Steps for Washing Your Waterproof Jacket

Washing and machine-drying your shell are essential steps to reactivate water repellency and add years to your gear.

Why Should You Wash a Waterproof Jacket?

Over time, dirt, body oils, sunscreen and odors can interfere with your jacket’s durable water repellent (DWR) finish. The good news? A proper wash can bring it back to life.

Cleaning your waterproof gear with a gentle detergent designed for technical fabrics—and then drying it on low heat—helps remove buildup that impacts performance. It also prevents premature wear, extending the life of your jacket so it’s ready for many more miles in wet, high-output conditions.

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Do Different Shells Need Different Care?

Most waterproof, breathable shells—no matter how they’re built (2-layer, 2.5-layer or 3-layer), the type of membrane, or the brand—can be cleaned the same way. Whether it’s an older jacket or a brand-new one, the care process stays consistent.

The main exception is naturally water-resistant materials like waxed cotton. These should only be spot-cleaned when needed. Avoid washing machines, dryers, ironing or steaming. For waxed gear, maintenance means rewaxing—not washing.

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How to Wash Your Waterproof Jacket

Step 1: Remove Surface Dirt
Start by brushing or wiping off any visible dirt and debris.

Step 2: Prep the Jacket
Zip up the main zipper and check all pockets. Remove anything inside, but leave smaller pockets unzipped so they get properly cleaned.

Step 3: Load the Washer
Use a front-loading washing machine if possible, since top-loaders with agitators can be rough on technical fabrics. If needed, hand-washing works too.

Step 4: Use the Right Detergent
Choose a mild, technical wash made for waterproof gear. These formulas help maintain breathability and water repellency while protecting the fabric.

Step 5: Set the Machine
Wash on a warm setting with a small load size using a regular or permanent press cycle. Add an extra rinse to ensure no detergent residue is left behind.

Step 6: Dry with Low Heat
Tumble dry on low heat for at least 30 minutes, or until the jacket is fully dry and warm. Heat helps reactivate the DWR finish. Skip steaming, as it can reduce effectiveness.

No dryer? Let the jacket air-dry completely, then use a low-heat iron (no steam) with a towel or cloth between the iron and fabric.

Step 7: Get Back Out There
A little dirt shows you’ve been out exploring—but a clean jacket performs best when it counts.