Find out how to wash a changing robe without damaging it or shortening its lifespan with our changing robe care guide.
Changing robes often fall into a clothes-washing grey area. Do they ever really need a thorough cleaning? Similar to beanie hats, there are those who will happily wear the same robe all summer without giving it a scrub, and those who think the former group is disgusting.
A changing robe, like any other garment, needs a wash from time to time. But don’t start throwing it in the washing machine as often as you do your lucky knickers—you’ll only shorten its life.
When your changing robe does get smelly/grubby (or a seagull leaves a large present down it) you’ll probably want to give it a wash. Looked after well, your changing robe should last for years to come.
Here’s how to ensure you’ll never need to buy a new changing robe while keeping it smelling sweet and staying as waterproof as the day you purchased it.
We can’t reiterate this enough: changing robes don’t need to be washed regularly.
You can even prolong the time between washes with careful care. Each time you use your changing robe, make sure you hang it up to dry properly. If the weather is fine, leave it to dry outside after use. If your robe needs to dry inside, try to do so at room temperature. If your changing robe doesn’t dry properly, it will start to smell similar to leaving a load of laundry in the machine – musty and damp.
The waterproof shell can easily be wiped clean using a cloth and water, or soap if necessary. You can also handwash your changing robe in a large bucket of soapy water if it’s starting to smell less than fresh.
Occasionally your changing robe may need a machine wash. To minimise damage, use as delicate a cycle as possible. Putting it in a laundry bag will help reduce the number of microplastics that escape during the machine cycle.
Since changing robes are large, we recommend getting a machine washable commercial-sized mesh laundry bag to protect it.
Here’s how to machine wash your changing robe:
Grangers Performance Wash is a concentrated formula that both cleans and waterproofs clothes in the same cycle. You can add it to the machine cycle or use it when hand washing items like your changing room. It neutralises odours and keeps outer layers breathable.
Most changing robes are waterproof or water-resistant, but with time, this waterproofing can start to diminish – especially when washing.
If your changing robe is fully waterproof, water will bead on the outer layer. If your changing robe has started to let water in during heavy downpours, don’t worry, it doesn’t mean it’s reached the end of its life just yet! It’s quick and easy to re-proof your changing robe at home. Here’s how.
The Granger’s Performance Repel Plus typically holds enough product for you to reproof a changing robe two or even three times. It’s easy to use, has a neutral smell, and can be used on Gore-Tex, making it a great one-stop solution for reproofing all your waterproof gear.
Never put your changing robe in the tumble dryer as you’ll dramatically shorten its life! It’s best to air dry a changing robe, either by putting it on a washing line or a hanger. Try to keep it out of direct sunlight. Turning your changing robe inside out as it dries will help the inner lining to air faster.
If you’ve machine washed your changing robe and it’s soaking wet, we recommend removing access water using a towel. Lay your changing robe on a dry towel and roll it in the towel to absorb the excess moisture.
Never put your changing robe in the tumble dryer as you’ll dramatically shorten its life! It’s best to air dry a changing robe, either by putting it on a washing line or a hanger. Try to keep it out of direct sunlight. Turning your changing robe inside out as it dries will help the inner lining to air faster.
If you’ve machine washed your changing robe and it’s soaking wet, we recommend removing access water using a towel. Lay your changing robe on a dry towel and roll it in the towel to absorb the excess moisture.
Have a burning question about washing your changing robe? Check out the answers to the most popular changing robe questions below!
Yes, you can wash a changing robe. For day-to-day care you’ll likely find a damp cloth is sufficient to keep your changing robe looking fresh.
Changing robes are also easy to hand wash, but on those occasions when your changing robe is in need of a machine wash, use our step-by-step guide above to ensure that you’re washing your changing robe without shortening its lifespan.
You can put changing robes in the washing machine, but you shouldn’t do this too often.
Start by turning your changing robe inside out to thoroughly wash the inner lining. A changing robe should be washed on a delicate cycle and at no more than 30 degrees Celsius.
To best protect your changing robe from the washing machine drum, consider using a large mesh laundry bag.
To reproof your jacket, you must apply a specialised chemical which is sometimes included in your detergent. For ease, we recommend coating your jacket with a reproofing spray like Nikwax.
We recommend using a combination of Grangers Performance Wash and Grangers Performance Repel Plus.
Grangers Performance Wash can either be used when washing your changing robe by hand, or simply added to the machine cycle.
To ensure that your changing robe retains its waterproof properties, spray it with Grangers Performance Repel Plus when it’s still damp, and leave it to air dry. You’ll know if your changing robe is properly waterproofed when water droplets form beads on the outer material.
You should always air dry a changing robe. Hang it on a line outside of direct sunlight. A garage that is at roughly room temperature is a great way to dry your changing robe while making sure it won’t get that nasty, damp smell.
Never put your changing robe in the tumble dryer, even if it can be tempting to speed up the process. A changing robe should always be air-dried to avoid dramatically shortening its lifespan.
Still searching for the answer to your question? Reach out to the Adventure Pending team through our social media or via email for expert, tailored advice!
