Strange residue after nikwax wash

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Haven’t read all replies but that looks like Nikwax molecular clods that have bonded to the larger fabric baubles. The baubles arising from a combination of garment lining wear and washing at too high a temperature at some point in the past.

K
 
Klenchblaize said:
Haven’t read all replies but that looks like Nikwax molecular clods that have bonded to the larger fabric baubles. The baubles arising from a combination of garment lining wear and washing at too high a temperature at some point in the past.

K
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I didn’t realise the bobbles could form from high temp washing. I’ve never washed this above 40, but I take the point.
 
I’ve done a bit of experimenting.

Spraying the jacket with a spray bottle leads to good beading, so the wash seems to have done what it’s meant to. The gunky blobs just seem to be a rather ugly side effect.
 
Mungo said:
I have just washed my stalking jacket, using Nikwax TX Wash In Direct. I followed the instructions.

It came out covered in little squishy lumps of residue - hundreds of them, about 1-2mm across.

Does anyone know what has happened here, and where I need to worry? @NigelM - I’d be enormously grateful for your industry specific knowledge here, if you’re around. Jacket is a Norrona Kvinherrad. Goretex 3 layer membrane, some sort of synthetic brushed outer. Washed once with normal detergent first, then washed again with the Nikwax.
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Can't help I'm afraid. Not seen this before. My guess is that you're on the right track with the detergent vs Nikwax issue and somehow they have reacted.

I'm sure it's not a disaster. The waterproofing is in the Gore-Tex membrane, not the surface finish. The surface finish just prevents wetting out on the face fabric. Wash it again, wear it for a bit and I'm sure the residue will disappear.

Personally I'm not a fan of the wash in DWR's. They coat the outside and inside of the garment which leaves you with a DWR on the inside which encourages water to condense on the inside rather than get expelled. I prefer the spray so you are only coating the outside face of the garment, giving you the beading you want but keeping the inside free of any finish.
 
NigelM said:
Can't help I'm afraid. Not seen this before. My guess is that you're on the right track with the detergent vs Nikwax issue and somehow they have reacted.

I'm sure it's not a disaster. The waterproofing is in the Gore-Tex membrane, not the surface finish. The surface finish just prevents wetting out on the face fabric. Wash it again, wear it for a bit and I'm sure the residue will disappear.

Personally I'm not a fan of the wash in DWR's. They coat the outside and inside of the garment which leaves you with a DWR on the inside which encourages water to condense on the inside rather than get expelled. I prefer the spray so you are only coating the outside face of the garment, giving you the beading you want but keeping the inside free of any finish.
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Great - thanks Nigel.

If it’s pertinent, there was a pair of trousers in the same wash that has a smoother surface, and it didn’t get the gummy blobs.
 
I've had this stuff when using their Cotton Proof, made a right bloody mess of the trousers and the washing machine. Spent several hours cleaning both again too get rid of the residue.
Not had the same problem with tech wash or normal reproofer.
You generally have to clean out the drawer to remove detergent (probably degrades the waterproofing) and don't use softener as it ruins the breathability.
 
Gave up nikwax

And moved over to diverdave repel
Get it on eBay
Or via his website
sites.google.com

DiverDave's Wader Repairs - Repel

For many years we have tried to source a good water repellent, for restoring the breathability of waders and jackets, and aiding waterproofing. If the outside of waders stays wetted after use, they cannot breath, water vapour cannot be forced through water, simple physics. The problem was always
sites.google.com sites.google.com

Paul
 
sauer said:
Gave up nikwax

And moved over to diverdave repel
Get it on eBay
Or via his website
sites.google.com

DiverDave's Wader Repairs - Repel

For many years we have tried to source a good water repellent, for restoring the breathability of waders and jackets, and aiding waterproofing. If the outside of waders stays wetted after use, they cannot breath, water vapour cannot be forced through water, simple physics. The problem was always
sites.google.com sites.google.com

Paul
Click to expand...
I had some Diver Dave spray at one point.

It sat on a shelf for a while, and when I came to use it, it has a grainy dust like residue floating in it, and did precisely nothing for the clothing.
 
Mungo said:
I had some Diver Dave spray at one point.

It sat on a shelf for a while, and when I came to use it, it has a grainy dust like residue floating in it, and did precisely nothing for the clothing.
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So is that an indication you failed with Nikwax and Diver Dave products? Perhaps you should find somewhere that provides the reproofing service and save yourself the hassle😂
 
Did to you give bottle a good shake if it had sat for period of time ?
I’ve had bottles sit for weeks then gave good shake .. applied it then you get heat into the garment … airing cupboard, on a radiator etc ….
I do my outdoor gear , even tents get a spray on a hot day and left up in sun to activate it …

It just works !
 
Mungo said:
Yup. Lesson learned.

Always read the instructions.
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Detergent washes the remains of proofing out with the dirt, pure soap/nikwax etc don’t.
Few years back the companies in an outdoor mag were ****ed as a guy revealed a wash with just Comfort Pure (uncented) proofed garments !
 
God is sending you a message via your washing machine.

Stop washing your kit. If it needs proofing, give it a spray with Diver Dave’s. If it starts to humm a bit, well you are outdoors and engaged in a solo sport. Stay downwind and all will be fine.

Take a washable ‘civilisation’ coat with you to put on after stalking when finished. Blood spattered clothing tends to attract unwanted questions anyway.
 
Never mind @Mungo you can always buy a new coat after you sell the lovely rods you have for sale (sorry it had to be said😂)

Tech wash is really good stuff for Goretex, even rejuvenated an old jacket recently, water beaded off after use, and in the recent weather it has stood up to the test.
Tech wash for down jackets, mixed results.
As above, get everything out of the powder drawer, especially fabric killer (sorry conditioner)
Unusual for me I read the instructions when using Tech wash

Diver Daves spray, i have used it on waders, but not on clothing, I understand it affects the 'breathability' of Goretex, having said that, it does what it says on the tin, waterproofs your kit.
 
devon deer stalker said:
Never mind @Mungo you can always buy a new coat after you sell the lovely rods you have for sale (sorry it had to be said😂)

Tech wash is really good stuff for Goretex, even rejuvenated an old jacket recently, water beaded off after use, and in the recent weather it has stood up to the test.
Tech wash for down jackets, mixed results.
As above, get everything out of the powder drawer, especially fabric killer (sorry conditioner)
Unusual for me I read the instructions when using Tech wash

Diver Daves spray, i have used it on waders, but not on clothing, I understand it affects the 'breathability' of Goretex, having said that, it does what it says on the tin, waterproofs your kit.
Click to expand...
Sadly, no new toys being bought any time soon. Moving house and got to pay the vampires lawyers. Sage is now gone. Just think how lovely that would have been on a gentle spring evening on the upper Teign...
 
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