Rain Gear Care Guide

Keeping your raingear clean is very important for maintaining its durability and waterproof qualities for months and years to come. If cared for carefully and consistently, polyurethane coated “high-tenacity” nylon and polyester materials are known to last 10+ years. Here at RGP we want to make sure that you have all the information you need to keep your investment in tip top shape for when it is needed the most.  

Know Your Fabric, Technical Coatings and Finishes 

Unlined/lined Red & Blue; Lined Red & Blue; WCB Unlined Red, Red bibbed pants:

• Made with double layered advanced “high-tenacity” Nylon66 known for its high strength and break resistance to abrasions, rips and tears.
• The 420 Denier (material thickness) layer is coated with water resistant polyurethane coating.
• The 210 Denier inner layer is also coated with the same polyurethane coating.
• The Jackets and bibbed pants are constructed so that the polyurethane coatings are sewn face to face, so not exposed to either exterior abrasion from your work environment or interior abrasion from clothing, belts or even bare skin.

CSA High Viz Unlined Jacket and bibbed pants:

• Made with double layered 400 Denier and 200 Denier extra-strength polyester.
• The 400 Denier (material thickness) layer is coated with water resistant polyurethane coating.
• The 200 Denier inner layer is also coated with the same polyurethane coating.
• The Jackets and bibbed pants are constructed so that the polyurethane coatings are sewn face to face, so not exposed to either exterior abrasion from your work environment or interior abrasion from clothing, belts or even bare skin.
• Polyester is used for this product because high tenacity nylon cannot be dyed with high Viz colorant.

Raingear Pre-Wash Instructions

Regular washing is key to maintaining the integrity and waterproofness of the raingear products.

Check any pockets for woodchips and loose external debris.

Remove any dirt with warm water and mild liquid soap

Remove any oil, soot, grease and other hydrocarbon contaminants with products such as Citrosqueeze ( www.ppes.ca/citrosqueeze.html )

Raingear Washing Instructions

• It is best to use soap that is designed specifically for washing garments with water repellent finishes such as Nikwax ( www.nikwax.com/en-ca/products/Cleaning/tech-wash/ )

Both jacket and pants can be washed in the washing machine on GENTLE CYCLE or PERMANENT PRESS CYCLE

Only use cold to lukewarm water – NOT HOT WATER

If not using a product such as Nikwax, use only a mild detergent (such as WIN detergent made for synthetic fabrics - https://www.windetergent.com/ ) 

Do not use powder or liquid clothes detergents

Do not use bleach or products that contain Bleach

Do not use products that contain fabric softeners’ or perfumed products

Drying Instructions

Remove garments from the washing machine and HANG DRY only -  inside or in the shade outside

Do not hang garments in the sun as this will prevent UV damage

Do not dry garments in a dryer

Do not dry garments in front of a fire or other heat source

 

Revitalizing Compromised Gear

• Should your raingear be severely compromised you can revitalize its waterproof qualities AFTER cleaning and washing per the above instructions
• Use a product such as Fabric Guard 303 ( https://www.303products.com.au/product-range/marine/303-marine-fabric-guard ) 

Use a spray bottle and apply the liquid evenly over the jacket or bibbed pants

Hang Dry overnight - inside or in the shade outside