How to Wash Raincoat

Why Raincoat Washing Is Different

Raincoats and rain jackets are treated with a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating that causes water to bead up and roll off the surface. Regular detergents, fabric softeners, and incorrect washing can clog or strip this coating — causing the jacket to "wet out" (absorb water instead of repelling it) and feel cold and heavy in the rain. Washing correctly — and re-waterproofing when needed — keeps your raincoat performing as it should.

Step 1: Check the Care Label

Most modern rain jackets (Gore-Tex, nylon shell, softshell) are machine washable. Check for specific temperature and cycle recommendations. If the label says dry clean only, follow that instruction.

Step 2: Close All Zippers and Empty All Pockets

Fasten all zippers, velcro, and snaps before washing to prevent snagging and to protect the waterproof seams. Empty all pockets completely.

Step 3: Use a Technical Fabric Wash

Do not use regular detergent on a raincoat — it leaves residue that clogs the DWR coating. Use a technical fabric cleaner specifically designed for waterproof garments like Nikwax Tech Wash. It cleans effectively without damaging the waterproof membrane or DWR coating.

• Machine wash on a gentle cycle with cool or warm water (check label)
• Use the recommended amount of Nikwax Tech Wash — no fabric softener, no bleach
• Run an extra rinse cycle to remove all detergent residue

Step 4: Tumble Dry on Low to Reactivate DWR

Heat reactivates the DWR coating. After washing, tumble dry the jacket on low heat for 20–30 minutes. Add wool dryer balls to help the jacket dry evenly and prevent clumping if it has insulation.

You'll know the DWR is working again when water beads up on the surface of the jacket after drying.

Step 5: Re-Waterproof When Needed

If the jacket still wets out after washing and drying, the DWR coating needs to be refreshed. Apply Nikwax TX.Direct Wash-In Waterproofing — it's added directly to the washing machine like detergent and bonds a new DWR layer to the fabric fibers. This restores full waterproof performance without sprays or coatings.

How to Tell If Your Raincoat Needs Re-Waterproofing

• Water no longer beads up and rolls off — instead it soaks into the outer fabric
• The jacket feels heavy and cold in the rain even though it's not leaking through
• The outer fabric looks dark and saturated when wet

Quick Tips for Raincoat Care

• Wash every 10–15 wears, or when visibly dirty — dirt and oils degrade DWR faster than washing
• Never use fabric softener — it permanently damages waterproof coatings
• Always tumble dry after washing to reactivate DWR — air drying alone is not enough
• Store uncompressed and hanging — long-term compression in a stuff sack degrades the membrane

Recommended Products

• Nikwax Tech Wash — technical cleaner that cleans without damaging waterproof coatings
• Nikwax TX.Direct Wash-In Waterproofing — restore DWR coating in the washing machine
• Wool Dryer Balls — help dry evenly and reactivate DWR coating