HOW TO REPROOF A WATERPROOF JACKET

When you’re out on the trails, the last thing you want is a leaky jacket. Over time, even the highest quality waterproof jacket will lose its water repellency, so it’s important to know how to look after it.

Taking care of your waterproof jacket after each run or hike is a great starting point, as is regular washing and reproofing. Find out everything you need to know about how to look after your waterproof in our comprehensive guide.

Keep your waterproof jacket waterproof for longer by following these three simple tips every time you wear it.

1. Wear a long-sleeved top underneath

Your jacket will get wet inside if you wear it over a short sleeve top. Instead wear a long-sleeved top as this helps turn your sweat into vapour, which escapes more easily through the breathable fabric.

2. Tumble dry after each use

After each run or hike, where your waterproofs have got wet, put them in the tumble dryer on a low heat. This will help reactivate the waterproof coating on the outside of the jacket and ensure it keeps you dry for longer.

3. Consider whether your jacket needs a wash and/or reproofing

The build-up of dirt, grease and body oils on your waterproof jacket can contaminate the membrane inside the fabric and affect the breathability of it. In extreme cases this contamination could also cause the fabric to leak. If you feel your jacket is starting to leak, it sounds like it’s time to reproof it.

While you don’t need to wash your waterproof jacket after each use, if you’re using it regularly, we recommend washing at least once a month.

The exception to this is if you’ve been on a long run or hike, where you’ve been sweating heavily. In this situation it’s best to wash it immediately after.

When washing your waterproof jacket, we recommend Grangers® Performance Wash. This eco-friendly washing liquid provides powerful cleaning and while also enhancing the water-repellent finish of your jacket.

1. Fasten
   Zip up any zips and fasten any Velcro before placing inside the washing machine.
2. Pour
   Pour 25ml (1/2 cap) of Grangers® Performance Wash per wash load. It’s best to add this to a clean detergent drawer in your washing machine, free from any residue.
3. Wash
   Wash your waterproof jacket according to its care label instructions.
4. Allow To Dry
   Air dry naturally or tumble dry on low.

The answer to this question will depend on how often you use your jacket. As a rule, you should reproof your waterproof at least every 6-12 months. It’s a good idea to think about reproofing your jacket in the autumn before the wet weather truly sets in. If you have a big hike or race coming up, it’s wise to reproof ahead of this to maximise your jacket’s waterproof protection.

The easiest way to reproof you jacket is to use Grangers® Wash + Repel Clothing 2 in 1. This saves time, energy and water by washing your waterproof jacket and restoring its water repellency at the same time.

Simply follow this four-step process:

1. Fasten
   Zip up any zips and fasten any Velcro before placing inside the washing machine.
2. Pour
   Pour 100ml (2 caps) of Grangers® Wash + Repel Clothing 2 in 1. Add an extra 50ml per additional item (although for best results it’s better to reproof items separately). It’s best to add this to a clean detergent drawer in your washing machine, free from any residue.
3. Wash
   Wash your waterproof jacket according to its care label instructions.
4. Allow To Dry
   Air dry naturally or tumble dry on low.

If you’d prefer to reproof your waterproof jacket using a spray, it’s important that you have washed it in the washing machine first. Then simply follow this process:

1. Reproof
   Spray Grangers® Performance Repel Plus directly onto your damp, freshly washed jacket. Apply extra to areas prone to abrasion.
2. Remove
   Remove any excess product with a clean, dry cloth.
3. Allow To Dry
   Air dry naturally or tumble dry on low.

So, you had a fall, or got caught, and now your trusty waterproof jacket has a hole. What do you do? The good news is that most tears and holes can be repaired, and you can do it yourself.

All you need is:

• A needle and thread
• STORMSURE TUFF tape
• A pair of scissors

To repair your waterproof, follow this process:

1. Make sure your waterproof is clean and dry.
2. Close the hole by carefully hand-sewing it shut.
3. Cut off a piece of the repair tape and round off the corners to avoid them peeling.
4. Peel off backing of the tape and attach it to the damaged area. Press it down and ensure it is securely attached to the fabric.
5. Reproof your waterproof using your washing machine or a spray.