Here’s the best way to wash your waterproof jacket ready for its next adventure.
Mild temperatures and rainy UK days make waterproof jackets a hiker-essential. These are often your main defence against wet weather and need to be in tip-top condition to keep you dry out on the trail.
But how do you wash something that’s designed to be water repellent?
Waterproof materials in hiker essentials are more specialised than the standard synthetic or cotton fibres used in outdoor apparel. They need to be treated carefully to ensure they are cleaned properly and not damaged in the process.
This Adventure Pending guide will take you through the best ways to wash your waterproof jacket. We’ll also explain how to dry and reproof your coat over time.
Before you start cleaning your waterproof jacket, take a moment to examine it. Look for any labels and read the instructions – often these will hold information about the cleaning process.
This is particularly valuable as it will be tailored to your specific item – you’re likely to find details about washing temperatures and whether to use/avoid certain detergents.
In most cases, you should avoid washing a waterproof jacket at high heat. Spot cleaning may be sufficient if you have patches of mud or dirt on your jacket, but this can deteriorate the waterproof coating in a localised area.
If you do notice dirt or markings on your jacket, try to clean it as soon as possible. These foreign objects disrupt the waterproof layer and cause moisture to seep through, which is why it’s important to stay on top of jacket maintenance. To sustain the waterproof layer on your coat, we recommend washing and reproofing it.
Washing a waterproof jacket is similar to washing a sleeping bag or other outdoors garments. You can take your jacket to a dry cleaner if you’re nervous about washing it yourself, but there’s nothing to be scared of. In fact, it’s a good habit to form and learning how to wash your own jacket will save you time and money.
Here’s how to wash your waterproof jacket:
Please note: if you use a standard washing detergent, you may damage the waterproof layering on your jacket and block the breathable pores. Don’t add fabric softener or any additional chemicals like bleach.
Your waterproof jacket has a Durable Waterproof Layer, also known as a DWR. This is the technical surface that allows water to bead up and roll off your coat and prevents water from soaking in. It also allows your jacket to be breathable, which prevents you from getting hot and sweaty in wet weather!
This DWR layer naturally decreases over time which means that after you have washed your jacket, you will need to reproof it.
After washing your coat, reproof using a spray like NikWax – follow the steps on the back of the bottle to apply an even layer. Alternatively, use Grangers Wash + Repel to reproof your jacket during the cleaning process.
Washing and reproofing your jacket is only half the job. Depending on the make and material of your waterproof jacket, you may have to follow a specific procedure to ensure it is dried properly.
Some detergents require heat to re-activate the waterproof layer – in this case, you may need to tumble dry your jacket on low heat as advised. However, it’s best to avoid tumble drying unless specifically stated.
Here’s our guide to quickly drying your waterproofs:
There are a number of great waterproof sprays out there to re-proof your coats. We recommend the Nikwax TX Direct Spray – just wash your waterproof jacket using Nikwax Tech Wash, then spray it with the TX Direct while it’s still damp. This saves you from having to do an extra wash to reapply the DWR.
The TX Direct Spray doesn’t require heat activation which makes it easy to dry your coat afterwards. It is also free from damaging chemicals like fluorocarbons, which make it an environmentally-conscious product to purchase.
A similar product is the Fabsil Universal Protector. This spray is marginally cheaper than Nikwax and also protects your garment against UV damage. This spray is less specialised so can also be used on products like tents and walking boots.
At first, cleaning your waterproof coat may seem overwhelming – but there are only a few additional steps from your usual washes and they’re pretty easy to master.
The first important step is to read the label on your waterproof jacket, then use a specialised detergent on a gentle wash.
Next, reproof your coat and leave it to dry, adding low heat if required. If you take care to learn and follow these steps, you’ll have your jacket back to full functionality in no time!
Think we’re missing an important step to washing a waterproof jacket? Let us know over on Instagram @adventurepending and we’ll be sure to check it out!
TLDR? Here’s our quick guide to washing your waterproof jacket, featuring all the basics you need to know.
Begin by brushing off any dry dirt and reading the jacket label. Wash your jacket in a machine with a special detergent. If required, rewash with another cleaning product to reproof it, or use a quick-application spray.
Nikwax Tx Direct is the best waterproof spray for jackets. It is water-based and fluorocarbon free. It can be efficiently applied to a damp jacket with no heat-activation necessary. It is a well-priced product with excellent waterproofing abilities.
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.
Yes – in fact, this is the best way to clean a waterproof jacket as it ensures a thorough wash. However, it’s important to use a low heat and gentle cycle to avoid damage to your garment.
This will depend on the jacket material and detergents you have used. In some cases, you may need to tumble dry on low heat to activate the DWR after reproofing. In other cases, this can damage your waterproof jacket and air-drying is more suitable. Be sure to read the product labels to follow the instructions as advised.
Looking for more tips on getting the best out of your waterproof gear? Feel free to reach out! Email ann@adventurepending.com.
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