How To Wash A Rain Jacket

From the dizzying heights of the highest snow-capped mountain peaks to down below where sparkling ocean waters elegantly crash into golden sun-kissed sandy beaches, we Aussies love exploring the great outdoors. However, when the weather decides to turn foul at a moment's notice and sends an unforgiving torrent of rain plummeting down above you, a rain jacket quickly becomes your knight in shining armour. But if its sole function is to 'get wet', can it be washed? What do you do if your rain jacket starts to smell? Can it be dried just like a normal jacket? And will washing it strip away the DWR (Durable Water Repellent)? Fear not, as we have created a complete guide on how to wash a rain jacket to ensure all of your questions are answered.

Quick Links

• How To Wash A Rain Jacket FAQs
• Why Should I Wash My Rain Jacket?
• Easy Steps On How To Wash A Rain Jacket
• How To Re-Activate DWR
• How To Dry A Rain Jacket

How To Wash A Rain Jacket FAQs

Can I Put My Rain Jacket In The Washing Machine?

Yes, you can put your rain jacket in the washing machine. Use a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent. Avoid fabric softeners and bleach. After washing, air-dry or tumble dry on low heat if the care label allows. Always check the manufacturer's instructions on the care label for specific washing and drying guidelines.

Can I Wash My Waterproof Jacket In The Washing Machine?

Absolutely, you can wash your waterproof jacket in the washing machine. Use a gentle cycle with cold water and a specialised detergent for waterproof fabrics. Avoid fabric softeners and bleach to maintain the jacket's waterproof properties. Post-wash, air-dry or tumble-dry on low heat if permitted by the care label. Always follow the manufacturer's specific care instructions for optimal results.

How To Get A Smell Out Of A Rain Jacket?

To remove odour from a rain jacket, wash it with a gentle cycle using a specialised sports detergent. Add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle for extra odour removal. Air-dry the jacket fully in a well-ventilated area. If odours persist, repeat the process or use a fabric refresher spray designed for technical fabrics. Always follow care label instructions.

How Often Should I Wash My Rain Jacket?

Wash your rain jacket every 10 to 15 wears or when visibly dirty. Frequent washing is unnecessary and can degrade the waterproof coating. Use a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent. Reapply a waterproofing spray or wash-in treatment after washing to maintain its water resistance. Always follow the manufacturer's care instructions for best results.

What Detergent To Use For A Rain Jacket?

For cleaning a rain jacket, use a detergent specifically designed for technical or waterproof fabrics. These detergents are formulated to maintain the jacket's water-repellent and breathable properties. Avoid regular detergents and fabric softeners as they can damage the jacket's waterproof coating. Always follow the manufacturer's care instructions for the best results.

Why Should I Wash My Rain Jacket?

When searching how to wash a Gore-Tex rain jacket, the easy and obvious answer is because it gets dirty - but a better answer is what happens if you don't wash your rain jacket? Well, it turns out that it's worse than simply smelly pretty bad. If you don't wash your rain jacket after a certain period of time, it will actually degrade the overall performance of materials such as Gore-Tex. This is because the cumulative buildup of contaminants like sunscreen, oil from your skin, dirt and grime will create tiny blockages. This quickly becomes a problem as it will hinder the breathability of your rain jacket and end up allowing water to soak into the outer fabric of your rainwear. So, if you've noticed visible stains or water soaking into and spreading across the surface of your rainwear, then here are some easy steps to follow on how to clean a rain jacket.

Easy Steps On How To Wash A Rain Jacket

You've noticed some signs that you need to wash your rain jacket, so just take it off and chuck it in the wash, right? Not so fast, first you need to prepare your rain jacket first. The first step is to read the label on your rainwear, as this will let you know if there are any specifics you need to follow or avoid, depending on what type of rain jacket you have. Once you've read the label and given any noticeable spots a quick wipe down, simply make sure that all of the zippers are closed, all pockets are emptied and any velcro components are secured, and then turn the entire jacket inside out.

How To Wash A Rain Jacket In a Washing Machine

1. Choose the Right Detergent: Use a mild detergent or a specialised cleaner that is designed for waterproof clothing, but remember to avoid regular laundry detergents, fabric softeners, bleach and stain removers as they can damage the jacket's waterproof coating.
2. Select a Gentle Cycle: Choose a gentle or delicate wash cycle with cold water. Be sure to avoid hot water because it can damage the waterproof membrane.
3. Place in the Washing Machine: Put the rain jacket in the washing machine by itself or with a few other similar items to balance the load.
4. Add Detergent: Measure and add the appropriate amount of detergent according to the detergent's instructions.
5. Run the Wash Cycle: Begin the gentle wash cycle and ensure the rain jacket is rinsed thoroughly. To make sure, after the wash cycle is complete, run an extra rinse cycle to ensure all detergent is removed from the rain jacket.

