Re-Waterproofing Your Jacket: Stay Dry on Your Next Big Adventure!
Ah, the great British outdoors – lush hills, winding trails, and, of course, a generous helping of rain. Whether you’re heading off on a hiking holiday in the UK or gearing up for your next Gutsy Girls adventure, there’s one bit of kit you’ll need to rely on: Your trusty waterproof jacket.
But what happens when your waterproof isn’t so… waterproof anymore? Don’t despair – re-waterproofing your jacket is surprisingly easy, budget-friendly, and an absolute must to keep you exploring in comfort.
How Do I Know When My Jacket Needs Re-Waterproofing?
A clear sign is when rain stops beading on the surface of your jacket and instead starts soaking in, leaving you damp and cold. This usually means the durable water-repellent (DWR) coating on the jacket has either worn off or been clogged with dirt, sweat, and oils. But there’s no need to splash out on a brand-new coat just yet – a simple clean and re-waterproofing treatment can work wonders.
Step 1: Clean It Up
First things first: Grime is your jacket’s worst enemy when it comes to repelling water. Start by giving it a proper wash using a product like Nikwax Tech Wash. Unlike regular detergents, this is specially designed to clean waterproof fabrics without damaging their water-repellent coating.
Here’s how:
Pop your jacket into the washing machine. For a front-loading machine, stick to two jackets at a time, using two capfuls (100ml) of Tech Wash. If you’ve got a top-loader, you can do up to three jackets with three capfuls (150ml).
Run a regular cycle at 30°C or as per the care label on your jacket. No fabric softeners, mind – they’re a death knell for waterproofs.
Sometimes, this step alone is enough to revive your jacket’s water-repelling abilities. But if rain’s still soaking in after cleaning, it’s time for step two.
Step 2: Re-Waterproof It
If your jacket still isn’t beading water, don’t fret – it just needs a little extra help. Enter Nikwax TX.Direct Wash-In, the hero product for restoring that all-important DWR coating.
Here’s what to do:
After cleaning your jacket, leave it in the washing machine. Add 200ml of TX.Direct Wash-In for up to two jackets in a front-loader or 300ml for up to three jackets in a top-loader.
Run another wash cycle, following the same temperature settings as before.
When it’s time to dry your jacket, check the care label to see if tumble drying is allowed. Unlike some waterproofing treatments, Nikwax doesn’t need heat to activate, so line drying works perfectly well too.
Ready for Rain
And that’s it – two simple steps to bring your jacket back to life! Your next UK hiking weekend or upcoming hiking holiday is waiting… and your re-waterproofed jacket will keep you dry and comfy no matter how much the heavens open. Just make sure your kit’s up to scratch before you go!
