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By: Andrew Forrest - December 2024
Our guide provides clear steps on how to wash and reproof your waterproof trousers or pants to maintain their performance.
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Keeping your waterproof trousers in top condition ensures they stay effective against rain, wind, and mud. Often, all your waterproof trousers need is a proper cleaning to restore their waterproof properties, but how do you do that?
Specialist detergents: Use non-detergent cleaners specially designed for waterproof fabrics, such as Granger's Performance Wash or Nikwax Tech Wash. These help maintain the durable water repellent (DWR) treatment on waterproof garments, which is crucial to ensure water beads and runs off, preserving the garment's performance. Dirt in the garment's 'pores' can greatly reduce the material's waterproof properties.
Avoid regular detergents/washing powders: Ordinary laundry detergents can damage the waterproof coating and leave residues that reduce breathability, so DO NOT use them.
Washing machine drawer before cleaning out all previous remaining detergent and conditioner
Cleaned washing machine drawer ready for us to wash the waterproof trousers
Hang the trousers in a well-ventilated area, avoiding direct sunlight.
If the care label on your waterproof trousers or pants permits, tumble dry on low heat. This can help reactivate the waterproof coating.
Putting the waterproof trousers and jacket in the tumble dryer to dry on a gentle heat
All the above cleaning techniques for waterproof trousers generally apply to all waterproof gear and especially waterproof jackets, but whatever you are washing, ALWAYS read the manufacturers' care guidelines first.
Properly washing and reproofing waterproof jacket trousers is essential to maintain their effectiveness and longevity.
Wash-in treatments are my preferred way of reproofing, and I find they work better than spray products. Add these to the washing machine for full garment coverage. The ones I generally use and find are the best are Granger's Clothing Repel and Nikwax TX Direct.
These are ideal for targeting specific areas if you want to do only part of the trousers or the areas that wear the most. I generally use Granger's Performance Repel Plus and Nikwax TX Direct Spray-on Waterproofer.
Always reproof after washing to ensure the fabric is free of dirt and residues. This step is essential to ensure the proofing works its best.
Heat often helps activate waterproofing. If the manufacturer's care guide permits, use a dryer on low heat or air dry thoroughly.
Rather than washing and then reproofing your waterproof trousers, you can buy specialist cleaners/proofers that do the job in one go. Do you remember the old Vidal Sassoon's 'Wash and Go' ads on TV? Why take two bottles into the shower? Well, these products work in the same way and do both jobs simultaneously.
The product I've found best for this is Granger's Wash + Repel. If the care instructions allow you to use a washing machine, add 100ml to the drawer and wash following the recommended cycle. If you are washing more than one garment at once, add 50ml extra for each additional garment. I tend never to wash/proof more than two items at once, so they have space to wash properly.
Then dry as above. Grangers recommends that you do that if your product can be tumbled dried as per the manufacturer's care instructions. They say that all Grangers protection products are effective when air-dried. However, they recommend applying a small amount of heat, such as a tumble or hair dryer, for optimum durability.
Washing: I generally clean my waterproof trousers after heavy use or when visibly dirty. It's crucial to wash them regularly and follow care labels to maintain their effectiveness and prolong their lifespan.
Dirty waterproof trousers that no longer bead when soaked in water
Reproofing: I generally reproof every 3–4 washes or when water stops beading on the surface of the trousers. You can usually tell when you are wearing them if they need reproofing.
Washed and reproofed waterproof trousers that now bead and repel water again
Always read the manufacturers' care labels.
Washing waterproof jackets and
trousers is crucial for ensuring the waterproofing is effectively restored, and the garment remains in optimal condition. Proper care and
maintenance of waterproof gear, including using specialised cleaners and periodic reproofing, are essential to ensure optimal performance and
longevity and maintain your trousers' durable water repellency (DWR).
When you're out on your walk or hike, it's essential to know how to perform basic repairs and maintenance on your waterproof trousers to ensure they continue to perform optimally. Here are some tips to help you keep your waterproof trousers in good condition:
Professional repair options are available if your waterproof clothing is damaged beyond self-repair or if you're uncomfortable performing repairs yourself. Here are some options to consider:
Store your waterproof trousers in a cool, dry place.
Avoid cramming them into tight spaces to maintain the fabric's integrity.
Washing and reproofing your waterproof trousers doesn't have to be complicated. Using the right products and techniques can extend their lifespan and keep them performing like new. Follow this guide to ensure your trousers are ready to face any weather.
Start caring for your waterproof trousers today to stay dry and comfortable tomorrow!
Happy, dry walking. 😊
December 2024
