Re-proofing Gortex Bivi

[thebear]

Hopefully someone knows the answer to these questions. I have washed (Tech Wash) and proofed (TX.Direct Wash In) my gortex bivi bag as instructed. However after reading the excellent review on Nikwax Polar Proof on this site I have found out I could have removed the detergent dispenser on the washing machine and cleaned out any remaining detergent residue found in that hole. Do you think this residue might have affected the washing and proofing process? If it did would re-washing and re-proofing be a good idea? Or can you over proof by putting the gortex bivi bag through the proofing process a second time? Any help much appreciated.

 

[Spacemonkey]

I spoke to Gore themselves recently as I wanted to get rid of a musty mildewy smell. They said no fabric conditioner AT ALL and no bleach, but use Milton fluid to kill the bugs. Normally I would use white vinegar and Vanish Oxi Max, but they haven't tried it and couldn't comment/ So I goes to get a bottle of Milton. Only to find that it is a mild bleach solution!!! Just a bit contradictory then! I used the Vanish in the end and it seems to be fine. Doesn't really help you, but I felt like sharing my little tale.

You could contact them through the Gore website. I got an answer pretty quick, though you should put a subject in the subject box.

 

[Mikey P]

Yep - you can rewash and reproof. Unfortunately, even a small amount of detergent can ruin the Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating.

Clean out the detergent dispenser AND as much of the tube behind it that takes the detergent down into the drum area - this gets right manky.

Then run the machine empty on its hottest setting at least once. You'll still get a foaming in the machine - so you can see that detergent gets and sticks everywhere.

Only then should you re-tech wash and reproof.

The alternative is to wait for a friend, relative or neighbour to get a new washing machine, then commandeer it for the evening .

 

[thebear]

I hadn't even thought about the tube from the dispenser. As it happens I couldn't get much down there to clean it though. As you suggest I'm going to re-wash/proof. Thanks for the advice.

It's also handy to know what to do when it gets moldy.

I noticed Gortex say on their website not to use wash-in proofing. I suppose Nikwax know what they are doing. They replied very promptly to my emails. Here is what Nikwax say on the matter. The first is from Nikwax UK and the other from Nikwax USA.

"Thank you for your e-mail enquiry.

Detergent residue could effect the reproofing process in two ways. Firstly, it could cause white marks to appear on the fabric- and secondly the durable water repellency may not be very effective. You can check for this by spraying/splashing some water onto the Bivy bag. If the water beads up into little droplets which can be easily shaken off - the proofing is fine. However, if the water soaks straight through - it will need to be reproofed again!. If you reproof twice in succession on fabric that it is already waterproof - it can leave it very waxy and stiff!

Best regards,"


"Don't worry, you may not have gotten the absolute best waterproofing but you should still have gotten good results. There is no harm in reproofing it again right away, but too save you money, I would recommend waiting until your jacket shows signs of "wetting out" before going through the cleaning and proofing process.

Next time, definitely try to remember to clean the dispenser first.

Thanks for checking with us, I wish you well in your outdoor adventures.

Cheers!"