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Many people are familiar with this: the rain jacket feels wet and clammy, as if it is leaking. But in most cases, this is not the case - unless the jacket has a hole or a leaky seam. The unpleasant wet feeling occurs when the waterproofing applied to the outside and therefore the so-called DWR (Durable Water Repellency) no longer works properly, water no longer beads off and the outer fabric absorbs moisture. This also impairs breathability and the water vapour condenses on the inside of the clothing, making it feel clammy. A simple test can be used to check whether the waterproofing of functional clothing is still working: simply spray water onto the material from a spray bottle. If the water runs off, the waterproofing is still intact. If the fabric becomes saturated, it is time for a follow-up treatment.
The original impregnation can be reactivated using heat
- tumble dry for 20 to 30 minutes on a gentle cycle at a maximum of 60 degrees or
- with the iron at low heat and with an intermediate layer of cotton or
- with a hairdryer from a few centimetres away.
Incidentally, it is not only rain jackets and trousers (hardshell) that are generally treated by manufacturers to make them water-repellent, but also softshell jackets and jerseys. According to the manufacturers of materials such as Gore-Tex Windstopper, Assos Schloss-Tex or Polartec Powershield Pro, the waterproofing can withstand many washes. However, the waterproofing should be reactivated or re-impregnated at some point.
Waterproofing spray or disposable detergent?
Waterproofing sprays are only used on the outside of the garments. One advantage of this is that you can treat specific areas such as seams, cuffs or shoulders. Soaking agents, on the other hand, are used like conventional detergents and wet the entire textile. However, not all membranes tolerate soaking. For non-porous PU membranes, such as Dermizax or Sympatex HigH2Out laminates, pre-washing should be avoided as it can impair their function.
How it works with waterproofing spray
- Look for products without PFCs, propellants and solvents wherever possible, e.g. Nikwax TX direct or Fibertec Textile Guard Eco
- Clothing should be washed before spraying
- Close zips
- Only spray in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors
- Avoid inhalation of the spray and contact with eyes and skin
- Spray from a distance of 20 to 30 centimetres
- Wash your hands after spraying
- Dry impregnated clothing on hangers or lying flat in the open air
How wash-in impregnation works
- Follow the care instructions for the impregnating agent
- Remove detergent residues from the detergent compartment of the washing machine
- Load the washing drum with a maximum of two kilograms of laundry (two to three items of clothing)
- Unless otherwise stated, select the synthetic or delicate wash cycle at 30 degrees
- Spin at low speeds or do without it altogether
- Allow impregnated clothing to dry in the open air
What does
Water column
It indicates the water pressure that the outer material of a rain jacket, for example, can withstand before it becomes permeable. This means that the higher the value in millimetres, the more waterproof the material is. A water column of 1,000 mm corresponds to a pressure of 0.1 bar. The significance of the water column is often overestimated, as there are various standards and test methods for determining it. It also depends on how a rain jacket is made and how tight the seams and zips are.
Waterproof
According to EU guidelines, a fabric is considered waterproof from a water column of 800 mm. In Germany, a material is considered waterproof from 1,300 mm, in Switzerland only from 4,000 mm. In the outdoor sector, a water column of 10,000 mm has become established as a guideline for cycling rain jackets and 15,000 mm for rain trousers. For tours with demanding conditions, hardshell jackets with a water column of 20,000 mm offer the necessary reserves.
Water repellent
Water-repellent means that in light rain, water beads up on the surface of the jacket or trousers and does not penetrate inside. In heavier rain, however, you have to expect to get wet at some point.
Service provider for functional clothing
If you are unable or unwilling to impregnate functional clothing yourself, you can also contact a professional impregnation service turn. Such services, which are usually completed within a few working days, include
GORE-TEX
The impregnation is carried out by the washing and impregnation specialist Meyer und Kuhl. It costs between 17.95 and 22.95 euros, depending on the garment. Meyer und Kuhl also waterproofs for Gonso, Maier Sports and Vaude, among others. Further information here.
GLOBETROTTER
JACK WOLFSKIN
The impregnation voucher costs 24.95 euros. More info here.
