How do I look after my Paramo waterproof clothing is one of the most regular questions we get asked. Read on to find out the answer...
How often should I wash my Paramo waterproof? This is a tricky question to answer precisely as it will depend on how often you wear it, in what weather conditions and how dirty it gets, but we can provide a general guide, so read on to find out how we recommend you can keep your Paramo clothing in the best possible condition and performing maximally.
Do I need to proof my Paramo as soon as I’ve bought it?
No, your new Paramo has been already been fully proofed and is ready to go. This highly durable water-repellent treatment is one of the significant advantages that Paramo had over other manufacturers’ waterproofing systems in that is highly reliable and durable. However, with wear and the gradual build up of dirt the waterproofness will decline. Thankfully the waterproofing is renewable indefinitely with regular washing in the appropriate products.
[caption id="attachment_4023" align="aligncenter" width="400"] New Paramo's are proofed and ready to go[/caption]
What do you recommend I wash my Paramo waterproof with?
Paramo and ourselves recommend that you use Nikwax aftercare products which have been specifically developed to work with Paramo fabrics. All the Nikwax products are environmentally friendly, water-based, non-hazardous, non-solvent and fluorocarbon free, continuing the eco-friendly nature of the Paramo brand.
There are basically two products we recommend for looking after your Paramo Nikwax Analogy clothing; 1) Nikwax Tech Wash and 2) TX Direct.
[caption id="attachment_4025" align="aligncenter" width="299"] Nikwax Tech Wash & TX Direct[/caption]
Nikwax Tech Wash is a wash-in, non-detergent, biodegradable liquid cleaner that removes dirt from the clothing without damaging the water-repellency and therefore reviving the garments waterproofing and breathability. In contrast traditional washing powders will strip out this repellency leaving the item unable to protect you from the wet and needing a full Tech Wash and TX Direct reproof.
Instructions for washing Paramo with Nikwax Tech Wash:
- Ensure your washing machine soap tray is clean and free from any traditional detergents (you may want to run a hot wash through with no detergent to fully clean the system)
- Place one or a maximum of two Paramo garments in the washing machine
- Use 150ml Nikwax Tech Wash in medium/hard water areas or 100ml in soft water areas for 1-2 items.
- Wash on a 30 ºC synthetic cycle
- Wash the item in Nikwax Tech Wash as described above
- Do not dry the items
- Add 100ml of Nikwax TX Direct per garment
- Wash again on a 30 ºC synthetic cycle and ideally turn the spin cycle off (or at least set very slow) – you want the proofer to remain on the garment not be spun off
- Allow to drip dry