Washing Breathable Waders

[buzby]

I have a pair of Hodgman Breathable waders that I would like to wash. We were fishing a couple weeks ago doing at Anchor Point and I did not rinse off my waders when we got back in (drank too much) now they are covered with fish goo. They are kinda crusty and wanted to know if anyone has washed them before. There are no instructions inside my waders for me to read.
Thanks BUZ

[WinMag]

Sport-wash

Can't speak to those particular waders but I use Sport-wash for any of my synthetic, breathable or hi tech gear.

It is free of UV brightners, scent and will not interfer with the breathability of fabrics like yours.

If in Anchorage - Sportmans Warehouse or Barneys...

otherwise - check on line

http://www.atsko.com/sportwash.html

good luck

[Mr. Pid]

Put some mild laundry soap in your bathtub and fill it enough to hand wash your waders. Since you've got some goo on them you should let them soak for as long as you need, and spot scrub with a soft brush or washrag. Agitate them by hand until you're satisfied, rinse, and hang to dry.

You can buy the GoreTex wash products if it makes you happy, but plain old Tide works fine.

[6XLeech]

Waders care...

From the Hodgeman website, http://www.hodgman.com/faqs.php:

How do I care and store my waders? Unpack and unroll waders as soon as you return home or to camp. Rinse with tap water after use. If waders are dirty or have been used in salt water, hand wash in warm water with a mild detergent or use HodgmanŽ Wader Wash (T353). Do not bleach, machine dry, iron, or dry clean. Prior to storage, your waders must be completely dry inside and out. Store upside-down out of sunlight and away from electrical appliances. Do not expose waders to excessive heat. Keep away from open fires.

Simms recommends handwashing, like Mr Pid suggests and with powder detergent. Tide now make "Tide Free"; free of brightners and fragrance.
Here's the Simms site for more info:
http://www.simmsfishing.com/site/cus...e_general.html.

One day at McAfee's, I asked the Simms rep a few questions, then sent in my waders to improve on my repairs. He also agreed that washing breathable waders improved their breathability, apparently because sweat/dirt/slime, etc interfere with the membrane function. He wasn't such a fan of DWR Revivex though, stating that as more of a personal preference thing.

Since then, I started washing my waders each year, or after a good sliming. Good luck.

[garnede]

Put some mild laundry soap in your bathtub and fill it enough to hand wash your waders. Since you've got some goo on them you should let them soak for as long as you need, and spot scrub with a soft brush or washrag. Agitate them by hand until you're satisfied, rinse, and hang to dry.

You can buy the GoreTex wash products if it makes you happy, but plain old Tide works fine.

+1 Don't use a wasing machine. I put my Hogeman waders in the washing machine and they imediatly began to leak.