, or when water stops beading on the fabric surface. For frequent walkers or hikers, this may be every few weeks during the wet season. For occasional users, once or twice a year may suffice.
Signs that it’s time to wash include:
- Water soaking into the fabric rather than forming beads
- Mud or stains that cannot be brushed off
- Accumulation of sweat or body oils affecting breathability
Avoid over-washing as this can wear down DWR coatings. The key is balancing cleanliness and performance.
Steps to Wash Waterproof Clothing
Check the Label: Always follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. Páramo Clothing includes specific guidelines for their jackets and trousers.
Use Appropriate Detergent: Use a liquid detergent formulated for technical outerwear. Avoid fabric softeners, bleach, and regular detergents, as these can all damage waterproof coatings.
Close Fastenings: Zip up all zips, fasten Velcro and close storm flaps to prevent damage during washing.
Wash Gently: Wash on a gentle cycle using cold or warm water, not hot.
Rinse Thoroughly: Make sure all detergent is removed as residues can affect waterproofing.
Dry Properly: Either air dry or tumble dry on a low heat if the garment label allows. Heat can help activate DWR coatings on some fabrics.
Washing correctly not only cleans the garment but also prepares it for reproofing.
How to Reproof Waterproofs
Reproofing restores water repellency to the outer surface of waterproof clothing. There are several methods, depending on the type of garment and product:
- Spray-On Reproofing: Ideal for jackets with seams and breathable membranes. Spray evenly over the clean, dry surface, then allow to air dry.
- Wash-In Reproofing: Added to a washing machine rinse cycle, this method treats the entire garment evenly.
- Heat Activation: Some DWR products require gentle heat to reactivate the coating after application, either by ironing or tumble drying. Always follow the product instructions carefully.
Páramo Clothing provides detailed guidance for washing and reproofing their gear, ensuring maximum performance without compromising comfort and breathability
Additional Tips for Maintaining Waterproofs
Avoid Contact With Sharp Objects: Zips, rocks and branches can all damage fabric.
Store Dry: Always store garments dry and loosely folded to prevent creases and damage to coatings.
Check Seams: Inspect seam tapes and stitch lines for wear, and repair if necessary.
Use Pockets Wisely: Avoid overloading pockets to prevent stretching or tearing them.
Routine maintenance is simple yet highly effective for prolonging the life of your waterproofs.
Why Choose Quality Waterproofs Like Páramo
Brands like Páramo Clothing combine technical fabrics, thoughtful design, and tough DWR coatings. Their gear is built to remain breathable while keeping water out, and their focus on longevity makes washing and reproofing a very straightforward process.
Investing in a high quality jacket or pair of trousers means there is less need for frequent replacement, and better performance on every walk, hike or outdoor adventure. Following proper care guidelines maximises their value and effectiveness.
Final Thoughts
Waterproof jackets and trousers are vital for enjoying outdoor adventures in spring and beyond. With careful washing and reproofing, your garments remain comfortable, breathable, and protective in a wide range of weather conditions.
Taking the time to care for your waterproofs, especially those from Páramo Clothing, ensures you benefit from many seasons of reliable performance. Clean, well maintained waterproofs help you stay dry, comfortable and ready to explore the outdoors in any weather.
FAQs: Caring for Your Waterproofs: How to Wash and Reproof Them
How often should I wash my waterproof jacket?
Wash when it becomes dirty or when water stops beading on its surface. Over-washing can reduce water repellency, so clean only when necessary.
Can I use regular detergent to wash waterproofs?
No. Regular detergents and fabric softeners can damage waterproof coatings. Use a recommended technical detergent instead.
How do I reproof a jacket?
You can use spray-on or wash-in reproofing products, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Some coatings require gentle heat to reactivate, such as ironing or tumble drying.
Will reproofing affect breathability?
Properly applied reproofing restores water repellency without reducing breathability. Using the correct product for your garment is essential.
Why choose Páramo waterproofs?
Páramo waterproofs are designed for comfort, breathability and longevity. Their guidance on washing and reproofing helps maintain peak performance for years.
