How to Reproof Waterproof Clothing

If you've been using it for a while, you'll probably notice that your favourite waterproof gear has started losing its water repellence. The tell-tale signs of this are that water no longer beads up and the fabric starts to wet out and stay damp.

This can be caused by a couple of issues:

Firstly this can be caused by the exterior of the jacket becoming dirty with oils, insect repellents and other contaminants. This can normally be resolved with a wash.

The second cause is the DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treatment on the exterior of the garment breaking down.

If you are a regular rucksack wearer this may be especially noticeable around where the straps of your backpack sit or around the cuffs of your jacket. If washing does not restore the repellence of the garment you will need to use a re-proofer.

In order to restore your favourite waterproof jacket or trousers to their former glory, you'll first need to wash them, followed by a reproofing method. You'll need one of our re-proofers, which is available in our range of aftercare products.

1. Before Washing make sure that any loose dirt has been brushed from the garment
2. Place a clean towel in your washing machine and run it on a warm rinse cycle. This will help remove all excess detergents from the drum that could prevent the re-proofer from adhering correctly to your garment.
3. Empty pockets, close all zips and other fastenings and loosen drawcords on the garment you wish to wash and place it in the washing machine with your chosen cleaner.
4. We recommend using Regatta wash-in garment cleaner but any waterproof safe cleaner or pure soap flakes will work. Follow the cleaning instructions for your clothes, if none are available use a gentle wash.
5. If you are just planning on washing this garment you can now tumble dry or dry it in a warm space this will allow the DWR to re-activate to improve water repellency

Wash-in reproofers typically do a more thorough job than the spray, so they're best used for older garments where the waterproofing is failing in multiple areas.

1. Follow the steps above to correctly clean your item
2. Immediately place the garment back into the washing machine with the instructed amount of wash-in reproofer, we recommend Regatta Wash-In Proofer although any wash-in proofer will be suitable.
3. Follow the instructions for washing your garment if none are available use a gentle wash.
4. Most proofers require heat to adhere the treatment to the garment, this can be done by tumble drying the garment gently, alternately using an iron on low heat or a hairdryer will also work.

Spray-in reproofers are great for general year-round maintenance or for specific problem areas, like where the straps of your backpack sit.

1. Follow the cleaning instructions from this guide to ensure that your garment is correctly cleaned
2. We recommend using Regatta Spray on proofer. However, any spray proofer will be suitable.
3. Spray the garment evenly and thoroughly on the outside, Hanging the garment on the washing line or a coat hanger will help to ensure even application
4. Check for any missed spots.
5. Wipe off any excess re-proofer with a clean damp cloth
6. allow the Jacket to air dry