How (and Why) to Wash Your Waterproof Jacket

You might have heard that it’s best to wash your waterproof jacket to keep it working well. But why? Doesn’t the rain do that?

Maintenance. Doesn’t the word just send shivers down your spine?

These days we’re much more likely to replace than repair. Heck, half the time it’s not even possible thanks to manufacturing that caters to a throwaway culture.

Don’t worry, I’m not about to mount a delightfully-ironic soapbox (because the article’s about washing things? ha ha) but I’m here to say that we’ve forgotten some stuff in the quest for convenience. Like how to wash a waterproof jacket.

Rain jackets, waterproof jackets, waterproof breathable jackets. Basically any kind of modern technical outerwear (except for the waxed-cotton type like the iconic Driza-Bone) uses comparable tech.

At its core, the idea’s the same. Various methods are used to create a membrane that keeps water molecules from getting in and allows water vapour to float out. This is what makes waterproof gear ‘breathable’, the physical material barrier inside. But it relies on something called DWR (Durable Water Repellent) to keep working.

Watch: Shitthropocene – The New Patagonia Film That Questions if We Really Need All That Stuff

What’s a DWR coating?

DWR coatings are added to waterproof garments for safety and comfort. Without this thin layer of treatment water won’t ‘bead up’ when it lands on your waterproof clothing, instead it soaks in to ‘wet out’ the fabric. This makes it feel cold and clammy, makes your jacket heavier, and may prevent breathability.

We need the beads

So DWR is pretty important. Your technical gear will still keep water out without it but you won’t be loving life. Unfortunately, as with many ‘miracle’ chemicals, it turns out that traditional Fluorinated DWR coatings, whilst effective, don’t biodegrade in the environment due to the presence of a group of chemicals known as PFAS.

Explorer and researcher Leila wrote all about PFAS in rain jackets recently, including why they’re harmful and what’s being done to tackle the problem.

Thankfully, brands like Patagonia have been working to replace the DWR in their waterproof clothing with PFAS-free alternatives, but there’s a trade-off.

We’ve gotta wash them a bit more often.

Wait, why should I wash my waterproof jacket?

Fair question! I did promise in the title. You need to wash waterproof jackets to restore the power of the DWR coating. Whether it’s dirt, body oil from your skin, snacks, insect repellants and sunscreen, or even campfire smoke, these contaminants affect the ability of DWR to reduce surface tension and turn rain into cute little droplets that roll off the jacket. It can also rub off in high wear areas like where your pack straps sit.

Time to give this jacket a wash

How often should I wash my waterproof jacket?

Modern PFAS-free DWR jackets need a wash every 7-10 uses, whilst PFAS-containing DWR lasts for about 30 uses. But here’s the thing. No one I know washes their rain jacket nearly often enough anyway. You need to know how to wash your waterproof jacket regardless.

You’ll know it needs a wash if water is no longer beading off the surface of the waterproof jacket. If that’s still not happening after the wash and dry process below, keep reading for tips on how to ‘reproof’ by reapplying DWR.

How To Wash a Waterproof Jacket

What you’ll need:

• Your waterproof jacket
• A washing machine, ideally a front loader*
• A tumble dryer – head to the laundromat if you don’t have one
• PFAS-free product wash* – we recommend Storm Clothing wash available from most outdoor gear stores
• PFAS-free DWR spray – if you’re reproofing the jacket
• Somewhere in the shade to hang it up

*Top loaders work but the agitator can risk damaging your waterproof jacket. If it doesn’t have one you’re sweet! If it does, use the delicate mode and/or a wash bag.

**You can get away with a super simple water-based, biodegradable, mild detergent designed for sensitive skin, but steer clear of any fabric softeners, bleaches, or fragrances.

Step-by-Step Method To Wash Your Waterproof Jacket

1. Zip it up, close up any hook and loop (Velcro) fastenings, and wipe off any big stains or dirt. Check the pockets for rubbish and leave any interior and exterior pockets unzipped so they get a wash too.

Nothing to see here…

2. Check the washing instructions for your particular brand of rain jacket. Patagonia has a great guide to the clothing care symbols.

3. Rinse out the detergent compartment of your washing machine.

4. Put your waterproof jacket in the washing machine and select a small load on a gentle cycle with a warm wash. Cold wash is ok if hot water isn’t available.

5. Add a specialised performance wash. Storm, Grangers, and Nikwax are good PFAS-free options, but any washing additive designed for waterproof jackets should work. Check out your manufacturer’s recommendation if you’re unsure.

It’s makeover time

6. Run the wash! Add a second rinse cycle to ensure all the performance wash or mild detergent residue is gone.

7. Tumble dry your waterproof jacket on low heat to reactivate the DWR. Some dryers get pretty hot on the low setting, if this happens to yours, check it regularly until the jacket is dry and warm.

And you’re pretty much done

8. Throw it back on and run around in the rain!

Pro Tips:

• Steam can degrade durable water repellent coatings, avoid drying your jacket this way
• If you don’t have a dryer, you can use an iron set to low heat with a tea towel or similar on top to get the jacket warm. Let the jacket fully air dry first
• Definitely don’t get your waterproof jacket dry cleaned

Reapplying DWR to Waterproof Jackets to Restore Water Repellency

Still not happy with your jacket’s water repellent properties, or don’t feel like it’s as breathable as it should be? If you’ve got it really dirty, or your jacket is old, your next step should be to reapply a DWR treatment.

‘Wash in treatments’ are easier to apply, as you just put it in the machine and run it, but they can prevent jackets from breathing effectively according to the crew at Paddy Pallin. To use a DWR spray, hang the wet, clean waterproof jacket (after step 6) on a coat hanger (ideally on the washing line) and spray it methodically on all parts of the jacket – especially high-wear areas. Then proceed to reactivate the DWR (step 7).

A little bit of effort goes a long way when it comes to waterproof jackets

How to Wash Your Waterproof Jacket FAQs

Can you wash a waterproof jacket?

Absolutely! In fact, you’re supposed to. Apart from waxed cotton jackets, all modern technical waterproof jackets have the same basic method of care, including washing and reproofing.

Why won’t my waterproof jacket stay dry?

It’s probably ‘wetting out’ due to a degraded durable water repellent (DWR) finish. Scroll up for tips on how to wash and reproof your jacket to restore its water repellency.

Is a PFAS-free waterproof coating worse?

Only in the sense that it needs washing less often! The PFAS-free waterproof jackets on the market perform just as well in the rain and are still a durable water repellent finish without leaching ‘forever chemicals’ that don’t break don’t into the natural environment.

Should I throw out my PFAS-containing waterproof gear?

We don’t think so. While the outdoor industry and governments are pushing to remove these chemicals from consumer products, the impact of making a brand new jacket instead of washing and reproofing an old one (with PFAS-free DWR) is still higher.