Waterproof clothing, if maintained in the correct way, should last for a long time, giving good value for money. However, you can very quickly reduce the effectiveness of waterproof material, so it is important to understand the clothing and how to care for it correctly.
Dirt and residue can build up on your waterproof clothing, affecting the garment’s breathability and waterproof efficiency.
Our experience at Muddy Faces is that incorrect washing is the most common reason for waterproof clothing failure.
Even if you are following care guides exactly, the waterproofing of a garment will be reduced each time it is machine-washed. We have set out below washing and care guidelines for waterproof clothing.
... to refer to the care labels for each specific garment and carefully follow the instructions.
The way you clean your waterproofs can make the difference between them lasting a few weeks to lasting a few years.
We try not to wash our waterproofs in the washing machine at all. We leave them muddy and brush the mud off when it dries, or use the bucket cleaning technique below. The clothing rarely looks as clean as it did when brand new but we prefer our waterproofs to last for as long as possible rather than looking pristine.
Waterproof clothing should never be washed using ordinary detergent or fabric softener. The chemicals in detergent can break down the composition of the fibres with each wash and strip the fabric of its waterproof coating.
Washing waterproof clothing in a machine, even if following care instructions carefully, can reduce their waterproof lifespan. If you do wash items in a machine make sure the detergent compartment of your washing machine is clean of any detergent or softener (if you run a hot wash program whilst the machine is empty, prior to washing the waterproofs, it will clear any residue from detergent or softener).
After washing the garment hang it up to air dry, or tumble dry on a low or medium heat, IF garment care instructions allow.
Heat can affect waterproof materials. Most garment care labels will state NO HOT WASH AND NO TUMBLE DRY. Heat can delaminate certain types of materials.
Click to download a pdf.
Didriksons Size and Care Guide
Dry Kids Size and Care Guide 2020
Highland Size and Care Guide
Muddy Puddles Size and Care Guide
Ocean Size and Care Guide
Result Size and Care Guide
Splashtex Size and Care guide
Waterproof ratings guide
We believe outdoor clothing is the most important piece of kit you can have to enable sustained play and learning outdoors. Through your feedback, over the last decade, we have developed a range of waterproof clothing meeting the diverse needs of many different types of settings.
Read More about Waterproof ratings guide
Environmental guide
The OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 is an independent test and certification system for textiles. If your clothing has this label you know it has the highest environmental & safety standards.
Read More about Environmental guide
Outdoor clothing buying guide
Muddy Faces developed this guide to give practitioners honest practical information to help make sure their budgets for outdoor clothing are spent in the most effective way.
There is no such thing as poor weather. Our enjoyment of the outdoors relies on good quality clothing and an effective clothing policy. Take a look through this section to find outdoor play and Forest School clothing for early years, children, youth and adults.
For more information about outdoor clothing explore the Outdoor Clothing section of the OUTDOOR HUB. You'll find information about layering, waterproof ratings, care and buying guides and much more.