If you love your rain jacket, you know how important it is to keep it water-resistant.
A water-resistant jacket can repel water and prevent it from soaking into the fabric, which can make you feel cold and wet.
But over time, your rain jacket may lose its water resistance due to wear and tear, washing, or exposure to dirt and oils.
Fortunately, there are ways to restore the water resistance of your used Patagonia jacket and make it perform like new again.
In this blog post, we will share with you some tips and tricks on how to do that.
Why Does Your Rain Jacket Lose Its Water Resistance?
Most rain jackets are made of a fabric that has a durable water-repellent (DWR) coating on the outer layer.
This coating makes the fabric hydrophobic, meaning it repels water and prevents it from soaking into the fabric.
The DWR coating also allows the fabric to breathe, letting moisture vapor from your sweat escape.
However, the DWR coating is not permanent. It can wear off due to abrasion, exposure to dirt, oil, sweat, detergent, and other chemicals.
When the DWR coating wears off, the fabric becomes wettable, meaning it absorbs water and loses its breathability.
This can make you feel wet and clammy inside your rain jacket.
How to Make Your Rain Jacket Waterproof Again?
The good news is that you can reapply the DWR coating to your rain jacket and make it waterproof again. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Wash your rain jacket with a mild detergent or a specialized cleaner for waterproof clothing, such as Nikwax Tech Wash. This will remove any dirt, oil, or residue that can affect the performance of the DWR coating. Do not use fabric softeners, bleach, or dry cleaning, as they can damage the fabric and the DWR coating.
Rinse your rain jacket thoroughly and hang it while it is still wet.
Spray your rain jacket with a waterproofing spray, such as ReviveX Spray-On Water Repellent. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the fabric evenly and generously.
Put your rain jacket in the dryer on low or medium heat for about 15 minutes. This will activate the waterproofing spray and bond it to the fabric. Alternatively, you can use an iron on low heat (without steam) or a hairdryer to heat the fabric.
Test your rain jacket by sprinkling some water on it. If the water beads up and rolls off, your rain jacket is waterproof again. If not, repeat steps 3 and 4 until you achieve the desired result.
How to Care for Your Rain Jacket and Extend Its Lifespan?
To keep your rain jacket in good condition and prolong its water resistance, here are some tips you should follow:
Wash your rain jacket only when necessary, as frequent washing can reduce the effectiveness of the DWR coating.
Store your rain jacket in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Avoid contact with harsh chemicals, such as insect repellents, sunscreen, or alcohol, as they can degrade the DWR coating.
Reapply the waterproofing spray once a year or whenever you notice signs of wetting out.
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