Care & Maintenance

How to Clean Waders

How to Clean Waders

Waders are made for getting wet. Unsurprisingly, it can get dirty and stinky after a season of stomping around in rivers, lakes, ponds, and marshes. Cleaning fishing waders regularly with a low-suds detergent is important to stay comfortable and keep outdoor gear performing at its best. By removing dirt and grime, the factory waterproof coatings on the wader can be restored. With Revivex formulas, cleaning and refreshing waders is possible by following these simple steps.

Wash & Deodorize

Waders made of nylon, rubber, neoprene, or GORE-TEX® material, requires a specialized formula that’s gentle and effective. Over time, waders can attract dirt, grime and residue. Revivex Pro Cleaner is the ideal wash soap since it washes off muck without clogging the pores of waterproof breathable waders. It also won’t leave behind residues which can impact water repellency. 

  • Bathtub / Large Container

Estimated Time: 20 minutes

1. Fill a tub or large container with 5 gallons of warm or cold water.
2. Spot clean heavily soiled areas.
3. Add 1 oz of Revivex Pro Cleaner, stir, and submerge waders to saturate it completely.
4. Soak waders for 10 minutes.
5. Wash item by gently kneading waders to remove dirt and stains.
6. Rinse until water runs clear.


7. Optional: To remove stubborn smells, add Revivex Odor Eliminator in 5 gallons of water, submerge waders and soak for 5 minutes. Gently wring out the water, but do not rinse.
8. Air dry waders thoroughly before use or storage.

    PRO TIP: Keep waders away from direct heat and sunlight after treating it with Revivex Odor Eliminator. The formula works best during the air drying process. 

    Whether it’s a pair of classic SIMMS® waders or the innovative Patagonia® wading pants, cleaning and deodorizing expensive fishing gear is essential to maintaining its performance in the outdoors. After washing away dirt and funk, remember to check waders and booties for any holes. All that clean-up work will be meaningless if you still get wet while out in the water. Learn how to repair waders and how to waterproof breathable waders by reading more on our blog.

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