How do you wash your raincoats?

Hi notanan, for Gortex raincoats I use Nikwax 'technical' cleaner first and then the Nikwax waterproof liquid, washing them first and then waterproofing as per instructions on the canisters. They are never quite as good, but good enough for normal rain. The only properly waterproof jacket I have is by Hunter (the people who make wellie boots). Its rubberised and I dont put it in the washing machine. Instead I sponge off any dirt straight away and hang it on the line to dry. I wear the coat with an inner thin jacket so it doesnt get sweaty and store it over the winter without any wrappers or coat bags and away from heat. I cycle regardless of the weather and nothing much except the Hunter rainmac will work if it is really pelting it down.

Thanks for that cornergran didn’t realise this

Thanks all

What make is this coat? Surely plenty of us have *really waterproof coats and are washing them just fine.*
Well I must be unlucky then because I have had a lot of duds that are barely fit for purpose, and this one works well so I'm cautious with it.

I do go out rain or shine its not just from nipping to the car.

Its synthetic not waxed or sealed fabric.

Got a Four Seasons one and do wash it.

Nik Wax is excellent. Kept my jacket waterproof for 20 years. Washed it regularly as used it for riding and got dirty quickly. Never let me down even in heavy rain.

Just use liquid soap to wash it. I got mine on Amazon but could be available locally in a less rural area. It's the DETERGENT that ruins the proofing

I always used Nik Wax but then I saw Dri Pak Wash & Proof which works out a little cheaper and you only have to wash it once which I think is a bonus,

I do the nikwax web quiz from time to time. Each time they send a good sized product sample out www.nikwax.com/en-gb/webquiz/

Depends how old the coat is. The waterproof coating could be deterorating. Failing that waterproof with one of the recommended products.

I don't own a raincoat, haven't for over 30 year
My 48 years beats your 30.

Maybe just leave it out in the next rain and let Mother Nature do all the work?!

I don't have a raincoat either, BradfordLass72. If I really need to be out in the rain I use an umbrella. But as I don't have a dog to walk, I tend to stay in.

I have a Regatta jacket and it’s label says ‘do not wash’. It was getting really manky so I washed it in the washing machine and got a re waterproof spray (from Aldi I think) and sprayed it outside once it dried. No harm seems to have been done & it’s ok in the rain.

I ve never had a raincoat either paperback just use my ordinary coat and an umbrella Don’t think I ve ever had one once since school.when I had a gabardine navy blue one with a belt ???

Umbrellas only keep your head dry! And don't work in wind.

My normal coat works fine in showers but this keeps me dry from going out in heavy rain. I like to walk a lot.

Its by Gilert. It says it can be washed at 30 but am nervous as so many coats end up soaking through for longer walks in heavier rain. I will look into the producta recommended.

It has been hanging on the line but still smells like a tent!

Waitrose sell their own "waterproof clothing wash" which they say protects Gore-Tex and outdoor clothing.

I use something similar to wash and proof. I just put it in the washing machine, add the wash and proof stuff and away we go. I have done this a few times with great success. Any outdoor shop will sell it.

I'm curious as to why it smells, where have you been storing it? I'd get rid if it was me

I think I've offended you - I'm sorry if that's the case notanan2, it was an honest question from someone whose family has always had genuinely rainproof outerwear. I don't consider showerproof jackets to be waterproof. I was simply wondering if was an unusual brand with an unusual technical fabric. In my experience even goretex is washable (haven't had a goretex3 so don't know about that).
Anyway. Wasn't trying to be provocative, so sorry.

I'm curious as to why it smells, where have you been storing it? I'd get rid if it was me

Well it has been away in an dry cupboard over the summer and now it has that smell that non leather handbags develop when they get old. I dont want to smell like I've been camping if I havent

How about Febreze for clothes?