Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Washing/Cleaning your Vass-Tex 3300 & 305 Breathable Fishing Waders
3.0 Can I Use Water Repellant Treatment
4.0 Repairing Damage to your Vass-Tex 3300 & 305 Breathable Fishing Waders
5.0 Storage of Your Vass-Tex Breathable and PVC Chest Waders
1.0 Introduction
Breathable chest waders are not a cheap item, therefore it is essential that you preserve yours as best as you can. In this guide you will find information on how best to maintain your breathable waders and best practices when it comes to cleaning and repairing your waders.
2.0 Washing / Cleaning your Vass-Tex 3300 & 305 Breathable Fishing Waders:
Clean your waders using clean fresh water (ideally warm) & sponge to remove all dirt & fish slime (& Salt if used for Sea Fishing). Although salt water doesn’t harm your Vass-Tex 3300 & 305 waders, an excess build-up of salt crystals on the outer surface can reduce breathability & flexibility properties purely by physically sticking to the surface and forming a crusty layer (this advice is useful for all breathable waders & clothing regardless of brand).
Popular ways to clean your Vass-Tex 3300 & 305 breathable waders:
Example in a bath, using warm or cold water and a soft sponge gently washing away dirt. Do the same for the inside if you want to remove any unwanted odours & keep your waders hygienic. Also wash zips to ensure no dirt / sand particles are present as this can reduce the life of the zips. Rinse wader once washing is completed. Using the Vass wader hanger place up-side down ensuring both legs are free to allow air to circulate through all internals including the foot area. Important dry in warm dry place but avoid extreme direct sunlight for long periods as strong UV rays can reduce the performance & strength (again this advice is useful for all breathable waders & clothing regardless of brand).
As above but by pulling the chest draw-cord tight & standing your waders and washing using a sponge and garden hose (better to have someone to help with this, someone attractive is usually a bonus)!
If your partner lets you, wear your waders in the shower and wash using a sponge (of course don’t aim the shower head inside your waders! If you are silly enough to fill your waders, please share this experience with us on social media, so we along with your friends can enjoy the story 😂
Warning: Rolling up, packaging or storing your waders whilst still wet may result in mildew and tape peeling.
Warning: Waders should not be dry-cleaned or put in the dryer.
3.0 Can I use Water Repellent Treatment?
The outer part of the ‘Vass-Tex 305’ layer is unique due to the very densely woven performance fibres/yarns which
reduce the amount of moisture/water that can physically be absorbed by the outer layer (even if the additional ‘Water
repellent’ finish becomes faded over time). The ‘Vass-Tex 305’ fibres absorb just a fraction of the water that other
popular breathable materials tend to absorb (a bit like a tightly twisted sponge, it reduces its absorption capacity).
Therefore, re-proofing isn’t generally required. However, if you are keen to re-treat your waders you can do so after the
waders have been washed, rinsed and completely dried to ensure you achieve maximum effect from your chosen
reproofing product. Just ensure the re-proofing product you choose is suitable for waders and outdoor laminated
performance waterproof/breathable garments.
4.0 Repairing damage to your Vass-Tex 3300 & 305 Waders
Although Vass waders are probably the toughest and most reliable waders on the fishing market. Accidental Tears,
punctures and pinholes do happen. Fortunately, ‘Vass-Tex’ waders are easy to repair. Here’s how:
1) Find damage/hole. Area is usually indicated by wet patches on your clothing after use. Another good tip is to hang waders up-side-down in a dark room and shine a torch from the inside around area the area you suspect is leaking. The light usually travels through damage/holed area which can be seen from the outside.
2) If the hole is large enough to let sealant through, ensure you place masking tape over the outside area to prevent sealant from seeping through during the repair.
3) Then turn waders inside out and locate this damaged area on the inside of the wader
4) Ensure area is clean and dry in preparation for the repair
5) Lay area to be repaired as flat and securely as possible (using weights or heavy books helps with this). The repairing area of the material needs to be flat as the sealant could run away from the repairing area during the curing process.
6) Using wader repair sealant available online apply a coating of sealant over damaged area. As the sealant reacts and thins slightly, it sinks into the material forming an ‘integral repair coating’ sealing the leak. For curing time check the instructions on the sealant (usually overnight/8-10 hours).
Link to Buy: Repair Sealant
7) Re-apply extra layer if required. Try not to exceed 1mm sealant thickness above the material surface to ensure area still retains some flexibility (otherwise it will feel like you have glued a large plastic button to the reverse)!
8) The above repair method usually works on seam leaks also. Although it’s more complex to repair. If the punctured area has penetrated the material and tape, simply smother the area (as above) over damaged internal area. It’s usually advisable to extend the sealant further to ensure it covers the tape edges & partly onto the material also forming a solid bond across the area.
9) If the tape has lifted. Clean internal area (ideally using pure alcohol solution as there is no residue once dried) as well as in between the tape and seam. Ideally using a 5-10mm brush or spatula to feed sealant into the lifted damaged areas. Keep area flat and then place kitchen foil over repaired area. To ensure the tape is pressed back into the seam, place a flat weight over the foil (e.g a few heavy books). The foil is purely recommended to ensure the sealant doesn’t stick directly to the weight/books. Foil can usually be peeled off quite easily once sealant has cured (approx 8-10 hours usually).
5.0 Storage of your Vass-Tex Breathable & PVC waders
It is best to clean the waders free from dirt and fish oils. Dry waders completely inside and out before storing to avoid
mildew and unwanted odours.
Store the waders in dry place away from direct heat and direct light. Ideally using ‘Vass Wader Hanger’ keeping waders in good form/without folds & allowing maximum aeration during storage.
Also available is a Vass wader hanger suitable for your Garage, shed, Van and even to hang from a branch on the bank to ensure your waders dry as well as air on the inside before packing away.
See Vass Adjustable Woven Boot/Wader Hanger
6.0 Need Further advice?
For further advice, please call the ‘Vass Head Office’ (Based in U.K), asking for technical advice on repairing your waders. Please describe the problem you would like advice with and ask for a technician to contact you by return. Ensure you leave your full name, telephone number and e-mail address when contacting reception.
7.0 Warranty claims
In the event of a manufacturing fault. As per our returns policy, please return & discuss this with your supplying retailer. They will work with Vass to resolve your issue.
Please note: customer damage is not covered by warranty however, the ‘Vass Service Centre’ can offer a repair service (charges apply).
8.0 Vass Repair Service
If you would like a quote to repair your damaged Vass waders. Please e-mail clear pictures of area to be repaired along with description to
Once repair price and return carriage have been agreed/paid. You will need to send the waders to Vass Head Office (Milton Keynes, England) enclosing a copy of your e-mails with Vass for reference.
Estimated lead times and cost vary but usually a cost of around £35 for a standard single puncture repair & approx £9.00 return carriage are applicable. Repair processing time from receipt of waders is usually 10-15 working days but can increase depending on workload.