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Post by hikerjer on May 2, 2021 19:16:36 GMT -8
OK, it’s time to restore the waterproof quality of my gore-tex rain jacket. I’ve read the manufacturers instructions and watched a few videos on it but am just wondering if you experienced folks out there have any additional hints that might help me out in doing this right.
As always, thanks for the advice.
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ErnieW
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Post by ErnieW on May 2, 2021 19:22:27 GMT -8
If you don't mind, what manufacturer? How old is the garment? And finally you are talking about the surface wetting too much not the jacket leaking water to the inside correct?
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Post by High Sierra Fan on May 2, 2021 19:28:24 GMT -8
I’ve used the Nikwax Techwash product line to decent effect when my everyday goretex got soiled enough to start wetting through. Worked as advertised.
The process is rather straightforward: you want to remove hydrophilic oils and surface contaminants that cover the hydrophobic water repellant laminate and allow liquid to creep through the pores.
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Post by hikerjer on May 2, 2021 19:33:16 GMT -8
Ernie,
Mountain Hardware gore-Tex. About five-six years old. In very good condition. Just wetting out. No leaks or obvious fabric damage.
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texasbb
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Post by texasbb on May 2, 2021 20:03:54 GMT -8
I can't help you. Every time I've tried, the garment's waterproofing ended up just as useless as when it was new.
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ErnieW
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Post by ErnieW on May 3, 2021 4:46:00 GMT -8
Mountain Hardware recommends ReviveX. It is water based I believe. I used to use the solvent based sprays on my previous jacket with good results. I have a new OR jacket. It still doesn't need re-waterproofing but that time will come so I am very interested in this thread.
I read some reviews on ReviveX and some thought it was great and others said it didn't work at all. Not many in the middle ground. I am thinking there is some issue with the prep, application and/or fixing the waterproofing with the dryer with some people.
When my time comes I will just follow the manufacturer's instructions and see how they work.
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FamilySherpa
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Post by FamilySherpa on May 3, 2021 5:59:22 GMT -8
Jer, i've got quite a bit of experience with this. Varying results as well.
I'd recommend trying the spray on treatment first...Nikwax Direct TX.
Then if that doesn't work, do the Nikwax 2 step cleaner/treatment process in the washer.
Use as gentle of a cycle as you can. Limited agitation if possible.
I think i've done the 2 step process with around 8 rain jackets jackets and only 1 has come out in perfect, like new condition. A lot of the laminated seams inside the jackets gave way on the others.
I fear that standard household washing machines are too rough on these jackets, although Nikwax won't say that.
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ErnieW
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Post by ErnieW on May 3, 2021 6:17:54 GMT -8
Use as gentle of a cycle as you can. Limited agitation if possible. And in a front loader never a top loader. In the past I have used just a little unscented dish detergent. I just want to get the salts and body oils off the garment. Making sure all the detergent is washed out is important. What detergent does is essentially increase the "wetness" of water. You definitely don't want something that is a wetting agent in the fabric. Leftover detergent may well interfere with waterproofing product application. |
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Post by High Sierra Fan on May 3, 2021 6:29:54 GMT -8
Yes, I despise non sewn seams. No sealing necessary which is a plus, but an inevitable failure point: a negative if you keep gear for longer time periods.
I’d use only a tumble washer, if your home machine isn’t then visit a commercial laundromat as many of those have tumbles which are much nicer in seams.
My understanding if the goretex laminate is there are two issues, the hydrophobic nature of the Polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon) getting compromised by soiling to wick liquid water through the pores and the cover layer of fabric that’s been treated with a DWR application losing its water repellency as the DWR chemicals wear off.
Cleaning with a recommended wash it addresses the wicking while a restoration DWR application addresses the latter. For casual use I’ve found a good cleaning to be sufficient. Restoring the DWR I’ve decided in less often though it does make sense if you need the most protection to keep as much liquid water away from the film layer as possible by having the DWR outer layer reject as much as it can.
ETA:iirc it’s recommended to run the washer empty to get it clean of detergent residue before washing your garments to minimize contamination.
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jazzmom
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Post by jazzmom on May 5, 2021 11:36:24 GMT -8
I only found out recently that not all "Gore-Tex" garments are equal when it comes to the durability of its waterproofness. I think my first Goretex jacket was from LL Bean and, after a few years, it just wasn't waterproof anymore despite everything I tried. I've had an Arcteryx Beta for maybe 5 years now and my routine is to wash it every 6-9 months or so -- front load washing machine, delicate cycle, no spin. I use Nathan "Power Wash". Last year, I also used Nikwax TX.Direct spray-on DWR right after washing. I'm happy with the results.
I stopped using the wash-in DWR treatments because of PFC's but I think most are made without now. Nikwax TX-Direct doesn't contain any according to Nikwax. Still, seems like less chemicals down the drain is better...
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 9, 2021 16:39:22 GMT -8
A quote from a previous post on what has worked really well for me.
I prefer the spray-on products. I figure why do I want the inside of the jacket to have a DWR treatment?
My regimen is to first wash my washer, make sure there is no soap residue of any kind in it. To clean th washer, I use the same product I clean my garment with.
Then I wash the garment using a new product called Power Wash I got from REI. Great stuff, it works very well on goretex and e-vent, and does a fantastic job on down garments and sleeping bags. I use a double rinse to make sure the jacket is completely clean.
Then while still wet, I spray the exterior only thoroughly with ReviveX, let it hang dry, then throw it into the dryer by itself for 60 minutes to bake it in. My jackets breathe and water beads up like new.
Edit - ask the manufacturer what product they recommend.I have two rain jackets.
One recommends McNett, the other Nikwax.It will make a difference
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