Taking home a top-quality waterproof jacket is a good investment, especially if you are an outdoor type of person or living in an area that has severe winters. How well a waterproof jacket does would depend mainly on the type you purchase. It can either be waterproof or water-resistant depending on the level of repellency of the fabric used.
As these jackets are always being used in inclement weather, over time their performance can be hindered by dirt, oil from your skin, and other contaminants. Water will soon start to soak deep into the fabric, preventing it from working as it should. Hence, you need to learn how to laundry raincoats.
Unfortunately, not everyone knows how to wash a rain jacket properly. Laundering it is easier said than done. Did you know that they require special care and maintenance? Unlike your other garments, you cannot simply toss your waterproof jackets into the washing machine and expect it to come out clean and in tiptop shape. If not washed properly, it will reek. Also, the use of ordinary detergents can damage the composition of its textile fibers and strip it off of its durable water repellent (DWR) coating.
What are the common signs indicating the need to wash your waterproof jacket?
Wetting Out
Have you checked the surface of your waterproof jacket? Does the exterior soak up water like a towel when it is raining? If yes, then it is “wetting out,” a common sign that the durable water repellent surface treatment of your jacket has already been compromised. Luckily, cleaning and re-waterproofing can help resolve this issue.
Visible Dirt and Stains
Being outdoors is fun but almost always messy. Luckily, all the crud you get from the rain, your muddy camp or morning cappuccino can be cleaned using a mild liquid detergent and a waterproof spray for jacket.
Step by step instruction on how to wash your waterproof jacket
Washing your waterproof jackets does not have to be a daunting task. Here’s a practical step by step instruction on how to wash your waterproof jacket properly.
1. Read your raincoat’s care tag and follow the instructions accordingly. Care tags give specific instructions on how to wash, dry, iron, and bleach your garments. Follow the instructions carefully, otherwise, you will risk ruining your precious waterproof jacket.
2. Remove any loose mud, dirt, and debris on the outer layer of your jacket. If not removed, these will cause damage to the surface of your raincoat.
3. Use gentle liquid detergent instead of powdered detergent as it contains harsh chemicals that may damage the fabric of your jacket. Select the warm permanent-press cycle on your washer.
4. Rinse your waterproof jacket twice. Avoid using a fabric conditioner.
5. Set your dryer to low heat then tumble dry your raincoat. This will help restore the waterproof coating of your jacket.
6. Apply spray-on DWR treatment on the outer layer of your jacket.
So, there you have it. Washing and caring for your raincoat is just as easy as with your other garments. However, if you see it start delaminating, it’s probably time to put it to rest and buy a new one.
If you want to go the extra mile in taking good care of your jacket, consider getting it done by professionals. At Kelly’s Dry Cleaners, we use non-toxic and environmentally safe products when laundering your jackets.
Taking good care of your raincoats and waterproof jackets will not only guarantee a warm and dry outdoor experience, but it will also guarantee that your raincoats will last a long, long time.
If you are looking for dry cleaners in Durango, call us at (970) 903-1642 or call our dry cleaning Farmington office at (505) 564-3333.
