If you spend a lot of time outdoors, waterproof outerwear is potentially the most important investment you can make. A waterproof shell will protect you from the (often unforgiving) elements, and can make the difference between an enjoyable hike and a miserable one. Constructed using advanced membrane technologies like GORE-TEX®, waterproofs require proper care and maintenance to keep them performing at their best. This waterproof clothing care guide will help you look after your waterproofs and ensure that they last for adventures to come.

Quick Links

1. How to Wash Waterproof Clothing
2. How to Remove Stains from Waterproof Clothing
3. How to Dry Waterproof Clothing
4. How to Reproof Waterproof Clothing
5. How to Store Waterproof Clothing
6. How to Repair a Tear on Waterproof Clothing

How to Wash Waterproof Clothing

Waterproof garments are usually constructed using highly breathable membrane-based technologies, such as GORE-TEX® and eVent. These technologies are designed with billions of microscopic pores that are small enough to block water molecules from entering, but large enough for sweat molecules to escape. Oils, sweat, and dirt can block the membrane pores and decrease breathability, which is why it’s important to wash your rainwear regularly. You can learn more about the science behind waterproof-breathable fabrics here.

Washing your waterproof clothing is surprisingly easy. Every jacket is different, however, so make sure that you check the manufacturer’s care label before you begin. Before washing, make sure that all of the pockets, zippers, and Velcro are closed, and any remaining detergent is removed from the machine dispenser. Then, simply machine wash the item in warm water with a small amount of non-detergent soap (like Nikwax Tech Wash). Make sure to run it through an additional rinse to ensure all of the detergent is washed out. Avoid using regular washing detergent, fabric softeners and bleach, as this will impact the performance of the waterproof membrane.

For best results, machine washing is recommended. If you don’t have access to a washing machine, you can hand wash your garment in a mixture of hand-hot water and non-detergent soap, then rinse thoroughly to remove any residue.

How to Remove Stains from Waterproof Clothing

Removing stains from waterproof clothing is especially tricky. For best results, apply your non-detergent soap directly to the affected area, and run the garment through a prewash cycle, before following the washing directions laid out above. Alternatively, apply the detergent to the stain and presoak the garment before laundering or hand washing.

How to Dry Waterproof Clothing

Make sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions, but generally, drying waterproof  clothing is most effective if you use a tumble dryer. Dry the item on a warm, gentle cycle with all zips and pockets closed. You can also hang dry your garment, but keep in mind that it will take a lot longer!

Using heat is an effective way to redistribute the DWR treatment on the fabric’s surface (more on that below). If you’re using a tumble dryer, dry the garment for an additional 20 minutes on a medium heat. If you don’t have a dryer, you can use an iron to revive the DWR. Set the iron to a no-steam, warm (not hot) setting, and use a thin cloth or towel to form a barrier against the garment.

How to Reproof Waterproof Clothing

As well as a waterproof membrane, all rainwear will feature a DWR coating. This chemical treatment allows water to bead up and roll off the surface, rather than soaking in, which can block the pores of the membrane and leave you feeling clammy. Many factors can affect the performance of a DWR, from dirt and oil build ups, to wear from your pack straps. It’s worth noting that many newer jackets now feature more environmentally conscious DWRs, meaning that they’ll require a little more care and maintenance to keep performing at their peak.

All of this means that the DWR of your waterproof will need to be reapplied regularly, depending on how often you use it. You can test if your DWR needs a refresh by dropping a small amount of water on the surface of the garment. If it soaks into the surface fabric rather than beading up, then a reapplication is required.

There are two main methods to reapply the DWR of your rainwear: spray or wash. We typically recommend using a spray-on treatment as wash-in repellents can hinder the breathability of the fabric (although they are much easier to apply). To reapply your DWR with the spray method, simply hang the wet garment on a hanger and spray the treatment evenly across the surface fabric. You might want to add some additional repellency on high-wear areas like the shoulders. If you’re opting for a wash-in treatment, prewash the garment before completing a reproof cycle with the recommended product volume. After application, pop your garment in the tumble dryer on a medium heat setting until dry. Always check the manufacturer instructions before reapplying a DWR treatment to your rainwear.

How to Store Waterproof Clothing

The number one rule when storing your waterproof is to make sure it is dried thoroughly. Store it in a cool dry place and away from direct sunlight, and if you’re packing an item away for longer periods of time (like the end of the ski season), make sure that you fold rather than hang.

How to Repair a Tear on Waterproof Clothing

Damaging your waterproof clothing can happen, especially if you’re exploring more rugged environments. It doesn’t have to be a disaster though - patching up small tears in your outerwear is easy with tenacious tape. Simply smooth the garment out on a hard surface, measure out the tenacious tape and cut it to fit with approximately an inch of excess around the tear. Carefully place the tape over the rip and leave the adhesive to set for 24 hours. Your item will now be machine washable and as good as new! For bigger rips and tears, try using a patch solution like the GORE-TEX Fabric Patches.

Shop Waterproof Clothing Care

Shop our range of quality waterproof clothing care products below, including water repellent sprays and GORE-TEX repair kits. If you need any more advice on how to care for your waterproof clothing, drop into your local store for a chat with our friendly and knowledgable team.