Taking good care of your waterproof jacket is essential for keeping it in top condition for years to come. Your waterproof rain jacket is designed to keep you dry during heavy downpours, so maintaining it properly ensures it performs at its best in all weather conditions. For example, properly cleaning and treating your women’s hiking jacket along with regularly checking, and maintaining your waterproof hiking pants, will ensure they provide optimal protection during your outdoor adventures in any weather. Let’s dive into some simple tips to keep your gear looking great and performing at its best!
We'll guide you through:
How to wash your waterproof jacket
How to maintain your waterproof jacket durability and longevity
How to repair a waterproof jacket
How to wash your waterproof jacket
Prepare Your Jacket
Before you start washing, make sure to zip up all the zippers, fasten all the pockets and cuffs, and tighten any drawstrings. This little step helps protect your jacket and prevents any snags during washing.
Machine Wash with Care
Set your washing machine to a gentle cycle with 30°C (86°F) warm water. Use a non-biological detergent that's gentle on your jacket. Avoid fabric softeners, they can mess with the jacket's waterproof finish. Double-check that all zippers and Velcro fastenings are secured before washing to keep everything safe and sound.
Rinse and Dry
After washing, give your jacket an extra rinse to make sure all the detergent is washed out. Skip the spin cycle and avoid wringing out the jacket—these can damage the fabric and reduce its waterproofing. Instead, hang it up and let it drip dry naturally.
Two Things You Should Never Do When Washing a Waterproof Jacket
Avoid dry cleaning and bleaching: We strongly advise against dry cleaning or using bleach on your waterproof gear, as these can strip away the protective coatings. Always check the care label on your jacket before washing and drying to make sure you’re following the manufacturer's recommendations.
How to maintain your waterproof jacket durability and longevity
Regular Maintenance with Waterproofing Spray
To keep your jacket performing at its best, especially when it comes to waterproofing, regular maintenance is key. Over time, your jacket’s waterproofing abilities can start to fade, especially with frequent use. One simple way to boost its performance is by regularly applying a water-repellent spray. This helps to maintain and even improve the jacket’s ability to keep water out, ensuring it stays effective no matter the weather.
Don’t Forget Proper Storage
In addition to cleaning and reproofing, how you store your jacket matters too. Make sure to keep it in a cool, dry place when not in use, and avoid storing it compressed for long periods. This helps preserve the fabric and the protective coatings.
How to repair a waterproof jacket
Fixing Small Tears or Holes
For small tears or holes in your jacket, you can easily patch them up with waterproof repair tape or a patch—just clean the area, apply the patch smoothly, and you’re good to go. For larger tears, sewing with strong, waterproof thread may be necessary. Once stitched, don’t forget to apply seam sealer to maintain the jacket’s waterproof protection.
Replacing a Broken Zipper
If your zipper is acting up, a little zipper lubricant might be all it needs to start moving smoothly again. And if you’ve lost the zipper pull, don’t worry—a paperclip or keyring can work as a temporary fix. But if the zipper is beyond these quick fixes, it might be time to replace it. You can tackle the replacement yourself if you’re feeling handy, or take it to a tailor or gear repair shop for some professional help.
Restoring Waterproof Coating
If your jacket isn’t repelling water like it used to, it’s probably time for a little refresh. You can pick up a DWR spray or wash-in treatment at most outdoor stores. Just follow the instructions, and your jacket will be back to shedding water in no time!
Repairing Seams
If the seams are starting to leak, a quick application of seam sealer can do wonders. Clean the area, apply the sealer along the stitching, and let it dry completely. Your jacket will be good as new and ready to keep you dry.
Dealing with Delamination
If you notice the inside layer of your jacket peeling away from the outer fabric (that’s called delamination), it’s a bit tricky to fix on your own. The best bet is to take it to a professional who can restore it properly and make sure your jacket stays waterproof.
FAQ
Q: Can you repair a waterproof jacket?
A: Yes, you can repair a waterproof jacket. Small tears can be patched, zippers can be replaced, and seams can be resealed to restore its functionality.
Q: How to take care of a waterproof jacket?
A: Regularly clean your jacket with a gentle detergent, avoid fabric softeners, and air dry it. Store it in a cool, dry place and reapply a water-repellent treatment as needed.
Q: How do you restore a waterproof rain jacket?
A: You can restore a rain jacket by cleaning it thoroughly and applying a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment. This helps to renew the jacket’s water-repelling abilities.
References
https://www.thegreatoutdoorsmag.com/skills/how-to-look-after-your-waterproof-jacket/
