Recommended Free Tools
To clean a waterproof jacket, follow its care label, wash it with a mild detergent suitable for technical outerwear, skip fabric softener, and rinse thoroughly. Dry it only as the label allows. If water still soaks into the outer fabric instead of beading after washing and drying, replenish the durable water-repellent (DWR) finish with a treatment compatible with the jacket.
Why a waterproof jacket’s outer fabric gets wet
A waterproof breathable jacket has two jobs to do: its membrane or other barrier blocks liquid water, while the outer fabric’s DWR finish helps water bead and run off instead of soaking into that fabric. Dirt, skin oils and sunscreen can interfere with DWR, so a jacket that starts wetting out may need a wash rather than new waterproofing. Patagonia explains that a wet-looking outer face alone does not mean the inner barrier has failed: Patagonia’s waterproof-jacket care guide.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Wetting out often shows first in high-friction places such as cuffs or shoulders beneath pack straps. It can make the jacket feel clammy, but the appearance of a saturated face fabric is not, by itself, proof that water has passed through the barrier.
How do I wash a waterproof jacket?
- Check the sewn-in care label. Use the jacket maker’s model-specific instructions if available. Empty the pockets, close zippers and fasteners, and brush off loose dirt. Do not assume that every water-resistant garment has the same care needs: waxed cotton, for example, requires different treatment.
- Use a suitable mild detergent. Choose a mild wash intended for technical outerwear, or another compatible mild detergent allowed by the garment maker. Do not use fabric softener, and rinse thoroughly to remove detergent residue.
- Use the cycle and temperature the label allows. Patagonia’s guide describes a regular warm wash and an extra rinse; its European instructions specify 30°C. Those are Patagonia’s directions, not a universal setting for every jacket.
- Dry according to the label. Some makers recommend low heat to help reactivate the existing DWR. Patagonia advises low heat and at least 30 minutes, or until the garment is fully dry and warm. REI notes that additional drying or ironing can also revive factory DWR when it remains: REI’s rainwear care guide. Apply heat only if—and at the level—the jacket’s instructions permit.
How to tell whether the DWR needs replenishing
Once the jacket is clean and dry, sprinkle or run water over its outer face. If droplets bead and roll off, the surface repellency is working. If the fabric continues to darken and absorb water, consider replenishing the DWR. Patagonia’s advice is to reproof only if water still does not bead after washing and drying: Patagonia’s care guide.
#1 Best Overall
- Restore DWR to multiple garments simultaneously to keep ski and rain gear repelling water and snow all season long with this concentrated formula
- Shed water like new with a fluorocarbon-free wash for technical gear including soft shells and fleece; 10 fl oz pouch treats 10 jackets
- Protect outerwear and gloves with no insulation or lining with this wash-in formula; air dry or heat set in the dryer
- Add water repellency without inhibiting performance of waterproof-breathable garments including GORE-TEX jackets and pants
- Packaging may vary
Washing and drying can restore performance when contamination or a temporarily inactive finish is the problem. Reproofing is the next step only when those measures do not bring back beading.
Should I use spray-on or wash-in waterproofing?
Both application types are available, and Patagonia says either can work when used appropriately. The right choice depends on the jacket’s construction and the maker’s instructions; neither method is best for every garment.
Rank #2
- High Performance Waterproofing: Designed to enhance performance and revitalize the breathability of waterproof clothing, keeping you warmer and drier
- Easy to Use Wash-In Solution: Adds water repellency, revives breathability, and reduces water absorbency for your outdoor gear
- Recommended Applications: Suitable for rain and ski jackets, waterproof fabrics, technical clothing, synthetic sleeping bags, GORE-TEX, Patagonia, North face, Columbia, Outdoor Research, Cotopaxi and Arc'teryx
- PFAS-Free Formula: Water based, non-persistent, and contains no optical brighteners or added scent; machine wash safe
- Convenient Dosage: One full cap of product is approximately 50ml for easy measurement and application
| Method | How it is applied | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Spray-on | Applied to the jacket’s exterior | Patagonia specifies spray-on for its two-layer garments with a hanging mesh liner and for GORE-TEX garments. Confirm the directions for your specific jacket. |
| Wash-in | Added during laundering | Patagonia specifies wash-in for its three-layer garments, where interior fabric protects the barrier. Confirm the directions for your specific jacket. |
Patagonia’s product-care instructions explain its construction-specific recommendations and DWR renewal methods: Patagonia product care and washing instructions. These examples are not a substitute for your jacket maker’s directions. If you prefer a PFAS-free treatment, check the product formulation and label rather than assuming all DWR replenisher has the same chemistry.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchHow often should I wash a waterproof jacket?