How To Wash A Rain Jacket By Hand

1. Remove Loose Dirt: Use a soft brush or sponge to gently brush off any loose dirt or debris from the jacket's surface.
2. Fill the Sink: Fill a large sink or bathtub with lukewarm water. Cold water may not clean effectively, whereas hot water can damage the waterproof membrane, so be careful.
3. Add Detergent: Add a small amount of mild liquid detergent or a cleaner specifically designed for waterproof clothing to the water. Remember to avoid regular laundry detergents, fabric softeners and bleach.
4. Soak the Rain Jacket: Submerge the rain jacket in the water and gently agitate it with your hands. Focus on heavily soiled areas, lightly scrubbing them with a soft brush or sponge.
5. Rinse Thoroughly: Drain the soapy water and refill the basin with clean lukewarm water. Rinse your rain jacket thoroughly to remove all detergent residues, which can compromise the waterproofing. It may be necessary to rinse the jacket multiple times to ensure all soap is removed. Any residual detergent can affect the jacket's performance.
6. Gently Remove Excess Water: Lay the rain jacket flat on a clean towel and roll it up to gently press out excess water. Avoid wringing or twisting the jacket, which can damage the fabric and waterproof membrane.

How To Re-Activate DWR

Re-activating the DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating on your rain jacket is crucial for maintaining its water resistance and performance. You will first need to ensure that your rain jacket is clean before reapplying DWR. If it's dirty, wash it following the appropriate steps for either machine washing or hand washing as dirt and oil can inhibit the effectiveness of the DWR treatment. There are two main types of DWR treatments: spray-on and wash-in. Choose the one that best suits your needs and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

For Spray-On DWR Treatment

1. Lay the Rain Jacket Flat: Lay your clean, dry jacket flat on a clean surface or hang it on a hanger.
2. Apply the DWR Spray: Hold the spray bottle about 6 inches (15 cm) away from the jacket and evenly apply the DWR treatment to the exterior fabric. Ensure you cover all areas, especially high-wear spots like shoulders and elbows.
3. Even Out the Treatment: Use a clean cloth or sponge to spread the treatment evenly over the fabric, ensuring full coverage and avoiding any drips or puddles.
4. Let It Sit: Allow your rain jacket to sit for a few minutes to let the treatment absorb into the fabric.

For Wash-In DWR Treatment

1. Set Up the Washing Machine: Place your clean jacket in the washing machine.
2. Add the DWR Treatment: Follow the product instructions for the correct amount of wash-in DWR treatment. Typically, you'll add this to the detergent compartment or directly into the drum.
3. Run the Cycle: Run a gentle cycle with cold water. Ensure there's no leftover detergent in the washing machine as it can affect the DWR treatment.

How To Dry A Rain Jacket

Now onto the final part: drying your rain jacket. You can either dry it in a dryer or by hand, which we've provided the full steps down below.

In The Dryer

1. Set Up the Dryer: Set your dryer to a low heat or delicate setting, but remember that a high heat setting can damage the waterproof membrane and fabric.
2. Load the Rain Jacket: Place the rain jacket into the dryer. To improve the drying process and prevent clumping, consider adding a few clean tennis balls to the dryer. The tennis balls help fluff the jacket and evenly distribute the heat.
3. Start the Dryer: Begin the drying cycle, and make sure to monitor the jacket periodically to ensure it's drying evenly and not overheating. Drying times can vary based on the dryer and the rain jacket's material, but typically it will take about 20 to 30 minutes on a low-heat setting.
4. Check the Jacket: After the initial drying period, check the jacket. It should feel dry to the touch and be free of damp spots. If the jacket is still damp, continue to dry it in 10-minute increments, checking regularly.

For Air Drying

1. Prepare the Rain Jacket: Ensure your jacket is clean. If it has been washed, it should be damp but not dripping wet. If necessary, gently press the jacket against a towel to remove excess water without wringing or twisting it, which can damage the fabric.
2. Set Up the Drying Area: Select a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. This is because prolonged exposure to sunlight can degrade the waterproof coating and fabric.
3. Air Drying Process: Hang the jacket on a sturdy hanger, ensuring that it is fully supported to prevent stretching. If using a drying rack, lay the jacket flat, spreading it out evenly to avoid creases and folds. Place the hanger or drying rack in a shaded area. Direct sunlight can cause the colours to fade and potentially damage the waterproof membrane.
4. Ensure Proper Air Circulation: Make sure there is adequate space around the jacket for air to circulate. If you're using a drying rack, you might place it near an open window or in a room with good airflow.
5. Turn the Jacket Occasionally: Every few hours, turn the jacket inside out or reposition it to ensure that all parts dry evenly. This helps prevent mildew and ensures that pockets, seams, and thicker areas dry thoroughly.
6. Check for Complete Dryness: After a few hours, check the rain jacket to ensure it is completely dry. Pay special attention to thicker areas like seams, pockets and cuffs, which can retain moisture longer.
7. Ensure No Damp Spots: Before storing or wearing the jacket, ensure there are no damp spots left because any remaining moisture can lead to mould or mildew.

Find The Best Rain Jackets At Anaconda Today

And there you have it, you now know the best ways to wash and dry your rain jacket! Make sure you also check out our Adventure Centre for more helpful tips and exciting destinations that you can visit with your friends, loved ones and family. If you liked our How To Wash A Gore-Tex Rain Jacket article, then you might also like some of our other articles for awesome destinations and tips such as:

• Rainwear Buying Guide
• Jackets & Outerwear Buying Guide
• How To Wash A Down Jacket Or Sleeping Bag
• How To Wash A Puffer Jacket: Everything You Need To Know

Find your local Anaconda store and check out our extensive range of rain jackets for your next outdoor adventure.