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Come one then -I'm looking for the expert on washing waterproof stuff.

The label on my jacket says to wash in cool water by hand. How is this going to get grime off?

And presumably washing will damage the waterproofing? Any tips then on reproofing?

Depends what it's made of.  If you go to a outdoor/camping shop, you will be able to buy all sorts of different proofers.  Graingers are particularly good in my opinion.  Make sure you don't put a wax or oil based one on any Goretex like material as it will block the pores and reduce the breathability of the fabric.  You should have a choice of suitable sprays in most shops.

Quote: Originally posted by Liz G on 24/08/2005

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You can buy special stuff from outdoor suppliers for washing waterproofs - occasionally we use this to do ours in the machine on a cool wash. Then you can use a wash in reproofer (also in the machine) which restores the water repellency (so that the water on your jacket "beads" and runs off as opposed to soaking in to the upper layer). You need to tumble dry this on a low heat to activate it.

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Thanks for that. Anyone know of places on t'internet where I can get this stuff from?

Hi

I use the Nikwax as well and my waterproofs have always come out great.