How To Refresh A Waterproof Jacket

Written by Jarett Wegner in Gear Guides

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote an article on how to waterproof a tent.

And now I’m back to help you guys out with another great tip: how to refresh a waterproof jacket.

Yes, you can refresh the waterproofing on your jacket so you don’t have to shell out for a new one.

I’ll also provide some care tips to make sure that you’re keeping your jackets in as great of shape as possible to prevent needing to do this often.

So, how do you refresh a waterproof jacket? To refresh a waterproof jacket, you’ll first want to wash and dry it to remove contaminants. Then apply an even coat of durable water repellent (DWR) treatment. Finally, allow it to dry before using!

Read on for the full details and care tips.

Click here to skip to the how-to or keep reading to see the answers to some common questions.

Do Waterproof Jackets Lose Their Waterproof?

One question I’ve seen a lot online is one that is probably answered by my intro, but it is: do waterproof jackets lose their waterproof?

In fact, they do.

Waterproofing on jackets can wear out after heavy use or frequent washing.

But just because they lose these properties doesn’t mean they need to be tossed in the trash.

Using the guide below you can refresh those properties, making your jacket as waterproof as the day you bought it.

How Long Do Waterproof Jackets Stay Waterproof?

A great question to ask when talking about waterproofing is “how long does the waterproofing on jackets stay for?”

Unfortunately, the answer isn’t as simple as saying “your waterproofing will run out in 3 months”.

It really depends on how often you use your jacket, what elements the jacket is subjected to, and how frequently you wash your jacket.

An obvious way to tell when it’s time to re-waterproof is if the properties of your jacket start to wither and it starts getting wet.

But the last place you want to find out about your jacket’s diminished waterproofing is while you’re using it!

For those who regularly wear a jacket, it’s probably best to reproof (or at least check) your jacket every 3 to 4 months.

If you wear your jacket infrequently, waiting a year in between reproofs is not uncommon.

Just remember that frequently washing your jacket can remove waterproofing, as well as constant rubbing of the material (such as when you swing your arms while walking), and dirt and debris, so be prepared once you start to notice signs that your jacket DWR is deteriorating.

Why Is My Waterproof Jacket Not Waterproof?

You may be asking, why does my rain jacket get wet inside?

Or maybe even the outside is getting wet, which is supposed to be the waterproof part.

The simple answers are: your jacket wasn’t meant to be waterproof or the waterproofing has worn out.

If it’s the former, then your jacket is getting wet simply because there isn’t anything stopping water from getting inside.

And if it’s the latter, you may have worn out the water-repellant through either friction (for example, rubbing the jacket swinging your arms while walking), frequent washing, or the amount of use.

How Do You Clean A Waterproof Jacket?

For nearly everyone, it makes sense to wash clothes when they get dirty.

You just toss them into the wash and let the dirt and grime wash away.

But, does washing a rain jacket ruin it?

The waterproofing can potentially be removed when put through a cycle in your washing machine, so you’ll want to either clean your jacket carefully by hand or be prepared to re-waterproof after a couple of washes.

Neither option is incorrect, but there are ways to go about washing jackets that can help preserve the waterproof properties as well as the material itself.

Here are 2 ways to clean a waterproof jacket:

Note: it’s a good idea to use special detergent (such as Nikwax Tech Wash) when washing waterproof gear as normal detergent can be a little on the harsh side and mess with the waterproofing.

Method #1: Hand Washing

You’ll want to make sure you avoid the washing machine ff you have gear that specifically calls for hand washing.

Luckily, hand washing your jacket isn’t too labor intensive and doesn’t require a ton of materials; a container, water, and your gear cleaner.

Here’s how to wash your jacket by hand:

  1. Brush off all loose dirt and debris from your jacket
  2. Close all zippers
  3. Fill up your container with cool water
  4. Add the recommended amount of your gear cleaner (using regular detergent is not recommended)
  5. Soak the jacket in the container, gently agitating it to clean
  6. Tumble dry on low-medium heat for 20-30 minutes (skip this step if the jacket label says not to use a dryer)
  7. Air dry in the sun if the jacket is still wet
  8. Optional: every few washes be sure to refresh the DWR coat on your jacket (instructions can be found below)

Method #2: Machine Washing

Before using this method, double-check it’s okay to throw your jacket in the wash by checking the tag for any special instructions.

To wash your jacket in a washing machine, simply:

  1. Brush off all loose dirt and debris from your jacket
  2. Close all zippers to prevent snagging
  3. Only fill the washing machine halfway and don’t mix with regular clothing
  4. Add the recommended amount of your gear cleaner (using regular detergent is not recommended)
  5. Run on a gentle, cool water cycle
  6. Tumble dry on low-medium heat for 20-30 minutes
  7. Air dry in the sun if the jacket is still wet
  8. Optional: every few washes be sure to refresh the DWR coat on your jacket (see below for instructions)

 

How To Refresh A Waterproof Jacket

No matter how you got to this point, your jacket has become less than acceptable as far as waterproof properties go.

So now let’s fix that.

Below is a step-by-step guide for reproofing a jacket, broken down into easy to follow steps:

Note: there are both spray on and wash in DWR options. I prefer the spray-on because you really only want to add a coat of DWR to the outside of your jacket; something you have no control over when adding a treatment to the wash.

Materials Needed

  • Washer (or bucket if hand washing)
  • Dryer
  • DWR treatment
  • Optional: seam sealer

Instructions

  1. Wash your jacket to remove any contaminants that prevent the DWR coating from sticking
  2. Spray on an even coat of DWR treatment to the outside of your jacket. This will vary based on the brand you use, so follow the instructions on the label
    1. Put the jacket on a coat hanger and hang in an open area, or lay on a flat surface with a layer of protection between the surface and the jacket
    2. Zip up all zippers before spraying
    3. Spray the jacket from roughly 6 inches away, applying an even coat
    4. Wait 2 minutes
    5. Wipe off excess spray with a damp cloth
    6. Double-check all areas are covered (and repeat steps c-e if necessary)
  3. Allow time for the DWR to dry before using
  4. Check the jacket seams for any wear
  5. Optional: if tears are found, use a seam sealer (such as Gear Aid Seam Grip) to repair the seal

Know When It’s Time To Throw Your Gear Out

Nothing lasts forever, and no matter how much DWR you add, sometimes gear just loses its waterproofing.

If you notice some flaking or bubbling on the inside of your jacket, it’s probably time to part ways.

While you can preserve the life of your jacket using some of the methods above, once it’s worn out there’s not too much you can do about it.

Hopefully, you are using some of the methods above to keep your jacket in prime shape so it will last you a long time.

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