Clothing waterproofing - waterproofing techniques that help maintain the best possible quality of clothes
Unfortunately, many of us forget to waterproof our raincoats, snow boots, and other winter footwear. It's worth doing this not only after purchasing and before wearing the shoes or outerwear, but also after the season, before all these clothes and accessories end up in the closet.
Before you put your jackets and snow boots in the closet
Factory waterproofing of sportswear, skiwear, and outdoor clothing usually only works for a short time. To maintain the durability of the waterproofing, it's necessary to periodically apply appropriate products to the outer material, which will preserve the hydrophobic properties of the material used for women's and men's ski jackets and winter footwear. It's important to waterproof rainwear both before use and before storing it away for months.
In the latter case, it's worth first thoroughly washing jackets and shoes, then drying them properly, applying waterproofing products, and only then putting the clothes and shoes back in the closet. This procedure ensures that the protective filter remains on the fabric's surface, clothes retain their properties, and raincoats and winter boots last much longer. Waterproofing technical clothing or jackets and shoes isn't particularly demanding, but the results are very valuable. Therefore, it's worth investing a little time to properly maintain not only your outdoor gear but also your clothing and footwear.
Rules for washing hiking and sportswear
Men's and women's ski jackets , winter boots, and technical clothing can, of course, be washed at home, but it's always best to follow the manufacturer's instructions. If the manufacturer recommends dry cleaning, it's better to take the jacket to a professional dry cleaner. For footwear, hand washing is the best option, although some washing machines have a shoe wash program that you can use. Again, follow the manufacturer's instructions.
First of all, most winter clothing and footwear are washed at low temperatures and with the right detergent. In addition to hand washing, raincoats and down jackets can also be washed in a washing machine, but special care must be taken when selecting the wash cycle.
It's a good idea to throw tennis balls inside to prevent the feathers from clumping together. It's also essential to rinse thoroughly to effectively remove detergent residue, which can negatively impact the effectiveness of the waterproofing.
Tumble dry or lay flat
Before waterproofing your jacket or shoes, you need to dry them thoroughly. The best solution is to follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Some items can be tumble dried (though it's crucial to protect the material from excessive heat), while for many items, traditional drying, preferably flat, is recommended.
These types of sports, ski, and hiking clothes should be dried at a low temperature. Excess water should be removed with a towel or by gently wringing the material, then laid flat to dry.
Do down jackets need waterproofing?
Waterproof down jackets, ski pants, and women's snow boots are all clothing and accessories that require waterproofing. It's important not to skip these maintenance procedures, as they largely determine the longevity of a given garment.
Of course, impregnation should be performed using a product appropriate for the specific type of garment. The impregnation should be selected for the jacket, depending on whether it has a membrane or not. Impregnation using the appropriate means does not restrict the material's breathability, but ensures resistance to water, dust, and dirt.
Impregnation should be performed on perfectly dry material. It's best to do it in a well-ventilated area. It's best to leave clothes and footwear to dry completely, place them in appropriate boxes, and hang them in a closet, providing ample space for jackets and other outerwear.
You absolutely shouldn't just roll up or store this type of equipment haphazardly, as the material will lose its properties over time, and in the fall, you'll find your jacket or snow boots need replacing. This can be avoided by using appropriate waterproofing and maintaining your clothing and footwear.
