If you do not have immediate access to a tumble dryer, please do not attempt to wash an insulated waterproof garment yourself. The following advice assumes access to a tumble dryer.
The garment should ideally be washed using a specialist cleaning product such as
Grangers Performance Wash,
Nikwax Tech Wash,
Fibertec Pro Wash, or
Storm Clothing Wash. If these aren’t available then soap flakes which can be purchased from a supermarket are also fine, and failing that simple liquid detergent without fabric softeners can be used but is not something we officially recommend.
Before you begin, clean any detergent out of your washing machine: if you use the powder drawer, give it a thorough clean, pouring hot water down it to remove any residue. Finally, run a short rinse cycle with the machine empty to clear any remaining detergent.
Ensure all pockets are empty, drawcords under tension are released, velcro adjusters fastened, and all zips including pocket zips and ventilation zips are done up fully.
Read the care label. Take note of the filling type (down or polyester).
Select the appropriate wash cycle on your machine - ideally this should be a programme with a low to medium spin speed setting such as Delicates, Woollens or Handwash and with a temperature setting of 30°C or 40°C . Avoid washing multiple garments at once. Rinse extremely thoroughly (at least twice).
When removing your garment from the machine, do so carefully, as the extra weight of any wet filling could damage internal stitching. If your insulated waterproof clothing is down-filled, the garment may well look flat, empty and / or lumpy. At this stage don’t worry. Your garment now needs to be dried extremely thoroughly. This should be done slowly, using a tumble dryer set to the lowest heat setting available. Selecting a higher temperature in the hope of drying more quickly could easily damage the fabrics and components of your garment.
If your waterproof jacket is down filled (and not synthetic / polyester), the drying process may take several hours, particularly for heavier items of clothing. During this time, periodically check the garment (remove from the tumble dryer) to ensure that it is not getting too hot. If your garment is down filled we also recommend massaging the filling between your hands at frequent intervals. It is important to start this process before the garment becomes too dry; doing so will help to tease apart any clumps and ensure that it regains its natural loft. This process can be aided by adding a couple of tennis balls or other small but firm items to the drum whilst drying.
Tumble-drying will at the same time help to reactivate any DWR (Durable Water Repellency) treatment on the outer fabric. This can also be achieved by carefully ironing the outer fabric on a warm setting, ensuring to place a thin cloth between the garment and the iron. Do not allow the iron to come into contact with any zips, gaskets or logos.
Finally all components such as cordlocks should be checked and zips thoroughly lubed. We recommend using a product such as
Gear Aid Zipper Lubricant,
McNETT Zip Care or Zipper Stick. Alternatively natural products such as Beeswax can also be used. The garment can then be stored away as normal.