Keeping your Hatley rainwear clean may be a bit of a challenge, considering it is designed for long days of fun in muddy puddles. Here are some tips for washing our rain coats, rain pants, and rain boots without damaging the amazing waterproof technology that keeps your kids dry no matter the weather.
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1. Before washing, check all the pockets in your jackets and pants. It’s bad enough having a marker or some food go through a normal load of laundry; it’s much worse when it’s an expensive piece of gear that gets ruined. Make sure zippered pockets are open and any Velcro flaps are closed so they can’t snag on anything in the washer. Use a soft brush to remove any loose dirt.
2. For small stains, spot clean with a mild detergent (should not contain perfumes or bleach) and water. Good options would be eco-friendly, hypoallergenic and baby formula detergents.
3. Choose a detergent specifically designed for waterproof fabrics, often called a "technical wash", such as Nikwax Tech Wash (https://www.amazon.com/Nikwax-Technical-Outerwear-Restores-Waterproofing). Always wash waterproof outerwear on its own; never mix it with a random load of laundry. Oils from your other clothes can leave your jacket dirtier than before. And don’t overfill your washing machine. About half full is a good call.
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4. Turn the rain jacket, rain pants or rain boots inside out before washing to access the inner surface. For the boots, remove the insoles and wash them separately by hand with soapy water and let them air dry.
5. Wash the rainwear in cold water on a delicate or gentle cycle.
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6. Do not use fabric softener, as it can ruin the waterproof properties.
7. Always hang your rainwear to dry after washing; never tumble dry.
8. When not in use, store your rainwear in a cool, dry place on a hanger.