Making a waterproof coat waterproof again

Luisa1981

Hello,

I hope I can find the answer to this question here!

I have a waterproof jacket that I've had for about 18 months. I've washed it quite a bit as it's had bike grease on it.

It seems to have lost it's waterproofness as I DROWNED in the rain the other day.:(

I'm reluctant to spend another £30 on a new one as there's nothing wrong with it really and it's nice quality. Does anyone know of a relatively cheap way of restoring its waterproofness?

Anyone got any ideas? All help much appreciated!!

Thanks

:A

spadoosh

Your supposed to, on most waterproof jackets, wash it in a special washing fluid that helps keep it on. Not sure what you use to get it back sorry. Mine has done the same:(, will follow closely!

spadoosh

ooo this looks good!
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nikwax-Tx-Direct-Wash-Waterproofer/dp/B000Q6DKQO

stinky_daddy

I know you can re-waterproof certain items like tents for example.

I think most outdoor shops / outlets have a spray / aerosol which you just spray over the item (probably a couple of coats would be needed?).

Guess you could always ask in one of them?

HTH

s_d

LJM

if you go to somewhere like millets they have a spray i think it is that you can use to reproof it

LJM

http://www.millets.co.uk/product/042075.html

heres what i found

Pink.

Hi Luisa,

I would second using Nikwax for re-waterproofing. This thread recommends using silicone wax from a motoring shop but I don't think I'd like to risk that.

Once you get it sorted, this thread may help with washing your coat:

Washing waterproof coats

Pink

hex2

There was an article in trail magazine a few years ago about these type of re-waterproofing products , and the best value for money was Comfort fabric conditioner for performance against cost. Basically you should wash it with soap, ad then put it on a rinse cycle with some comfort in.

indeed, when I googled to check if my meory was right I came up with this, but I do remember reading it in Trail at the time.

Beeker

If you go on the Nikwax website and do their quiz you can get a free sample of TX Direct Wash-in. You have to answer the questions correctly but you can have more than one go. HTH.

Luisa1981

Wow! Thanks for all the advice.

Coat gets a bit bike-greasy so it's been washed quite a bit, I'll remember not to now!

I have some amazon vouchers due from survey sites so I might have to put them to good use now.

Beeker - thanks for the tip! Will get on to that now!!

This site is just BRILLIANT.

:T

becky2812

I buy a wash solution from the local outdoor shop. Couple of points you need to be aware of.
Always wash the item in NON BIO detergent first. Apparently the Bio stuff can rot/ eat through the seams. Then wash in the special liquid, and for most of them you then have to tumble dry on a low heat to activate the waterproofness!!

I regularly wash all cyclng and snowboarding gear, and as long as you follow the instructions it works fine.
I have line dried the item before, and it was not full waterproofed
Hope that helps!!