Washing a raincoat jacket properly involves using the right settings and detergents to maintain its water-repellent properties. Here's how:
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Preparation:
- Empty pockets: Remove all items from the raincoat pockets.
- Close zippers and fasteners: Secure all zippers, buttons, and Velcro closures to prevent damage during washing.
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Choose the Right Detergent:
- Use a mild detergent: Opt for a gentle, non-biological detergent. Avoid detergents with fabric softeners or bleach, as they can damage the water-repellent coating. Specifically, look for detergents designed for waterproof or technical fabrics. If you can't find a specific product, standard non-biological soap is a good option.
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Washing Machine Settings:
- Gentle cycle: Select a gentle or delicate wash cycle to minimize stress on the fabric and coating.
- Cold water: Use cold water to prevent shrinking and protect the water-repellent finish. A temperature around 30 degrees Celsius is ideal if the care label isn't available.
- Slow spin: Choose a slow spin cycle to avoid excessive wrinkling and potential damage.
- Ideally, wash one item at a time to avoid overcrowding and ensure proper cleaning.
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Washing Process:
- Turn inside out: Turn the raincoat inside out before placing it in the washing machine. This helps protect the outer water-repellent layer.
- Add detergent: Use the recommended amount of detergent as per the product instructions.
- Start the wash: Begin the wash cycle.
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Drying:
- Check the label: Always refer to the care label for specific drying instructions.
- Air dry: The safest method is to hang the raincoat and let it air dry in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heat.
- Tumble dry (if allowed): If the label allows, tumble dry on a low heat setting. Sometimes, heat can help to reactivate the DWR (durable water repellent) finish. Check your garment's specific label for guidance on whether this is appropriate and, if so, at what temperature.
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Re-waterproofing (if needed):
- Water-repellent treatment: Over time, the water-repellent coating may wear off. You can restore it by applying a durable water repellent (DWR) treatment spray or wash-in product, following the manufacturer's instructions. This is available at most outdoor retailers.
