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Start with your jacket’s care label: wash the shell using its approved method, then dry or apply heat only if the label allows. Check whether water beads on the fabric afterward. If it does, cleaning may have restored the durable water repellent (DWR); if it does not, apply a compatible spray-on or wash-in treatment according to both labels. GORE-TEX SHAKEDRY garments are an exception: GORE-TEX says not to tumble-dry, iron, or apply DWR treatment to them.
Before you wash: check the jacket’s instructions
Waterproof jackets can use different fabrics and constructions, so there is no single wash-and-dry routine that applies to every model. Read the garment’s care tag and the maker’s care guidance before choosing a washing method, dryer setting, iron, or reproofing product. If general advice conflicts with the jacket’s own instructions, follow the jacket maker.
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GORE-TEX SHAKEDRY is a specific exception to ordinary DWR care: GORE-TEX instructs owners not to tumble-dry or iron these garments and says they do not need DWR treatment. GORE-TEX’s outerwear care instructions cover that distinction.
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Wash the jacket before reproofing
Dirt and detergent residue can interfere with water repellency. Clean the jacket before deciding whether it needs a new DWR treatment; washing alone may bring back water beading.
#1 Best Overall
- ECONOMICAL TWIN PACK: Includes Grangers Performance Wash and Clothing Repel washi-in reproofer bottles
- POWERFUL CLEANING – Performance Wash is a concentrated, easy-to-use, tech cleaner. Removes dirt and odors from all men and women’s waterproof walking, running and training clothing. This wash-in cleaner restores breathability and any existing water-repellency. It works the same in hard and soft water and leaves no residue. Offers 12 washes in a bottle.
- SUPERIOR DURABLE REPELLENCY – Clothing Repel is a powerful, breathable, easy-to-apply, wash-in proofer that restores the original durable waterproof repellency (DWR) of water-repellent clothing. This breathable, powerful wash reproofs all technical clothing including walking jackets and trousers, fishing and equestrian clothing and running jackets. Its versatility allows you to apply extra to areas prone to abrasion such as shoulders and knees.
- ECO-RESPONSIBLE – Grangers’ products are cruelty-free and eco-friendly. The formulations are water-based, PFC-free (fluorocarbon free), and bluesign approved. Eco Twin Packs come in 100% recycled plastic bottles with a cardboard sleeve that are both widely recyclable.
- COMPATIBLE WITH ALL TECHNICAL CLOTHING – This eco twin pack restores all clothing textiles and membranes, and is suitable to clean and reproof all men and women’s breathable, waterproof clothing and membranes including Gore-Tex, eVent and FutureLight
- Prepare the shell. Remove dirt and debris as directed by the garment maker. Patagonia recommends brushing off dirt before washing.
- Choose a compatible cleaner. Patagonia recommends a technical garment cleaner or a mild, water-based liquid detergent without dyes, whiteners, brighteners, or fragrance. GORE-TEX’s general instructions recommend a small amount of liquid detergent and warn against powder detergent, fabric softener, and chlorine bleach. These are brand-specific recommendations, so check your jacket label first.
- Wash as the label permits. GORE-TEX specifies a warm-water machine wash at 105°F (40°C) for its general care guidance. Do not use that temperature or a machine cycle unless your garment’s instructions allow it. Close zippers and fastenings if the maker directs you to do so.
A technical cleaner is optional, not a requirement for every jacket. For example, Nikwax Tech Wash is marketed for cleaning rain and ski clothing; check its directions and your garment’s care label before use.
Dry or reactivate DWR only when permitted
Some waterproof garments can be tumble-dried or reheated to help restore the water-repellent finish. GORE-TEX says washing, drying, and reheating can help restore DWR; Nikwax advises low tumble-drying only when the care label allows it, with hanging to dry as an alternative. Use the jacket maker’s instructions for the actual temperature, duration, and whether ironing is allowed. Do not apply heat to a garment whose label forbids it.
Rank #2
- 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
Check for beading before applying more DWR
Once the jacket is clean and fully dry, sprinkle or splash a little water on the exterior. If it beads and rolls off, the cleaning and permitted drying may have restored surface repellency, and the cited care guidance does not call for automatic reproofing. If the fabric absorbs water or stays wet-looking, and the jacket’s instructions permit treatment, apply a compatible DWR product.
Water soaking into the outer fabric is often called “wet out.” Patagonia notes that it can happen in high-friction areas such as cuffs and pack-strap zones. Wet out describes the exterior losing water repellency; by itself, it does not establish that the waterproof membrane has failed.
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
Choose between spray-on and wash-in DWR
| Treatment | How it is applied | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Wash-in | Added through a wash cycle, coating the item throughout. | Confirm both the jacket label and treatment directions allow it. Wash-in is not established as better for every garment. |
| Spray-on | Applied directly to the exterior; cover the intended areas carefully. | Follow the product’s application and drying directions, and confirm compatibility with the jacket. |
GORE-TEX recognizes both spray-on and wash-in treatments, while Patagonia describes wash-in as coating the item throughout and spray-on as requiring careful coverage. Neither method is universally superior in the cited guidance. Nikwax TX.Direct Wash-In is one product example, not a universal recommendation; verify the product label and jacket instructions before using it.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If the jacket still seems to leak
DWR treatment restores water repellency at the outer surface; the general care guidance cited here does not establish that reproofing repairs a damaged membrane, seam, or individual jacket. If water appears to get through after label-compliant cleaning and compatible reproofing, consult the manufacturer’s repair or support guidance rather than assuming another DWR application will fix it. GORE-TEX’s outerwear care page and Patagonia’s repair guidance are starting points for those brands.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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
Rank #4
- UNIQUE 2 IN 1 FORMULATION – Grangers is the only aftercare brand in the world to offer one-bottle 2 in 1 clean and reproof formulation, saving time and conserving energy and water.
- POWERFUL CLEANING – Wash + Repel Clothing 2 in 1 removes dirt and odors from all men and women’s waterproof Down and Synthetic-down filled clothing and sleeping bags.
- SUPERIOR DURABLE REPELLENCY – As well as cleaning, Wash + Repel Down 2 in 1 is a powerful, breathable, easy-to-use, wash-in reproofer that ensures all over coverage and restores the original durable waterproof repellency (DWR) of water-repellent down including jackets, gilets and sleeping bags.
- WOOL DRYER BALLS – Three reusable natural wool drier balls, formulated to gently prevent clumping and restor loft to down articles without damaging feathers like tennis balls can.
- ECO-RESPONSIBLE – Grangers’ products are cruelty-free and eco-friendly. The formulations are water-based, PFC-free (fluorocarbon free), and bluesign approved. All-in-One Kits come in cardboard boxes containing 100% recycled plastic bottles that are both widely recyclable.
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.
