What do you use to keep jackets waterproof?

[Vodkagirly]

I have several ski and hi viz workmans type jackets that I use around the yard which need washed, normally just use normal laundry stuff but they are not as waterproof as they used to be. What do you use to keep them waterproof?

 

[Red-1]

I have used a wash-in waterproofer, but find they don't last long. I find the best thing is to never use bio washing powder, as they then stay waterproof for years. I also use a cool wash and drip dry, not tumble dry. My fluorescent jacket is worn daily in bad weather and is still waterproof after 4 years, but friends with the same jacket washed in bio or tumble dried and theirs leak like a sieve.

I think it was called Nic Wax that I used, and it lasted for awhile, but not a full season.

 

[p87]

I get this stuff from my local hardware shop and use it on EVERYTHING - waterproof jackets, trousers, walking boots, my sons snow boots, horse rugs, exercise sheets, rucksacks - basically anything I need waterproofed! The girl who works in the hardware shop even uses it on her UGG boots! It's great stuff

http://www.homecareessentials.co.uk/acatalog/Water__Oil__Grease_and_Dirt_Repellent_For_Textiles.html

 

[sandi_84]

Great thread! I got a lovely deerhunter jacket from my OH a couple of months ago (ebay but new) and with all the serious rain we've had it suddenly lost it's waterproofing the other day Have been looking at re-waterproofing but the only thing I knew about was nikwax wash in stuff (rubbish!) and the nixwax spray on stuff but I didn't know if it would be worth the money.

 

[Kat]

It really depends what fabric your jacket is made of. Generally if your jacket is washable then washing with nikwax tx direct should be safe and should help keep it waterproof but some fabrics are best if you don't wash them as washing destroys the waterproof coating.

Generally with waterproofs you get what pay for and buying a good quality waterproof jacket will mean you can wash it and it will stay waterproof for years.

 

[Prince33Sp4rkle]

i only ever cold wash with no detergent, or hand wash to keep the waterproof-ness.

and use nickwax wash in and spray on as a top up and dont have any probs.

 

[Vodkagirly]

Do people find the spray on or wash in products better?
Ideally I wouldn't wash them but the smell is horrible.

 

[p87]

In 16 years of needing waterproofs for riding/working on yards etc I have never once found nixwax to work, no matter how I use it - ie wash in hot/cold water or the spray on stuff.

I wash my things in a normal 30 degree wash like I do with all my other washing, then once dry I spray with the HG spray. After an hour it is fully dried and waterproof.