Cleaning Waders

Bob, I have heard of doing this with waders but unless they are really dirty I think it’s overkill. I just soak mine in a laundry sink in warm water and just a touch of Dawn. After a couple of hours and swishing around a bit I will rinse them really well and then hang them to dry. I only turn them inside out after a number of trips. That seems to do the job for me.

Steve Baker

I have machine cleaned my waders for years, about once a year. Gentle cycle, cold water, powder detergent, Oxyclean. Do not machine dry or use fabric softener. It is beneficial, opens the pores and helps keep the waders pliable.

Check out cleaning waders on You Tube.

Tim McCoy

1. Washing your waders after a few trips is important to keep the “breathable” pores open and functioning properly.
2. I use a tub with Dawn soap. Swish waders up and down to clean. Not inside out. The dirt is on the outside.
3. once a year in the washing machine on gentle cycle with light amount detergent (oxyclean) is ok. Take out wet and then use ReVivex spray to re-enhance the water proof material. Then after spraying with ReVivex put in dryer on lowest setting just until the waders are dry (keep checking) do not get them hot.
4. then you’re ready to go!

I wash mine in front load washing machine every 2 or 3 trips with a minimal amount of detergent on warm gentle cycle then pull out and empty water that has collect in bottom of boots.  I then put in dryer on air dry setting.  Been washing same pair of Simms waders for last 4 years this way and no problems.  This process is pretty much what Simms posts on their website for wader care.