madge
New Member
I am an antipodean and have a set of very much travelled 'Dorlon' wet weather gear (do you mob call them oilies?). They are in good condition, but a bit mouldy and smelly. Any ideas for cleaning them up a bit?
Cleaning Wet Weather Gear
- Thread starter madge
- Start date
D
Deleted member 478
Guest
Welcome to the forum.
You could try a cold water cycle (delicates) in the washing machine with very little washing powder.
You could try a cold water cycle (delicates) in the washing machine with very little washing powder.
madge
New Member
Thank you for your considered response. Perusing some of the 'frank' discussion on other topics, I expected some sort of ragging for my troubles. Perhaps I speak too soon, or perhaps the topic is a bit arid.
D
Deleted member 478
Guest
Not at all. The liveaboard forum is where you'll predominantely find good advice. If you want to expose yourself to a ragging, make a few posts on The Lounge.
jimbouy
Well-Known Member
All the Hi-Tech fabrics seem to say to use a non-bio product.
I'd go for non-bio in a cool wash.
Perhaps a gentle scrub by hand before you pop em in the machine.
I'd go for non-bio in a cool wash.
Perhaps a gentle scrub by hand before you pop em in the machine.
ccscott49
Well-Known Member
Are they breathable ones? If so I agree with the others, cool wash, non-bio soap powder, should do the job. If old style, still cool wash but bio-powder and give the bad stains a squirt with bio pre-wash. Welcome!!
Abigail
Well-Known Member
We use stuff called Nik-Wax tech-wash which you was the item in- ie put it into the machine instead of a liquid soap. The wash again, this time with waterproofing. We do tend to use the stuff made by Nik-Wax, because it is very readily available in outdoor shops. However there are other makes; and local walking shop should be able to help.
Most of our waterproof clothing gets this treatment once a year. The stuff is dear, but we find a bottle of each lasts a looong time even with four sets of oilies and some other walking gear. We often try to impose on pals for a serious waterproofing wash because actually the big cost is the marina washing machine!
This has worked pretty well for us for a long time. It IS important to rewaterproof after washing in any way because otherwise your very expensive high tech oiies won't work nearly as well. There was an article, I think in YM, a few months ago. It was a bit superficial but I remember freeling pleased that our regime seemed about right, except they said wash twice a year.
HTH
Most of our waterproof clothing gets this treatment once a year. The stuff is dear, but we find a bottle of each lasts a looong time even with four sets of oilies and some other walking gear. We often try to impose on pals for a serious waterproofing wash because actually the big cost is the marina washing machine!
This has worked pretty well for us for a long time. It IS important to rewaterproof after washing in any way because otherwise your very expensive high tech oiies won't work nearly as well. There was an article, I think in YM, a few months ago. It was a bit superficial but I remember freeling pleased that our regime seemed about right, except they said wash twice a year.
HTH
Vara
Well-Known Member
Hi Madge,
Fully endorse the use of Nikwax products,and you can even get them in your neck of the woods! HERE FOR EXAMPLE
Just follow the instructions on the label.
Fully endorse the use of Nikwax products,and you can even get them in your neck of the woods! HERE FOR EXAMPLE
Just follow the instructions on the label.
madge
New Member
Thanks all for the great info, especially that link for the products.
BrendanS
Well-Known Member
You haven't said if the waterproofs are breathable or not, and if so if they are Gortex or other similar membrane.
If they are breathable, and in good condition, don't waste money on treatments.
Just wash in warm water in washing machine, then tumble dry. Tumble drying renews the 'beading' of water on the surface. Breathable fabrics typically don't need any chemical treatment, as the membrane provides all the waterproofing element, the 'beading' simply stops them getting waterlogged which stops moisture moving out from the body as intended.
I can post loads of information on this, though I have posted heap loads in the past you can search on if so inclined.
If they are breathable, and in good condition, don't waste money on treatments.
Just wash in warm water in washing machine, then tumble dry. Tumble drying renews the 'beading' of water on the surface. Breathable fabrics typically don't need any chemical treatment, as the membrane provides all the waterproofing element, the 'beading' simply stops them getting waterlogged which stops moisture moving out from the body as intended.
I can post loads of information on this, though I have posted heap loads in the past you can search on if so inclined.
