How to Wash a Raincoat and Other Waterproof Clothing
Raincoat and waterproof clothing are essential gadgets in our daily life especially in the rainy and winter season. It’s a common tool for them who muchly enjoy traveling and outdoors but try to save them from rain, snow and wet weather.
Since we use raincoat or other waterproof clothing more often under these conditions they might lose their waterproofing ability over the course of time. That’s why it is important to know how to care for and maintain these gadgets to retain their quality and increase their longevity. In this blog, we are going to talk about how to wash a raincoat and other waterproof clothing.
Read the care label
The first and most obvious step for cleaning or washing any fabric is to read the care level. Before washing any fabric we should know the type of fabric and how to deal with it. In terms of Raincoat, it can be made of 6 types of fabrics. These are-
- PVC coated polyester
- Gore Tex
- Nylon
- Polyurethane coated nylon
- Polyester microfibre
- Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA)
Different types of raincoats need different types of washing methods. Once you go through the care level, it will provide you with the appropriate methods to deal with your raincoat including the right temperature and cleaning agents.
Prepare the garment
Before washing the raincoat or other waterproofing items, one needs to prepare the item first. Shake off your cloth in an open space so that excessive dirt and grimes can fall to the ground. To remove the dirt and debris precisely you can use a soft bristled brush or toothbrush. Brush off gently and be sure that most of the mud or grain like dirt has been cleared thoroughly. This step will make the rest of the cleaning process smoother.
Use the right detergent
Using the right detergent is crucial when it comes to raincoat washing. As raincoats are made from different types of materials or fabric, each type needs different cleaning agents or detergents. If you use a regular detergent for all then you are possibly going to sabotage your gadgets. Find a specially designed detergent that cleans your raincoat without damaging the fabric and water resistant property.
Though mild detergents are compatible with most of the raincoats, always read the care level first to select the right detergent for your garments. Never use bleach or bleach like harsh chemicals to clean your raincoat, they are highly dangerous and can damage your cloth with a wash!
Wash on a gentle cycle
Generally we recommend hand washing your raincoat to ensure perfect cleaning without damaging the waterproof coating of your raincoat. But, if you desperately want to machine wash then maintain following things to ensure the safety-
- Use a mild or liquid detergent that is allowed by your garment’s care level.
- Wash your raincoat on a gentle cycle.
- Use cold water for washing. Don’t go for hot water because hot water may shrink your raincoat and thus damage your garment.
- Avoid fabric softener and bleach like harsh chemicals to retain the fabric quality.
Hang to dry
Once you have completed washing your cloth now it’s time to dry it. In terms that do not go for a dryer rather hang to dry your raincoat in an open space. Because, the dryer directly heats your garment which is harmful for its water-resistant property. On the other hand, if you select a well ventilated area to hang your cloth to dry, it will be treated naturally which is healthy for your raincoat.
Store Properly
Storing is an important part for maintaining any garments. After washing and drying your raincoat, store it properly in a cool and dry place. Don’t not fold , rather hang it somewhere directly away from sunlight. Never fold your raincoat in case it may damage the waterproof coating.
Apply waterproofing
Over the course of time your raincoat or other waterproofing gadget may lose their water resistance ability. To restore this property it’s important to apply waterproofing. In terms of frequency, Hamlet Laundry suggests applying waterproofing spray to your raincoat once in a 6 month’s period for general use. If you use your raincoat more frequently than usual, apply waterproofing after every 3 months.
Avoid Dry Cleaning
Don’t dry clean your raincoats unless it is highly stained. Because, Dry Cleaning for washing normal dirt is not healthy for a raincoat. So, avoid dry cleaning as much as possible. If the stain is severe and out of your control then you can consult a professional dry cleaner like Hamlet laundry to get rid of it.
To conclude, washing a raincoat and other waterproof clothing is easy if you know the process. By following these above discussed steps you can easily take care of your raincoat and can prolong its lifespan.
