Looking After Your Waterproof Run Clothing

You’ve invested in a quality waterproof jacket for your next run event, please look after it! Not sure how - we’ve some tips for you.

No radiators!

Never put your wet jacket on the radiator when you come back from a run! It can damage the DWR (Durable Weather Repellancy) Coating and cause mould to build up. Instead, hang it on the clothes horse or on a hanger to air dry. Or you could pop it in the tumble dryer on a low heat setting.

Washing your waterproof clothing

You’re going to need to wash your jacket every now and then, especially if you’re a trail runner. We recommend using a technical wash like Nikwax Tech Wash. This will revive the performance of your run gear, give it a good clean and restore water repellency and improve breathability.

Please follow the guidelines for using NikWax Tech Wash:

• Check the garment’s label for washing instructions
• Ensure the drawer of your washing machine is clean before adding Tech Wash (any residue of detergent or conditioner can affect the result)
• Close all the zips on your clothing and add to machine
• Add Tech Wash to the machine’s drawer
• Choose the cycle according to the manufacturer’s instructions

Using a Waterproofer

When you notice your run jacket or pants aren’t performing as well as they used to, or the water isn’t beading off them any more, you need to add a re-proofer. After your wash cycle has finished, add Nikwax TX Direct to the machine and wash the garments again at 30 degrees at a slow speed setting. When the cycle is finished, air dry or tumble dry on a low setting.

Following these steps can help ensure you keep your waterproof clothing performing season after season. It’s good to note that the Nikwax TX Direct is free from PFAS.

Why Re-proof Gear?

Using products like Nikwax Tech Wash and TX Direct will help maintain the breathability of your waterproof clothing so they don’t get wet and sweaty inside when it rains. If the outer fabric gets too wet, the sweat can’t evaporate, that’s why it’s important to maintain the DWR on your waterproof clothing. It does fade after time, so needs to be replenished.