Passenger: How to Reproof Your Waterproof Jacket, by Passenger on YouTube. 2 min 7 s.
- Video length
- 2 min 7 s
- Time to do it
- 45 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 7
What you need
Steps
Check if your jacket needs reproofing. Splash a little water on the shoulder or sleeve. If it beads and rolls off, the DWR is fine. If it soaks in and darkens the fabric, it is time to reproof.
Read the label on your jacket and the proofer bottle before you start. Follow the dosage and temperature on the proofer, since these can differ between products.
Clean the jacket first. Wash it on its own with a technical wash or no detergent, then rinse well. Leftover dirt and detergent stop the proofer from bonding.
For the wash-in method, set the machine to the temperature on the bottle and add the correct dose of Nikwax TX.Direct Wash-In to the detergent drawer.
Run the cycle, then let the jacket drip dry or hang it up. Do not iron it, tumble dry it or put it on a radiator, as heat can damage the DWR coating.
For the spray-on method, wash and rinse the jacket first, then hang it up damp. Spray Nikwax TX.Direct Spray-On evenly over the outside, paying extra attention to shoulders and hood.
Wipe off any excess spray with a clean cloth and let the jacket dry fully. Check the beading again with a splash of water before you pack it for your next trip.
Tips and common mistakes
Never use normal laundry detergent or fabric softener, as residue blocks the DWR and stops the proofer working.
Reproof when water stops beading, often after several months of regular use, rather than waiting for the jacket to leak.
Keep the proofer off the inside lining if you can, since the treatment is meant for the outer face fabric.
Questions
How often should I reproof my waterproof jacket?
There is no fixed schedule. Reproof when a splash test shows water soaking in instead of beading, which for a regularly used jacket can be a few times a year.
Can I tumble dry my jacket after reproofing?
No. The video says not to tumble dry, iron or leave the jacket on a radiator, as this can damage the DWR coating. Let it air dry instead.
What is the difference between wash-in and spray-on proofer?
Wash-in treats the whole garment in the machine, while spray-on lets you target the outer fabric and avoid the lining. Both restore water repellency.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
