How to Wash Ducksday Outerwear (Without Ruining Its Waterproof Performance)
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Ducksday outerwear is built for real outdoor life - rain, mud, beach days, school runs, and everything in between.
At Trailsprout, we stock Ducksday because it’s one of the few kids’ outerwear brands that genuinely balances sustainability, durability, and comfort for active families.
But like all technical waterproof gear, how you wash it matters.
Done properly, your child’s jacket or suit will stay waterproof, breathable, and ready for years of adventure.
Done incorrectly, and you can damage the protective coating that keeps kids dry.
Here’s the simple, correct way to care for Ducksday outerwear - including the best cleaning products to use, like Nikwax Tech Wash.
1. You don’t need to wash it after every adventure
One of the most common mistakes parents make is over-washing technical outerwear.
Most of the time, Ducksday gear doesn’t need a full wash.
Instead:
- Let it dry completely after use
- Wipe off mud or sand with a damp cloth
- Store it clean and dry for next time
This helps preserve the waterproof coating and reduces water and energy use - which is better for both the gear and the environment.
2. Always check the care label
Before washing, check the internal care label on the garment.
If the label is missing, you can usually find care instructions on the product page or packaging.
This matters because waterproof fabrics are designed differently to regular clothing - and small mistakes (like heat or fabric softener) can reduce performance.
3. How to machine wash Ducksday outerwear properly
When a deeper clean is needed, follow these steps carefully.
✔ Step 1: Prepare the garment
- Close all zippers and Velcro
- Turn the garment inside out
- Remove loose dirt beforehand if possible
This helps protect the outer waterproof layer during the wash cycle.
✔ Step 2: Use the right detergent (this is important)
Do not use standard detergents with added softeners or enzymes.
Instead, use a technical cleaner like Nikwax Tech Wash.
It is specifically designed for waterproof and breathable fabrics, helping to:
- Clean without damaging water-repellent coatings
- Maintain breathability
- Prepare fabric for re-proofing if needed
This is the same type of product used for most technical outdoor and hiking gear.
✔ Step 3: Wash settings
- Wash separately (first wash recommended)
- Use cold or 30°C cycle
- Select a gentle or “outdoor” program if available
- Do NOT use fabric softener
Fabric softener is one of the fastest ways to ruin waterproof performance.
✔ Step 4: Air dry only
- Hang to dry naturally
- Do NOT tumble dry
- Do NOT iron
Heat can damage the waterproof membrane and reduce long-term performance.
4. Do you need to re-waterproof Ducksday gear?
Over time (typically after several washes), the water-repellent finish can reduce slightly.
If you notice water no longer beading off the surface, it may be time to re-proof.
You can use a spray-on or wash-in waterproofing treatment designed for technical fabrics after a few washes like Nikwax TX-Direct.
But in many cases, simply using Nikwax Tech Wash correctly will maintain performance for longer than standard detergents.
5. Why proper care matters
Ducksday outerwear is designed to be:
- Waterproof
- Breathable
- Lightweight
- Built for active kids outdoors
But performance depends on care.
When maintained properly, it continues to protect kids through:
- Wet school mornings
- Muddy bushwalks
- Rainy beach days
- Cold winter play
That’s why caring for it correctly isn’t just about longevity - it’s about keeping kids comfortable outdoors.
Final thoughts
Technical kids’ outerwear doesn’t need complicated care routines, just the right ones.
To keep Ducksday gear performing at its best:
- Wash only when needed
- Avoid fabric softener
- Use Nikwax Tech Wash for safe cleaning
- Air dry only
- Re-proof when water stops beading
Simple habits = longer-lasting gear and drier, happier kids outdoors.