Layers Of Escapism: How To Wash A Waterproof Jacket

For any adventure, great or small, you need good reliable gear that’s suited to the conditions at hand. If rain has set in for the day or the forecast looks a little sketchy, a Passenger waterproof jacket will set you on the straight and narrow (available for men and women).

To extend the jacket’s lifespan and cement it as a ‘grab and go’ for wet-weather roams, get to grips with how to wash and maintain it. By doing so, you’ll help to preserve its waterproof performance and reduce the need for a replacement.

Once you’re up to speed with how to wash your waterproof jacket, it’s a good idea to then reproof it. Read our How To Reproof A Waterproof Jacket for more on this.

Put simply, yes you can wash a waterproof jacket. It can seem like a daunting task at first but trust us, it’s super easy once you know how and it’s a great way to extend the life of your jacket. Once you’ve washed it, you can then reproof it with either the Nikwax TX Direct Wash In Waterproofer or Nikwax TX Direct Spray on Waterproofer - we cover both the wash-in and spray-on methods in our reproofing guide.

With regular cleaning, you’re looking at 5-6 washes (with Nikwax Tech Wash®) before it requires re-waterproofing. When Nikwax Tech Wash® alone does not revitalise the Durable Water Repellency (DWR) of your gear (e.g. water does not bead on the fabric surface), it’s time for a re-proof.

To lessen some of the stress, we’ve put together a handy step-by-step guide on how to wash a waterproof jacket that goes through the whole process from start to finish.

You’ll need access to either a washing machine or basin to wash by hand, soft sponge, brush, and hanger for drying. It’s well worth a second skim over the fabric type and product care instructions before washing. A bottle of Nikwax Tech Wash® would be our recommended cleaner fluid, which we hope to stock very soon. Watch this space…

1. Remove dirt and close zips: use a soft brush to wipe away any residue, then fasten zips, velcro and drawcords.

2. Clean the washing machine: Run an empty wash cycle with hot water and detergent to clean any residue left in the washing machine.

3. Double-check the label: Passenger waterproof gear should be washed on a cold cycle without bleach or fabric softener. Do not iron or tumble dry.

4. Put jacket in washing machine: Wash a max of two waterproof items at a time to avoid overloading. Add Nikwax Tech Wash® (or similar waterproof cleaner).

5. Hang to dry: Either outside on the line or in a well-ventilated room, out of direct sunlight. Use a clothes hanger when possible. 

Note: Do not iron, tumble dry, or leave on the radiator as this can damage the Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating.

Look after your waterproof gear and it’ll look after you. A properly washed and reproofed jacket should last you a solid few years of adventuring, with just a few additions to the shopping list: Nikwax Tech Wash® ,Nikwax TX Direct Wash In Waterproofer and Nikwax TX Direct Spray on Waterproofer.

We’ve learnt that a lot of products that claim to clean and waterproof at the same time are generally not very effective cleaners and may seal in dirt. Nikwax Tech Wash® is a tried-and-tested waterproof cleaner and as mentioned, it should be on our shelves soon… For next steps on reproofing your jacket, read our handy How To Reproof Your Waterproof Jacket guide. 

How often should I wash a waterproof jacket?

Wash as and when needed, but less spins in the machine will help to maintain the jacket’s water-resistant performance for longer.

Do I need to re-proof my waterproof jacket after every wash?

With regular cleaning, you’re looking at 5-6 washes (with Nikwax Tech Wash®) before your jacket will require re-waterproofing. When Nikwax Tech Wash® alone does not revitalise the Durable Water Repellency (DWR) of your gear (e.g. water does not bead on the fabric surface), it’s time for a re-proof.

Can I use conventional laundry detergent to wash my waterproof gear?

Your classic laundry detergents found in the cupboard will leave behind a water-attractive (hydrophilic) residue which masks the Durable Water Repellency (DWR). This causes the fabric to absorb water and ‘wet out’ in damp or wet conditions. They’re best avoided when cleaning waterproof gear and equipment.

What should I clean my waterproof jacket with?

A lot of products that claim to clean and waterproof at the same time are generally not very effective cleaners and may seal in dirt. Nikwax Tech Wash® is a tried-and-tested waterproof cleaner and a product that we should be stocking very soon. Read our How To Wash Your Waterproof Jacket guide for more info.

How do you make a waterproof jacket waterproof again?

There are two common ways to reproof a waterproof jacket, the wash-in method and the spray-on method. We guide you through both in our How To Reproof Your Waterproof Jacket guide. Make sure your jacket is clean, pockets emptied and zips fastened before reproofing.

How do you dry a waterproof jacket after washing it?

It’s best to either dry your jacket outside on the line or in a well-ventilated room, out of direct sunlight. Use a clothes hanger when possible to avoid creasing.

Why is my waterproof jacket wet inside?

Your jacket may have condensation on the inside from sweat if you’re trekking in muggy conditions, or the waterproof layer could be compromised. Put your jacket under the tap to see if water beads on the material's surface. If it doesn’t, follow our How To Reproof Your Waterproof Jacket step-by-step guide to reproof.