TUTORIAL - How to Wash a WATERPROOF & Restore Its Protection ☔ | Decathlon, by Decathlon EN on YouTube. 6 min 49 s.
- Video length
- 6 min 49 s
- Time to do it
- 1 hour 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Check the care label and close all zips, pockets and flaps. Brush off loose dirt and mud before washing.
Understand the two layers: the waterproof membrane keeps water out, while the water repellent finish makes rain bead on the surface.
Gather a technical and down detergent, a cloth, and a water repellent spray or liquid. Never use standard detergent or fabric softener.
Wash the jacket on a gentle cycle at the temperature on the care label, usually 30°C, with the technical detergent. Skip the spin if you can.
Rinse twice to remove all detergent residue. Leftover soap stops the repellent finish from working.
Tumble dry on low heat for about 20 minutes. The warmth reactivates the existing water repellent finish.
If you have no dryer, hold a hair dryer or iron on low about 20 cm away and move it steadily over the fabric.
If water still soaks in, spray a water repellent evenly over the clean, dry jacket, then let it dry as the product label says.
Store the jacket on a hanger in a dry, ventilated place, away from damp cupboards and direct sun.
Tips and common mistakes
Never use fabric softener or ordinary detergent, as they coat the fabric and kill the water repellent finish.
Keep the iron moving and use low heat, or you can melt the synthetic fabric.
Wash the jacket only when it looks dirty or stops beading, since too many washes wear the coating.
Check the care label first, as some membranes and down jackets have their own washing rules.
Questions
How often should I wash a waterproof jacket?
Wash it when dirt builds up or rain stops beading on the surface, roughly every 10 to 20 wears. Too many washes wear the coating.
Can I use normal laundry detergent?
No. Standard detergent and fabric softener leave residue that blocks the water repellent finish. Use a technical and down detergent.
What if water still soaks in after drying?
The finish has worn off. Apply a water repellent spray or liquid product to the clean, dry jacket and let it dry fully.
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.