Patagonia gives a brand-specific rule of thumb: wash its PFAS-free waterproof jackets after 7–10 wears or a long trip, and jackets made with PFAS typically after 30 wears. These are Patagonia’s recommendations, not a universal textile standard. Wash sooner if the jacket is visibly dirty or starts wetting out, particularly in high-friction areas. See Patagonia’s care guide.
Rank #3
- RESTORE DWR PROTECTION – Reapply durable water repellency to waterproof jackets, rain gear, ski wear, tents, and camping gear to help water bead off fabric surfaces
- MAINTAIN FABRIC BREATHABILITY – Helps GORE-TEX and waterproof-breathable materials stay breathable by reducing fabric saturation and wet-out during outdoor use
- PROTECT AGAINST WATER, DIRT & STAINS – Adds all-season protection to outerwear, backpacks, tents, and technical fabrics exposed to rain, mud, snow, and everyday wear
- TREATS MULTIPLE GARMENTS – 5 oz spray treats 1–2 adult jackets, 10 oz spray treats 2–4 jackets, and 16.9 oz spray treats 4–6 jackets depending on garment size and coverage
- FOR BEST PERFORMANCE – Wash gear first with Revivex Pro Cleaner before applying Durable Water Repellent (DWR) Spray to maximize waterproofing performance and longevity
What if the jacket is still wet inside?
If moisture persists inside during use, surface DWR treatment may not address the underlying issue. Seek model-specific troubleshooting or repair advice from the manufacturer. Jacket constructions differ, and the guidance cited here does not establish one diagnostic test that applies to every design. REI likewise stresses following the garment’s own instructions before washing: REI’s rainwear care guide.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- SUSTAINABLE & SKIN-FRIENDLY: Our wash-in waterproof spray is water-based, biodegradable, free from perfluorocarbons (PFC) and fragrances, and has been dermatologically tested for skin compatibility. A perfect fit as a waterproofing spray for fabric outdoor.
- CERTIFIED QUALITY: Our waterproofing spray impregnation holds the ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX, approved as a GOTS additive, and is fully vegan certified by the V-LABEL Institute.
- SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE: With our water repellent spray for fabric you are able to maintain full breathability of your functional and outdoor wear while achieving strong water repellency and abrasion resistance. The effectiveness has been confirmed by spray tests according to DIN EN ISO 4920:2012-12.
- EASY TO USE: Simply add the fabric waterproofing spray to the fabric softener compartment of your washing machine to make your outdoor and functional clothing weatherproof in no time. Drying/fixing can be done at room temperature, no dryer is needed - a flawless waterproof spray for fabric.
Rank #4
- High Performance Waterproofing: Designed to enhance performance and revitalize the breathability of softshell garments through advanced wash-in treatment
- Easy Wash-In Application: Restores water repellency and revives breathability of softshell apparel and outerwear with simple machine washing process
- Compatible Materials: Recommended for Windstopper, Windbloc, Polartec, or any synthetic technical material with four-way stretch capabilities
- Water-Based Formula: PFAS-free, water based, non-persistent formulation that contains no optical brighteners or added scent and is machine wash safe
- Pre-Treatment Required: All items must first be cleaned with Nikwax Tech Wash before waterproofing, as household detergents leave behind water attracting residues
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
