Why We Chose Eco Wash and Proof: Effective, easy to use, eco-friendly

Price: £16 (2 x 300ml)
Weight: n/a
More info: stormcare.co.uk

Over time, the durable water repellent (DWR) coatings applied to outdoor kit can degrade, especially if they get contaminated by dirt and oils. If your jacket seems to ‘wet out’ in the rain, rather than water beading and rolling off the surface of the fabric, then it’s probably time to wash and reproof it.

Storm Care’s eco-friendly wash and proof aftercare products are the ideal treatment, as they can revitalise DWRs and restore performance. The products work for a range of garments, from waterproof ‘hard shell’ jackets and trousers to soft shells, bringing back water repellency as well as adding an abrasion-resistant finish. That means you can bung various different garments in the same wash – a hassle-free solution that cuts down the time and effort needed to look after your outdoor kit.

Best of all, the Eco range is ph-neutral and free from harmful perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), which are now being gradually phased out across the outdoor industry due to their negative environmental impacts. This makes them a much greener option than some other aftercare products, which do still use PFCs in their chemistry. The fact that Storm Care washes are ph-neutral also means that they will work equally well in hard-water areas.

“It’s similarly positive to see that Storm Care has also moved from plastic packaging to easily recyclable aluminium bottles.”

Unlike other brands, these wash-in cleaners and proofers can be used in the same wash cycle – saving water and energy. You just put a capful of each product in the detergent and fabric softener compartments of your washing machine. Once the cycle is complete, allow the products to drip-dry. The proofer is then heat-cured for optimum results by a quick spin in a tumble dryer.