Waterproof cycling clothing is often a big investment for most riders, and looking after it properly is essential to keep with working at its best.
Over-washing waterproof gear can reduce its performance, so how do you look after it without losing its waterproofing ability?
Fabrics such as Gore-Tex and eVent are complex. They have a breathable waterproof membrane which lets vapour through, but not liquid, plus a hardwearing outer fabric for protection.
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This outer layer treated with a Durable Water Resistant (DWR) coating. This makes water bead on the surface and stops it soaking in, but the DWR coating wears (or washes) off over time, leading to 'wetting-out' and stopping the vapour (your humid sweat) from passing through the fabric.
So a well-worn jacket can leave you feeling wet after a long ride, but as Edd from waterproofing specialist Grangers says: "This isn't the membrane letting water in, it's your sweat not getting out – waterproof fabric will only let water in when it's damaged."
10 tips for successful re-waterproofing
1. Keep it clean
2. Take care with chemicals in washing detergents
3. Invest in a technical wash
4. Make sure your washing machine is clean
5. Put in the effort to reap the rewards
6. Separate cleaner and re-waterproofer, or an all-in-one product?
7. Spray or wash-in?
8. Dry it right
9. Use a quick fix
10. DIY DWR?
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