Rab | How To Wash A Waterproof Jacket, by Rab on YouTube. 2 min 32 s.
- Video length
- 2 min 32 s
- Time to do it
- 1 hour plus drying time
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Empty all pockets, close the main zip, chest pockets and flaps, and fasten any Velcro cuffs. This stops straps and hooks snagging the fabric in the drum.
Brush off loose mud and grit with a soft brush, then wipe greasy marks on the collar and cuffs with a damp cloth.
Pour a dedicated technical wash into the detergent drawer. Skip normal detergent, because the residue it leaves attracts water and hides the DWR.
Wash at 30°C on a gentle or synthetic cycle with a low spin. Add one or two extra rinses to flush out old detergent.
Leave out fabric softener, bleach and stain removers, and never wash the jacket with towels or jeans.
Tumble dry on low heat for about 20 minutes, or press it with a cool iron through a towel. Gentle heat reactivates the DWR.
Sprinkle water on the shoulder to check the finish. If it beads and rolls off, you are done. If it soaks in, the jacket needs reproofing.
Hang the jacket up and spray an even coat of DWR reproofer over the outside, giving the shoulders and cuffs a little extra. Dry it again as the label advises.
Tips and common mistakes
Wash the jacket every 10 to 15 days of wear, or as soon as water stops beading, since trapped dirt makes the fabric wet out.
Spray reproofer outdoors or in a well ventilated room and avoid breathing in the mist.
Check the care label first, because some membranes and laminates have their own heat limits.
Never use fabric softener or ordinary washing powder, as both coat the fibres and cut breathability.
Questions
How often should I wash a waterproof jacket?
Every 10 to 15 days of regular wear, or whenever water stops beading on the surface. A clean jacket sheds rain far better than a dirty one.
Can I use normal washing powder instead of a technical wash?
No. Ordinary detergent leaves residue that attracts water and blocks the breathable membrane, so use a dedicated technical wash.
Do I have to tumble dry the jacket afterwards?
Not always, but low heat helps the DWR spread and work again. Check the care label and use the lowest heat setting if you do.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
