Oilskins: The right care for functional clothing
Oilskins need to be washed regularly, but many sailors shy away from doing so for fear of damaging the waterproof membrane. However, proper care is crucial for longevity and function.
Dirt, salt water, sun cream and sweat accumulate in oilskins over the course of the season. Above all, this impairs the breathability of the membrane and moisture can no longer be transported to the outside, making you sweat more. Despite this, many sailors rarely wash their functional clothing out of uncertainty or the false assumption that washing would be harmful. The opposite is true: dirty oilskins lose their breathable properties. Manufacturers such as Musto, Helly Hansen and Gill recommend regular washing. And even after every contact with salt water. The crucial question is not whether, but how.
Washing: 30 degrees and the right detergent
Oilskins should be washed in the washing machine at 30 degrees on a gentle cycle. Normal heavy-duty detergent is unsuitable as it contains softeners, bleach or optical brighteners that can attack the membrane. Special functional detergents should be used instead. Manufacturers such as Nikwax, Grangers or Toko offer products that are designed for Gore-Tex and other membranes. These detergents clean thoroughly without damaging the DWR (Durable Water Repellency) coating - the impregnation that ensures that water rolls off.
Before washing, close all zips and Velcro fasteners. This protects the fasteners and prevents damage. Turn the clothes inside out to protect the outer coating. Spinning is permitted, but only at a low speed with a maximum of 800 revolutions per minute. Fabric softener is absolutely taboo. It forms a film on the membrane, clogs the pores and destroys the breathability. Aggressive stain removers should also be avoided.
Drying and reactivating the impregnation
After washing, oilskins can be left to air dry, preferably in the shade, as UV radiation damages the material. The manufacturer's care instructions determine whether the jacket and trousers can be tumble dried. If in doubt, it is better not to, as excessively high temperatures damage the membrane and the bonding of the seams. However, some manufacturers recommend tumble drying at a low temperature. The reason: heat reactivates the DWR coating (Durable Water Repellant). The heat causes the waterproofing to reapply evenly to the fabric and water beads up better. Around 20 minutes at a low setting is sufficient.
If water no longer beads off properly despite washing and drying, the DWR coating is exhausted. Reproofing then helps. Impregnation sprays or wash-in impregnations renew the coating. Important: The clothing must be clean before impregnation. Dirt prevents the impregnation from spreading evenly. After impregnation, the clothing should be tumble dried again.
After the season, oilskins should be stored clean and dry. Moisture promotes mould, which attacks the coating or membrane. Clothing should be hung up in a cool, dark place, not folded. Direct sunlight should also be avoided.
If you look after your oilskins properly, they will last considerably longer. Regular washing keeps the membrane breathable, occasional re-impregnation ensures a good beading effect and quick repairs prevent major damage. Investing in high-quality oilskins pays off over the years - and you stay dry and comfortable, no matter how bad the weather is.
Care tips at a glance:
Washing:
- 30 degree gentle wash cycle
- Use a special functional detergent
- No fabric softener
- No bleach or stain removers
- Close zips
- Spin max. 800 revolutions
Drying:
- Air dry in the shade or
- Tumble dryer at low temperature (20 min.)
- Heat reactivates DWR coating
Impregnate:
- If the beading effect decreases
- Only on clean clothing
- Spray or wash-in impregnation
- Heat after impregnation
Store:
- Clean and dry
- Hanging, not folded
- Cool and dark
- No direct sunlight
More articles on this topic:
