How to Clean Rain Jacket

What You'll Need

• Technical wash detergent or mild soap
• Warm water
• Clean sponge or cloth
• DWR reproofing spray (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1

   Close all zippers and velcro

   Zip up all zippers and close all velcro tabs to prevent snagging. Shake out debris from pockets and hood.

2. 2

   Machine wash on gentle warm

   Use warm water on a gentle cycle with a technical wash or mild liquid soap. No fabric softener or regular detergent -- they clog the waterproof membrane.

3. 3

   Double rinse

   Run an extra rinse cycle to ensure all soap residue is removed. Residue blocks the DWR coating and reduces water repellency.

4. 4

   Tumble dry on low

   Tumble dry on low heat for 20 minutes. The heat reactivates the DWR (durable water repellent) coating. This step is critical.

5. 5

   Reproof if needed

   If water no longer beads on the surface after washing and drying, apply a DWR reproofing spray following the product directions.

Pro Tips

• TIPTumble drying on low heat after washing is essential -- it reactivates the waterproof coating that makes rain bead up.
• TIPWipe down the jacket with a damp cloth after each use to remove dirt and body oils that degrade the DWR coating.
• TIPNever use fabric softener on rain gear. It coats the membrane and destroys the breathability and waterproofing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• XUsing regular detergent or fabric softener, which clogs the waterproof membrane and reduces breathability.
• XSkipping the tumble dry step, which means the DWR coating does not reactivate and water stops beading.
• XDry cleaning rain jackets, where the chemicals damage the waterproof membrane permanently.

Frequently Asked Questions