One of the most important things to think about with any kind of waterproofs is how to look after them. If you aren’t careful, you could ruin them. Regular washing is a mistake and can damage the fabric. So, what should you do if you have garments that are smelly or stained? Read on to find out.

Causes

Many people will look at their waterproof gear and assume it will be ready to go when they need it. However, it can easily end up with stains and bad smells. For example, if you wear it for working or intense activities, all your sweat can have an impact. The garments should be breathable to let it out, but it can still end up smelling and stained.

You can also end up with smells and stains because of things you come in contact with while wearing the garments. It could be mud splatters, dirty water, or even contaminants like fertiliser.

Finally, you may have smelly or stained waterproofs due to how you’ve stored them. If you didn’t dry them properly, you can have problems.

What to do?

While they don’t need it often, you can actually wash most waterproof garments. It is the best way to tackle smells and stains. You need to be very careful here though. Mistakes can ruin the fabric, affecting the breathability and water resistance.

The first thing you should do is lay out or hang the garments and carefully brush to remove any dry mud and dirt. It will get rid of the bulk of it, making the job easier and ensuring all of that muck doesn’t get in your washing machine.

A really good tip is to ensure you empty any pockets and do up all the zips. It will ensure you don’t wash anything you shouldn’t and will help the garment to keep its shape.

One of the most important things to keep in mind is you can’t use standard biological detergent. It will damage the fabric and protective coating. Instead, you need to choose a specialist cleaner for waterproofs. Plus, make sure you clean the washing machine, including the detergent drawer, to get rid of any traces of other detergents.

Depending on the age and condition of you waterproof gear, it may be a good idea to do two cycles through the washing machine. The first can include the cleaner to get rid of dirt, smells, and stains. The second can then use a wash-in product to add water repellency and improve breathability.

After washing, make sure you dry the garments properly. Hanging and air drying is a good idea because it will help to retain the shape. Tumble drying may be possible on a low heat, but always check the manufacturer’s instructions first. If you can use a dryer, make sure you check regularly.

Speak to us and see what waterproofs we have

JS Hubbuck Ltd has been providing waterproof gear for agriculture and other activities for a long time. We have reliable products perfect for work and leisure use. So, contact us and learn more.