Despite all the bad weather we have been having over the past few weeks, I’m sure summer will soon appear in all its glory (but don’t hold me to that). But all the rain has been a reminder about our outdoor clothing, not just clothing for winter but clothing for those summer showers when you are out and about enjoying the outdoors. We all like to #GetOutside and enjoy the fresh air but nobody likes soggy, soaking wet clothes. Recently I tried out Grangers Footwear Repel Plus to bring back the waterproofing on an old pair of boots and it did an excellent job of repelling water off my old leaky boots (and so simple to use). It was now time to try a similar thing but this time for an old jacket that was losing its water repellent properties with Grangers Clothing Repel.
Grangers Clothing Repel Plus is a wash-in waterproofing treatment that offers superior waterproof protection for water repellent clothing such as jackets and trousers, ensuring that they are once again protected against the elements and the lovely unpredictable British weather! It is suitable for Gore-tex® materials and effective without heat activation.
FEATURES
- Adds durable water-repellency
- Maximises breathability
- Restores to like-new performance
- 100% Recycled bottle
- Bluesign® approved
- PFC-free
- Effective without heat activation
- Neutral smell
Over time, the water repellent properties of our waterproof raincoats and other clothing wears off after use and washing or from the rubbing of rucksack/backpack straps, it is after all just a coating on the clothing (most waterproof jackets are treated with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish). When this starts to happen, your waterproof raincoat starts to let in water when it gets soaked. But before you decide to throw out your waterproofs, you can add back water repellent properties in a quick and simple way with Clothing Repel from Grangers, just by putting the item(s) in the washing machine.
Grangers Clothing Repel is supplied in a 300ml 100% Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) bottle (1 litre eco refills, with 72% less packaging, are available to refill the bottle). It is simple and quick to use, and very effective.
During the heavy rain we have had in Manchester recently I noticed that my coat was starting to get very wet and letting water seep through. Rather than rush out and buy a new coat I thought that I would try the Grangers Clothing Repel. I had already used the footwear version with excellent results so I was confident that it would work and didn’t have anything to lose. The Footwear Repel Plus is a spray bottle and I had in mind that the clothing version would be the same. No, this is easier to use, especially as clothing is a lot bigger – it goes into the washing machine. Grangers recommend washing your garments with their Performance Wash before adding any waterproof treatments (I didn’t have any of this so just washed normally first).
I only had one item that needed waterproofing again (Grangers do recommend doing one item at a time). I put my raincoat in the washing machine, added 2 x 50ml caps of the Clothing Repel liquid to the detergent drawer of my washing machine and set it to wash on a full cycle at 30°C.
After washing, I left the coat to air dry (you can tumble dry if your garment allows and Grangers do recommend a small amount of heat (you can use a hairdryer) for optimal performance). Once dry, I just needed to put it to the test. I already knew that my coat was getting saturated in the rain and water seeping through, with it still raining, out I went. With my newly re-waterproofed boots keeping my feet dry, I could also see the rain beading on my jacket and rolling off and not allowing water to seep through, keeping me dry. Putting through the washing machine with the Clothing Repel had worked.
Overall, I found that the Grangers Clothing Repel did a great job of making my raincoat waterproof again with no real effort of my part. It was so easy to use and add back the water repellent. An inexpensive way of revitalising clothing where the water repellent properties are degrading with use. And it had no discernible smell. Whilst the Clothing Repel worked brilliantly, next time I think I will purchase their Wash + Repel Clothing 2-in-1 so that I can wash and add the waterproofing all in one go.
Grangers Clothing Repel is suitable for clothing with Gore-tex® and eVent® linings, FutureLight , Waterproof, Windproof, Soft Shell and Fleece.
Using the Clothing Repel was so simple just by adding two capfuls to a wash (without detergent), just pop it in the washing machine and leave to wash. I loved how easy it to use, but I also liked that the bottle is made from 100% recycled plastic and is reusable. It is also great that you can purchase larger eco refills to refill the bottle when needed (these pouches have 72% less packaging than the bottles and save you money) or just pour directly from the pouch.
Grangers are a British company that champions sustainability with their cruelty-free, water-based, PFC-free formulations and recycled plastics were possible. They are bluesign® approved which certifies the eco-friendliness of the entire production chain – you can read more about it here.
The Grangers Clothing Repel is a simple and fuss-free aftercare product for your waterproof clothing that I think does an excellent job of adding life back to much loved items, extending their use. You never need to fear the rain again and can enjoy the outdoors in the knowledge that you will stay as dry in any sudden downpours.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £10.50 (300ml bottle) / £20.50 (1 Litre Eco Pouch)
For more information or to buy, visit grangers.co.uk.
DISCLOSURE: I received this item for free for the purposes of writing an honest and impartial review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
