How to Wash a Waterproof Jacket
We all rely on our waterproof jackets to keep us dry while we’re out enjoying the great outdoors. And so naturally, there comes a time when it needs a wash and a bit of a refresh.
But if you’ve never washed one before (or you’ve heard mixed advice), it’s easy to wonder:
Is it safe to put it in the machine? What detergent should I use? Will it mess up the waterproofing?
All good questions, and, luckily, it’s easier than you might think. Below, you’ll find a clear, step-by-step guide to washing your waterproof jacket properly, plus tips on drying, reproofing, and making it last longer.
First, Some Quickfire Questions
Let’s clear up a few common questions before we jump into the how-to.
How often should you wash a waterproof jacket?
Only when it needs it — which, depending on how much you wear it, might not be very often at all.
Dirt, sweat, and general wear will build up over time and stop the fabric from performing properly, so if you notice it’s starting to feel or smell a bit off, or water’s no longer beading on the surface, that’s your sign.
You can stretch out the time between washes by spot cleaning, brushing off dirt after each walk, and airing it out when you get home. It all helps.
Can you wash a waterproof jacket in the washing machine?
Yes, most of the time.
As long as the care label gives the green light, your waterproof jacket can go in the washing machine. Some technical fabrics or linings might need different treatment, so it’s worth checking first.
This applies to other waterproof clothing too — trousers, gilets, and so on. Just check the label, and always wash technical gear separately from regular laundry.
Can you use normal detergent?
Ideally, no.
Regular laundry detergent (and especially fabric softener) can break down the waterproof coating and block the breathable membrane. Over time, that means your jacket won’t keep you dry or comfortable.
Instead, use a cleaner made for technical outerwear, like:
It’s specifically formulated to clean waterproof jackets without stripping the fabric or clogging the breathable membrane.
How often should you reproof a waterproof jacket?
When rain starts to soak in rather than roll off, or you feel like your jacket’s suddenly less breathable, it’s probably time to reproof.
Similar to washing, it mainly depends on how often you’ve been wearing it, and what elements it’s been exposed to regularly. For example, a jacket that’s been worn every weekend in all kinds of rain and wind will need reproofing quicker than one you keep in the car for quick dashes out every so often.
How to Wash a Waterproof Jacket: Step-by-Step
1. Brush off any dirt
First things first: grab a stiff brush or dry cloth and get rid of any mud, dust, or dried-on dirt.
This stops all that debris getting swirled around in the wash and lets the cleaner get to work where it matters.
Once brushed off, do up all the zips, poppers, storm flaps, and Velcro. That helps protect the garment and avoids anything catching during the spin cycle.
2. Clean your washing machine
You might see this step and groan, but it’s worth doing, especially if your waterproof jacket’s one you’re fond of.
If your detergent drawer has any leftover soap in it, that can mix into the wash and mess with the waterproof coating.
Give the drawer a rinse, and if your machine hasn’t had a hot cycle in a while, run one empty to clear out any residue from the drum.
3. Wash on a gentle cycle (and follow the label)
Check your jacket’s care label for the recommended settings.
If it’s unreadable or missing, aim for:
- 30°C temperature
- Gentle or synthetic cycle
- Slow spin speed
Use your waterproof clothing cleaner of choice, and wash the jacket on its own if you can. Two max in a load — you don’t want to overcrowd it.
Once it’s finished, you can run a couple of extra spin cycles to help shift the water out. It’s not essential, but it’ll help things dry faster if you’re in a rush.
4. Dry it properly
This bit depends again on your care label, so double check what it says.
- If your jacket is tumble-dry safe, pop it in on a low heat — this can also help reactivate the DWR coating.
- If not, hang it up to air dry somewhere cool and ventilated: clothes horse, shower rail, outdoor washing line (just not in direct sunlight).
And a few tips:
- Avoid cramming it up in a cupboard or near a heater, as that can leave it smelling a bit musty
- Make sure it’s 100% dry before you pack it away or wear it again
- If you’re reproofing your jacket (covered below), you’ll want to let it dry a little, but keep it damp. Then apply your reproofing spray before letting it dry fully
How to Reproof a Waterproof Jacket
If your jacket’s been through a few seasons of wear (or a few downpours in a row), giving it a reproof is like giving it a new lease of life.
One of our go-tos is:
Grangers Performance Repel Plus Spray
Works on all the key fabrics (such as Gore-Tex® and softshell) and doesn’t need heat to activate, which makes life easier.
How to use it:
- Start with a clean, damp jacket (fresh out the wash is ideal)
- Lay it flat on a towel or hang it up somewhere ventilated
- Spray all over, paying extra attention to high-friction zones like the shoulders, elbows, and sleeves
- Use a cloth to gently wipe away any excess
- Then leave it to air dry or follow the care label if it allows for tumble drying (see Step 4 above)
That’s it — you’re good to go!
Final Thoughts
Washing your waterproof jacket might feel like something you could get wrong, but once you’ve done it once or twice, it’s fairly straightforward. The key is using the right cleaner, checking the label, and letting it dry properly.
A bit of care every now and then means your jacket lasts longer, performs better, and stays comfy to wear for all your adventures to come.
Need a few tools for the job?
You’ll find everything in our care & cleaning collection — including specialist washes, spray-on reproofers, and 2-in-1 kits.
About the Author
Tom, proud resident of Chapel-en-le-Frith (aka the ‘Capital of the High Peak,’ as he loves to remind everyone), is a dad of two who spends his weekends ferrying the kids between football and dance class, occasionally sneaking in a peaceful walk around Fernilee Reservoir. When the family escapes to their coastal hideaway in Anglesey, he trades in the football boots for paddleboards and fishing rods, though his true passion lies in building the ultimate sandcastle. On the Avenue 85 blog, Tom shares his outdoor tips (and the occasional dad joke) with a down-to-earth approach that’ll make you feel like part of the family.