Waterproofing makes the surface of textiles and shoes water- and dirt-repellent. The waterproofing agent forms a fine protective layer around the fibres. This prevents water droplets from spreading; instead, they roll off the surface. However, waterproofing does not make the material completely waterproof. Above all, it prevents the outer material from quickly becoming saturated with water.
Here’s an easy way to tell whether the waterproofing needs refreshing:
Test the waterproofing with a few drops of water: if they bead up, the protection is still effective. If the water soaks into the material, it is advisable to reapply the water-repellent treatment. As a rule of thumb: after the garment has got wet about three times, it is a good idea to reapply the treatment.
For maintenance, there are wash-in water-repellent treatments and water-repellent sprays available:
- Wash-in water-repellent treatment: Suitable for evenly treating several items of clothing in a single wash cycle. It is particularly practical for textiles without varying or delicate material sections.
- Water-repellent spray: Suitable for treating shoes and for targeted care of specific areas of textiles (for example, on shoulders, hoods, sleeves and knees). With membrane clothing, it is primarily the outer material that is treated, so that breathability can be better maintained.
We recommend using waterproofing agents sparingly and following the manufacturer’s care instructions. Using too much can temporarily impair membranes and reduce breathability. As waterproofing agents are water-soluble, this effect wears off after washing.