Mildew
Mildew is the most common reason we are unable to repair or replace waders. Any mildew found on the inside of the waders will void your warranty.
Mildew is extremely destructive, especially to waterproof membranes used in rain jackets and waders. It penetrates between layers and beneath seams, causing them to separate and lift over time, which leads to leaks.
Additionally, mildew prevents us from performing repairs. It can damage our expensive heat presses and, more importantly, produce toxic fumes that we do not want our employees exposed to. We also avoid exposing other customers’ products to mildew spores.
How to Prevent Mildew
The only way to stop mildew is through prevention—once it develops, it cannot be removed or cleaned off.
The best prevention method is proper airflow. Always dry waders inside and out after every use. We recommend hanging them to dry and using a fan in humid environments.
The worst thing you can do is leave waders balled up and wet for any length of time. It only takes one instance for mildew to take hold and ruin a pair of waders.