# Waterproof Answers — Wash, Reproof & DWR Checklist

Use this before you bin a wetting-out jacket or spray proofer onto a dirty shell.
Waterproof Answers — https://waterproofanswers.co.uk
General guidance only. Always check the garment's own care label.

WHAT FAILED
[ ] Face fabric darkens and soaks in rain, but the inside is not dripping: likely wetting-out (DWR), not a dead membrane.
[ ] Water comes through a seam or stitch line: check seam tape, not another bottle of wash-in proofer first.
[ ] Tent inner is wet after a still night: condensation until proven otherwise.
[ ] Coated (non-membrane) jacket that was never a Gore-Tex-style shell: different job — coating vs membrane.

WASH THEN REPROOF
[ ] Wash with a technical cleaner (Nikwax Tech Wash or Granger's Performance Wash) — not household detergent, not fabric softener.
[ ] Extra rinse if the machine last ran a normal load.
[ ] Heat-reactivate DWR if the care label allows a low tumble (UK condenser dryer, not a "proof shot").
[ ] Reproof only after a clean: wash-in for the whole garment, spray-on for shoulders/hood wear.

DOWN IS A DIFFERENT BOTTLE
[ ] Down wash (Nikwax Down Wash Direct or Granger's Down Wash), not Tech Wash, on baffled fill.
[ ] Dry until the core of the baffles is dry — hanging until the shell feels dry is not enough.
[ ] Tennis balls / dryer technique: YouTube, not a generated photo as proof.

TENTS, BOOTS, STORAGE
[ ] Flysheet vs groundsheet: different proofers, different jobs.
[ ] Leather boots: wax, not a membrane spray, unless the article says otherwise.
[ ] Store loose, dark, dry — no sealed plastic bag, no damp garage.

BOTTLES (AMAZON UK — SPOT-CHECK BEFORE YOU BUY)
[ ] Tech wash / Performance Wash
[ ] TX.Direct or Clothing Repel
[ ] Down wash if the kit is down
[ ] Tent proofer / seam sealer only for the job you actually have

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