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1. bigyinn - Member

   I've got a Polaris Chromium waterproof jacket that wets out.

   Its about 4 years old and isnt used much in summer and only when it hoofing it down in winter and it was reproofed last by using the technique below:-
   I followed tips on here to make sure the soap drawer and washing machine were fully rinsed out, then washed the jacket in Techwash, rinsed, then hand soaked in TX Direct and rinsed again, then left it to air dry.
   This had little or no effect on its water repellance. What did i do wrong?
   The only thing I didnt do was put it in a low heat tumble dry. Is this the critical thing to regaining wwaterproofness?
   Also I've read that you can use ordinary soap flakes rather than Techwash, is this right?

   You suggestions and comments are much appreciated!

   Posted 6 months ago #
2. stayhigh - Member

   IIRC I've read that tumble drying at a low temperature can "reactivate" the DWR after its been reproofed. Something along those lines.

   I've also read about using pure soap instead of tech wash etc and have got some called DRI FLAKES. I havent tried these yet but will be soon.

   I dont remember where I got them from though but Boots will more then likely do them and probably their own brand too.

   Posted 6 months ago #
3. bigyinn - Member

   Im really hoping its just because I didnt tumble the jacket after reproofing that it didnt work.
   Sundays job I think.....

   Posted 6 months ago #
4. bristoltrek - Member

   Tumble drying definatley helps, give it a go.

   Posted 6 months ago #
5. missingfrontallobe - Member

   Lancashire Sports Repair can offer professional reproofing.

   I've washed many jackets and relied upon tumble drying to restore some of the DWR rather than reproofing, that has been with the jacket washed in either nikwax or a simple none-bio detergent. Current jacket is the Pace eVent and it has survived this treatment.

   Posted 6 months ago #
6. bigyinn - Member

   Is the key thing then washing with non-bio soap flakes, reproofing with TX Direct, and then tumble drying?
   Should I rinse after re-proofing or just bang it in the tumble dryer?

   Posted 6 months ago #
7. scruff - Member

   Wash, Proof and tumble dry or not-hot iron.

   Posted 6 months ago #
8. bigyinn - Member

   scruff, so rinsing then?

   Posted 6 months ago #
9. portlyone - Member

   The TX Direct stuff I have doesn't require tumble drying.

   Though I can't say it works terribly well!

   Posted 6 months ago #
10. bigyinn - Member

    Thanks all, wash in soap flakes, reproof and tumble dry it is then.

    Posted 6 months ago #
11. scruff - Member

    bigyin, an extra rinse after washing wont hurt. Make sure your washing machine is clean from old soap / conditioner though. A hot wash with nowt in before doing the jacket may help or pour hot water into the detergent compartment.

    Posted 6 months ago #
12. bigyinn - Member

    Thanks scruff.

    Posted 6 months ago #

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