How to Clean Simms Waders Safely
Simms breathable waders collect perspiration on the inside and mud, algae, salt and fish residue outside. Cleaning only the exterior can leave odor and salts against the membrane, but a washing machine, fabric softener or high heat can damage technical construction. Simms directs owners to hand-wash in warm water up to 105°F/40°C with a small amount of liquid detergent or a technical fabric wash, rinse well and dry both sides completely. This guide also separates routine cleaning from leak repair and model-specific durable-water-repellent restoration.
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Primary reference: Simms official wader care instructions. Always check the manual for your exact model.
Quick reference
- Wash
- Hand-wash in water up to 105°F/40°C.
- Cleaner
- Small amount of liquid detergent or approved technical wash.
- Avoid
- Fabric softener, bleach, powder residue, wringing and high heat.
- Drying
- Dry inside and outside completely in shade.
- Repair gate
- Puncture, failed seam tape or boot-join leak needs repair.
What you will need
- The care label for the exact Simms wader model
- Large clean tub or basin
- Warm water no hotter than 105°F/40°C
- Small amount of liquid detergent or approved technical wash
- Soft brush or sponge
- Clean rinse water
- Broad hanger or safe drying support
- Shaded ventilated drying space
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Empty, inspect and close the waders
Remove tools, gravel, liners and detachable accessories. Read the label for the exact membrane, stockingfoot or bootfoot construction. Close the front zipper and pockets as Simms directs, loosen straps and note punctures, delamination or seam tape lifting. Do not confuse dirt staining with a leak, and do not scrub a damaged area aggressively.
Step 2: Remove loose mud and gravel
Shake out the inside and brush dry debris from gravel guards, seams and boot treads. Rinse heavy mud outdoors with gentle water before the wash basin. Do not pressure-wash or scrape felt or rubber soles with metal. Removing grit first prevents it from abrading the breathable face fabric during hand washing.
Step 3: Prepare a warm hand-wash bath
Fill a clean tub with water no hotter than 105°F/40°C. Add a small amount of liquid detergent or a technical fabric wash such as the type Simms identifies. Do not use powder that may remain in pores, fabric softener, bleach, stain solvent or scent booster. Follow the cleaner's dilution rather than assuming more product removes more dirt.
Step 4: Wash the exterior gently
Submerge or wet the waders only as their label allows and use a soft sponge or brush on mud, cuffs, knees, seat and gravel guards. Work along the fabric without grinding dirt into seam tape. Clean boot exteriors and treads separately so their soil does not recirculate over the breathable upper.
Step 5: Turn inside out and clean the lining side
Support the waders while turning them inside out. Move the wash solution through perspiration zones at the feet, legs and seat, using gentle hand action. Avoid hard brushing on interior membrane or seam tape. A full inside clean is particularly useful when odor persists even though the outside looks clean.
Step 6: Rinse repeatedly
Drain the dirty bath and rinse with clean water until runoff has no foam and fabric no longer feels slippery. Give special attention to boot interfaces, gravel guards, zipper backing and folded seams. Do not wring or twist the waders. Residual detergent can affect breathability and water-repellent performance.
Step 7: Dry the inside and outside fully
Let water drain, then hang or support the waders as Simms permits in a shaded ventilated place. Dry the inside first, then turn them to finish the exterior. Keep them away from a clothes dryer, radiator, campfire and other high heat unless the exact care label authorizes a controlled DWR treatment.
Step 8: Inspect the clean fabric
Once dry, inspect abrasion zones, boot joins, seams, zipper and suspender attachments. Use Simms' official leak-finding and repair process for a confirmed puncture. A wet-looking outer face that no longer beads may indicate DWR wear, but it is not proof that water has penetrated the membrane.
Step 9: Store without trapped folds
Store clean, completely dry waders in a cool place away from sunlight, chemicals and rodents. Hang them on a suitable broad support or follow Simms' folding guidance without crushing boot joins or keeping a sharp crease in the membrane. Never leave wet waders balled in a vehicle or sealed tote.
Specific cleaning questions
Open a question for a concise answer about stains, odors, safety, frequency, and troubleshooting.