Gear Maintenance 101: How to Restore Your Jacket's Waterproofing

Even the toughest work jackets eventually start to soak through in a downpour. You're out on a job site, miles from cover, and suddenly that expensive waterproof shell feels more like a sponge. The culprit? A failing Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating. Luckily, you can restore that protection and keep your gear performing like it should, saving you money and keeping you dry.

Understanding DWR and Why It Fails

DWR is a coating applied to the outer layer of waterproof jackets, pants, and other gear. It causes water to bead up and roll off the fabric, preventing it from saturating. This is crucial because a saturated outer layer reduces breathability and makes you cold, even if the waterproof membrane underneath is still working.

DWR coatings fail over time due to dirt, oil, abrasion, and detergent residue. Think of it like this: every time you wear your jacket, you're subtly grinding away at the coating. Regular washing, even with the "right" detergents, can also strip away the DWR. The good news is that restoring DWR is a relatively simple process.

Cleaning Your Garment: The Foundation for Restoration

Before you even think about re-applying DWR, you need to thoroughly clean your garment. This removes the dirt and oils that are preventing the DWR from working effectively.

• Check the Care Label: Always follow the manufacturer's instructions on the garment's care label.
• Use a Technical Wash: Avoid regular detergents, which can leave residue that interferes with DWR.

Restoring DWR with a Wash-In Treatment

Wash-in DWR treatments are a popular and convenient way to restore water repellency. They're added to your washing machine during the wash cycle and coat the entire garment.

• Clean the Dispenser: Make sure your washing machine's detergent dispenser is clean of any residual detergent.
• Follow Instructions Carefully: Use the recommended amount of DWR treatment based on the size of your garment. Too much can leave a sticky residue, while too little won't provide adequate protection.
• Run a Second Rinse Cycle: This ensures that any excess treatment is removed.

Heat Activation: The Key to Long-Lasting Performance

Heat activation is crucial for properly bonding the DWR treatment to the fabric. This step sets the DWR and makes it more durable.

• Tumble Dry on Low Heat: If the care label allows, tumble dry your garment on low heat for 20-30 minutes. The heat helps the DWR molecules bond to the fabric fibers.
• Iron on Low Heat: If tumble drying isn't an option, you can iron the garment on low heat, placing a clean towel between the iron and the fabric. This prevents direct contact and scorching.
• Check the Care Label! Again, always prioritize the manufacturer's instructions.

Spot Treatment: Addressing High-Wear Areas

Sometimes, certain areas of your jacket, like the shoulders or elbows, wear out faster than others. For these areas, a spray-on DWR treatment can be a targeted solution.

• Clean the Area: Make sure the area you're treating is clean and dry.
• Apply Evenly: Spray the DWR treatment evenly over the area, holding the can about 6-8 inches away from the fabric.
• Wipe Off Excess: Use a clean cloth to wipe off any excess treatment.
• Heat Activate: Allow to air dry, then use a hairdryer on low heat or iron on low, as outlined above, to activate.

Troubleshooting Common DWR Problems

Even with careful application, you might encounter some issues. Here are a few common problems and their solutions:

• Sticky Residue: This usually indicates that you used too much DWR treatment. Try washing the garment again with a technical wash and running an extra rinse cycle.
• Uneven Water Repellency: This could be due to uneven application of the DWR treatment. Try re-applying the treatment, paying attention to areas that seem to be absorbing water more readily.
• DWR Not Lasting Long: This could be due to improper cleaning or heat activation. Make sure you're using a technical wash and properly heat-activating the DWR treatment. Also, consider the jacket's use; heavy abrasion will always degrade DWR faster.

Bottom Line

Restoring your jacket's DWR coating is a straightforward process that can significantly extend the life of your gear. By understanding how DWR works and following these simple steps, you can keep your waterproof jackets performing like new, saving you money and keeping you comfortable in the field. Check out our Outerwear collection to find the perfect base layer to wear under your newly restored jacket!