How To: safely re-proof your softshell jacket

Softshells are great, versatile jackets that provide a range of uses… Wear a softshell as an insulating mid-layer in colder, wet weather, or as a lightweight outer layer in-between seasons, when the weather can shift from cool to warm. 

Most softshells have a durable water repellent coating (DWR) to keep you dry in light rain or snow showers, when worn as an outer layer. Many contain an inner fleece lining that provides a level of insulation and protects against windchill.

In the unpredictable British weather, you want to know that you can go outdoors and be protected should you get caught in a rain shower, or that you will not overheat and feel clammy from moisture build-up inside your jacket.

This is where cleaning and proofing is imperative to ensure your softshell is always ready to perform when you need it most.

Cleaning your softshell
Always start your gear care with a gentle, yet effective clean – it can make all the difference.

Dirt will collect on garments, even if we do not visibly see it, and we know that dirt can affect the durable water repellent (DWR) coating on outdoor gear, meaning your softshell will start to absorb water and prevent the fabric from wicking away moisture.

Tech Wash^® is a water-based, effective cleaner that will revitalise the performance of your softshell. It removes all dirt from the fabric whilst reviving the DWR coating! This means that, if your jacket has only recently been re-proofed, or is fairly new, cleaning alone will bring the garment back to life. You should be able to clean 4-6 times (use-dependent) before re-proofing is required. Therefore, Tech Wash is also a cost-effective means of maintaining your softshell!

How to use Tech Wash:

• Remove all detergent build up from the detergent dispenser.
• Place item(s) in washing machine (maximum 2 items).
• Use 150ml in medium/hard water areas and 100ml in soft water areas for 1-2 items.
• Wash according to care label.

Wash by hand:

• Using gloves, immerse item(s) in 6L hand-hot water in sink or bowl.
• Use 150ml in medium/hard water areas and 100ml in soft water areas for 1-2 items.
• Rinse 3 times in clean water.

Proofing your softshell
There will come a time when you have to replenish the DWR on your softshell because it has slowly worn away through use. When you notice that water is no longer beading up on the fabric then it will be time to re-proof.

SoftShell Proof is safe for all softshell fabrics. Water-based, like Tech Wash, it is both safe for the garment and the environment, containing no PFCs or harmful chemicals. It is high performance, easy-to-use, and will make your softshell last longer!

How to use SoftShell Proof:

• Place a maximum of two garments in your machine.
• Use 100ml of SoftShell Proof per garment.
• Run a 30° synthetic cycle and slow spin.
• The garment does not require heat for the treatment to develop. However, you can tumble dry on a low setting if the care label allows.

Re-proof by hand:

• Immerse 1 cleaned garment in 6L of hand-hot water.
• Add 100ml of SoftShell Proof, agitate to mix and soak for 5-10 minutes.
• Agitate the garment again and then rinse with cold water until the water runs clear.

SoftShell Proof treats the entire garment, with treatment going through fabric, seams, tapes and cords. It applies a durable water repellent treatment, which in turn ensures individual fibres allow moisture vapour to pass through, maintaining that all important breathability.

Enjoy all that spring has to offer, stay active outdoors locally whilst keeping comfortable and dry.