Goretex boots, machine washable? Proofing?

[smallblueplanet]

Does anyone know if I could or should (!) wash a pair of suede/goretex walking boots in the washin machine???

I've just bought a pair 2nd-hand off ebay and they're a tad muckier than they looked on the web. Fit really well though.

Also anyone know whats best to waterproof them with?

[Nicos]

hello there SBP!
We use these products on our breathable equine gear-

http://www.nikwax.co.uk/en-gb/activi...OUNTRYPURSUITS

One product to wash in the machine , and another to proof in the machine. Works a treat!

[smallblueplanet]

Thanks Nicos - as usual impatience has the better of me....one of the boots is in the 'new' washing machine on 'hand-wash' no spin setting with Tech wash in the water....

I just can't wait! Its not even like I can wear them until they're dry!

I won some tech-wash from the Nikwax site (its expensive stuff), I keep meaning to try again, I think someone on MSE forum posted the answers.

[Birdie Wife]

Hi sbp,
Nikwax is expensive and I've only used it on fabric clothes before and not boots but it works really well and you should only need to do it every six months or so with heavy use.

[smallblueplanet]

Thanks Birdie Wife - no chance of 'heavy' use (well except me being too heavy!), I'm a fair weather birder.

Have you played the Nikwax web quiz? They give stuff away, but the Q's are a bit 'tricky'. I'm sure I saw the answers on MSE, which helped me win the tech wash.

Nikwax Quiz

[nick the grief]

I use Nixwax spray on mine SBP, but I figure if you pay £120+ for a pair of boots a few quid on proofing isn't too much to ask. I tend to wipe as much of th emud off as I can then brush the rest off then spray them about every 4th or 5th wearing (thats when I'm using them for proper walking), lottie work it's just as and when I remember

[Alison]

As Nick says if you brush them down you don't have to proof them too often and to be honest I don't do mine anywhere near as often as he does, especially if they haven't really got wet. One of the most important things is making sure you clean them properly before you store them and they'll last a lot longer. I've used various gortex spray products, think the one we have currenly is a Graingers one as it was on special somewhere and I'm never one to refuse a bargain.

[Birdie Wife]

Thanks Birdie Wife - no chance of 'heavy' use (well except me being too heavy!), I'm a fair weather birder.

Have you played the Nikwax web quiz? They give stuff away, but the Q's are a bit 'tricky'. I'm sure I saw the answers on MSE, which helped me win the tech wash.

Nikwax Quiz

Hey, thanks for this link, I won too! Took me three goes mind, but I didn't use any clues either. Chuffed to bits !