Washing a waterproof jacket!

[thegunnersrule]

I was recently given a lovely Musto paddock jacket for my birthday. I love it, its really warm and windproof and looks very smart and is lovely and comfy for riding in. I must admit though that I do a lot of dirty work in it. It is a pale brown. I would be looking to wash it regularly as I keep all my horse stuff in the car and my fiance complains that the car smells am very neat and tidy blush

It is very conveniently machine washable which is perfect for me but I'm worried about the waterproofing. Does anyone have one of these jackets and know how well the waterproofing lasts? Do I get so many washes out of it first or do I need to get special stuff to wash it in? There was nothing on any of the labels and google is not helping!!! It is truly the best all round jacket I've ever had so I would like to keep it waterproof as it does nothing but bloody rain.

I do tend to wash my gear quite a lot as I seem to get very grubby! Any advice on how to keep it nice would be much appreciated smile

If it's a breathable goretex fabric, then look at Nikwax stuff. They have a system where you wash the item in one of their treatments, then wash again with the second proofing mixture.
It's called something like Tech Wash and then reproofer.

Yes don't wash it in detergent or you'll probably destroy it. If it's a good make they may have instructions on there website for you to follow.

I would also advise you to strip wash your machine before you wash it. Washing at low temperatures in washing machines doesn't remove all the detergent. I always do a 90c empty load with vinegar in to remove and detergent residue before washing the waterproofs. You should really do this once a month anyway as it will also remove any limescale.

White vinegar that is our you can buy products for the purpose of you prefer. But vinegar is just as effective and cheaper.

I've just got a 100% waterproof jacket the lady at the till told me to go to go outdoors and get a special waterproof wash for it.

We also reinforce the waterproofing with that spray they push on you at the till at shoe shops. Our current tin is Out & About Water Proof Spray. Use liberally and outside.