The Ultimate Care Guide For Your Waterproof Jacket

The Right Way to Keep It Dry, Breathing, and Built to Last: Your waterproof jacket is one of the most important pieces of gear in your kit—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood when it comes to care.

We get it: washing your rain jacket can feel risky. But the truth is, technical outerwear actually performs better with regular maintenance. That includes cleaning, restoring the DWR (durable water repellent) finish, and making sure the membrane stays breathable.

Whether you're rinsing off the trail dust or prepping for another season of storms, here’s exactly how to keep your gear dry, clean, and performing like new.

Why Care Matters

A good waterproof jacket keeps water out while letting sweat and heat escape. But dirt, sweat, body oils, and even regular use can clog up those microscopic pores and kill the breathability.

And when your DWR coating wears off? The face fabric “wets out,” soaking up water and making your jacket feel clammy—even if the membrane underneath hasn’t failed.

In short: if your jacket’s not clean, it’s not fully waterproof anymore.

Step 1: Check the Tag (Seriously!)

Before doing anything, read the care label. While most high-performance outerwear follows similar guidelines, each garment may have its own specifics. Always zip up all zippers and loosen any elastic cords.

Step 2: Wash It Right

Use a technical outerwear cleaner like Nikwax® Tech Wash—never regular detergent. Traditional laundry soap can leave behind residue that attracts water and damages the fabric's performance.

Washing Instructions:

• Machine wash warm (110°F / 40°C)

• Use Tech Wash: Nikwax Tech Wash is the market leading cleaner
  

• Wash separately to avoid residue or abrasion

• Don’t overload the machine (wash it by itself or 1 other technical garment)

Step 3: Dry Smart

Tumble drying on low heat re-activates the DWR finish on most waterproof jackets. It also helps maintain the flexibility of the membrane.

Drying Tips:

• Use tumble dry on a low heat setting

• Never iron, unless explicitly instructed (too hot = fabric damage)

• Never dry clean your rain jacket

Step 4: Test the DWR

Wondering if your jacket still repels water? It’s easy to check.

DWR Test:

• Lightly spray or flick water onto the outer fabric

• If water beads and rolls off—your DWR is doing its job

• If the fabric soaks or darkens—it’s time to reproof

Step 5: Reproof the DWR (If Needed)

DWR doesn’t last forever. Exposure to dirt, wear, abrasion, and even UV light gradually degrade it. Luckily, it’s easy to restore.

Reapplying DWR:

• Use a product like Nikwax® TX.Direct Wash-In or TX.Direct Spray-On

• Follow the product instructions carefully

• Reproof seasonally—or more often if you’re hard on your gear

Avoid These Common Mistakes

Don’t use:

• Fabric softeners, bleach, or stain removers

• Dry cleaning chemicals

• High heat or direct ironing (unless labeled safe)

All of the above can damage the membrane or DWR permanently.

When to Wash Your Waterproof Jacket

You don’t have to wait until it’s filthy. In fact, regular maintenance keeps it performing longer. Here’s a general guideline:

Final Thoughts

Taking care of your waterproof jacket is the best way to extend its life—and keep it performing like the day you bought it. Clean fabric breathes better. Restored DWR sheds water. And a little maintenance now means fewer failures when it really matters out there.