Why should I wash and re-proof my Páramo waterproof jacket?

How do I know when to wash my waterproof jacket?

• If there are signs your jacket is ‘wetting out’, which is when the outer material soaks up water or if water no longer beads off it.
• If your jacket it is visibly dirty, e.g. soiled cuffs, hems and pockets, or make up and sunscreen residues on the chin guard, hood and arms.
• When your jacket has encountered abrasion or been exposed to sweat, plants, soil, mud, salt, dust or oils.
• We also recommend a wash even if you have not worn your jacket for a while as dust particles and everyday home pollutants can accumulate and affect its performance.

How do I know when to re-proof my waterproof jacket?

• Once washed, hold your jacket under running water, even if it is still wet. If the water beads off the outer fabric, no further action is required. However, if water is still absorbed into the material we recommend a reproof.
• You should only re-proof your jacket after a wash as otherwise the coating may trap dirt and contaminants within the fabric, which could shorten the jacket’s lifespan.

What products should I use to wash and re-proof my waterproof jacket?

We recommend Nikwax Tech Wash to wash and clean, and Nikwax TX.Direct to reproof.

How often should I wash my waterproof jacket?

• There is no set interval to washing or re-proofing your jacket, just look out for signs of wetting out on the outer fabric, such as rucksack contact points or around the pockets.
• If your jacket is used for high-energy activities where you sweat a lot, or you are an outdoor professional, it is likely to need washing more frequently.
• A good tip is to wash your jacket ahead of any multi-day period of use to ensure it performs at its very best.

After what use should I wash/re-proof my waterproof jacket?

• After extensive outdoor use where the jacket has encountered abrasion or come in to contact with animals, sweat, plants, soil, mud, dust or oils.
• After use around salt water, as salt is a contaminant that can cause your jacket to work less effectively.
• If you use your jacket regularly, which means wear and tear and exposure to more dirt and contaminants.

What is the ratio of washing vs. re-proofing?

• We recommend re-proofing with Nikwax TX.Direct every 3-5 washes, but it is good practice to check your jacket occasionally for areas of wetting out.

 

How should I wash my Páramo jacket?

• Refer to the jacket’s care label for any specific instructions.
• Do up the zips to protect them during the wash cycle and to prevent the zip teeth snagging on the material.
• Secure Velcro tabs and loosen any elastics for a more even wash and re-proof.

Should I dry the jacket before I reproof it?

• No, after washing your jacket you can put it straight back in the machine for reproofing with Nikwax TX. Direct.

How should I dry my jacket?

• Air-drying is preferable though you can tumble dry it on a cool setting if you wish (there are no performance benefits to using heat in the drying process).

I haven’t worn my jacket in the rain; do I still need to wash it?

• Yes! Even in dry conditions your jacket will encounter dirt, contaminants and abrasions.

 

I haven’t worn my jacket for a while; do I still need to wash it, as it does not look dirty?

• Yes! Your jacket can pick up dust, dirt and household pollutants even while hung up at home. It might look clean but invisible and hidden dirt can affect its performance.
• Extended exposure to UV rays (e.g. if your jacket hangs in a sun-drenched porch) can degrade your jacket’s Durable Water Repellent coating. A regular maintenance cycle will ensure it performs whenever you use it.

Where does wetting out occur on my jacket?

• It can occur anywhere but common areas are around the collar, cuffs, arms and pockets and wherever your jacket comes into contact with other outdoor gear, such as the shoulders and waist if using a backpack.

What are the typical contaminants that can build up on my jacket and affect its performance?

• Dirt, dust, sweat, salt, sun cream, hand gels, anti-bacterial spray, make-up, and oils from animals.
• Dirt and contaminants can also be transferred from outdoor gear such as rucksacks.

Can I hand wash my jacket?

• Yes, just follow the instructions on the Nikwax Tech Wash bottle.

Can I hand proof my jacket?

• Yes, just follow the instructions on the Nikwax TX.Direct bottle.

Can I over-wash my jacket?

• No – although washing is good for your jacket, you are unlikely to need to wash it after every use. Only if it is regularly exposed to dirt or contaminants should you follow a frequent washing cycle.

Can I over-proof my jacket?

• Yes – we recommend you wash your jacket more regularly than re-proofing it as frequent re-proofing will not necessarily produce improved performance.
• You should also wash your jacket before proofing it. Otherwise, dirt can remain trapped within its fibres, which can hinder its performance when proofing alone.

Why should my washing machine tray be clear of detergent and fabric softener residues before using Nikwax products?

• Because these can cause contamination during the cleaning & re-proofing process.

Do I have to use TX.Direct Wash-In or can I use the Spray-On instead?

• You must use TX.Direct Wash-In for Páramo garments as it treats both the inner and outer fabrics.

Useful tips:

• Do not be afraid to wash and re-proof your jacket. It will not come to harm; on the contrary, its usable life will be prolonged.

• Do not worry about using Nikwax products in your washing machine. They are PFC free and designed to work just like normal detergents, cleaners and proofing agents.

• You can wash any of your Páramo garments at 30°C with Nikwax aftercare products and still achieve excellent results. However, you may choose to wash them at a higher temperature to remove very stubborn stains.

• Check the Best Before End date on your bottles of Nikwax, as with any household consumable item, to ensure the products will work effectively.