Is washing Agri Waterproof gear in the washing machine a bad idea?

Western Pomise

Hi all,

Was out working at sheep today,got drenched twice and a set of Flexothane wet-gear filthy as I fell in a wet dirty spot:(

Was going to stick them in washing machine but then I thought I heard one time that if you put waterproof gear in the washing machine that it took the waterproof layer off the gear.

Is there any truth in that?.....in relation to Farming or other good rain gear?....

Thanks for any replies.

listermint

It can wash out the waterproofing from it yes. You should was in nonbiological at a low heat .

You can buy products to wash waterproofing back in with different degrees of success.

amber2

Best to buy a reproofer. Make sure there’s no traces of detergent or fabric softener in your machine.

https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/eu/wash-n-proof-300ml-p2714.aspx/One/?rrec=true


https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/expert-advice/how-to-wash-wateproof-clothing/

greysides

Flexothane should be okay to wash, follow instructions on the label. It's the 'technical clothing' you need to worry about:

Durable water repellent, or DWR, is a coating added to fabrics at the factory to make them water-resistant (or hydrophobic). Most factory-applied treatments are fluoropolymer based. Durable water repellents are commonly used in conjunction with waterproof breathable fabrics such as Gore-Tex to prevent the outer layer of fabric from becoming saturated with water. This saturation, called 'wetting out,' can reduce the garment's breathability (moisture transport through the breathable membrane) and let water through. As the DWR wears off over time, re-treatment is recommended when necessary. Many spray-on and wash-in products for treatment of non-waterproof garments and re-treatment of proofed garments losing their water-repellency are available from sources of sporting apparel.

Who2

id say it would be worse if you didnt wash them.

Western Pomise

Thanks to everyone for their replies, think I will leave the Flexothane gear and wash them after work tomorrow the old fashioned way with cold water and a scrubbing brush.They are drenched so won’t dry out overnight.

Useful to know about the stuff for ‘reproofing’ the waterproof layer on different gear.

MickeyShtyles

Western Pomise wrote: »

Thanks to everyone for their replies, think I will leave the Flexothane gear and wash them after work tomorrow the old fashioned way with cold water and a scrubbing brush.They are drenched so won’t dry out overnight.

Useful to know about the stuff for ‘reproofing’ the waterproof layer on different gear.

This stuff is sworn by, by the horsey crowd.
Ya can get it in bulk and therefore cheaper.
http://www.nikwax.com/en-gb/products/productdetail.php?productid=4

kay 9

Washed flexothane pants and jacket the other day in the machine @ 40 degrees.
They're fine.

Willfarman

Wash mine on 30 degree wash regularly without problem