Guide to Restoring Waterproof Gear

What is wetting out and how to prevent it

"Wetting out" happens when a garment's Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish fails, allowing water to saturate the outer fabric instead of beading off. This creates a moisture barrier that prevents sweat from escaping, making you feel cold and clammy.

What Causes Wetting Out?

A garment's water resistance degrades as contaminants clog the waterproof membrane and mask the factory treatment, leading to moisture absorption. This includes:

• Dirt

• Body oils

• Campfire smoke

• Abrasion

• Regular use

How to Prevent Wetting Out

• Wash regularly with a specialized technical cleaner to remove oils and dirt.

• Periodically re-apply a DWR treatment to restore the fabric's water-beading surface tension.

• Avoid household detergents and fabric softeners that leave water-attracting residues.

Durable Water Repellent (DWR)

DWR (Durable Water Repellent) is a factory-applied chemical treatment that forces water to bead up and roll off your jacket. It acts as the first line of defense to keep your outer fabric dry, but it naturally degrades over time due to dirt, friction, and regular use. To learn more about how this technology works, its lifespan, and why it wears down, check out our comprehensive guide on the Durable Water Repellent Finish.

Understanding Technical Cleaners 

Why Technical Cleaners Are Important  

• Specialized, gentle formulas: To safely maintain your DWR, you must use a soap-based technical cleaner formulated exclusively for technical outerwear, such as hardshell, softshell, and insulated jackets.

• Zero residue: Unlike standard household laundry soaps, technical cleaners such as Nikwax: Tech Wash are specifically formulated to leave absolutely zero residue behind after rinsing.

How Technical Cleaners Restore DWR 

• Reactivates existing DWR: Often, a jacket that is wetting out doesn't actually need a new waterproofing treatment—it just needs to be thoroughly cleaned! Removing the masking dirt and oils allows the original factory DWR to function properly again.

• Restores breathability: Gently and effectively washing away dirt, body oils, and sweat keeps the microscopic pores of the waterproof membrane open, completely revitalizing the jacket's breathability.

• Protects insulation: For insulated garments, this specialized cleaning is also vital to preserve the loft (puffiness) and thermal efficiency of the fill materials

How to Clean Your Gear and Protect Your DWR 

Properly cleaning your gear with proper DWR detergent and treatment is a straightforward process, but utilizing the right technique is essential to protect those delicate waterproof membranes and fabrics. To help you maintain your investment, we've broken it down into five simple steps to safely prep, wash, and rinse your technical outerwear for maximum on-trail performance.

Step 1: Check the Care Label

• Always defer to the manufacturer's care instructions first.

• While most gear handles cool or warm water, cool water is the safest choice to protect delicate waterproof membranes.

Step 2: Prepare the Garment

• Empty all pockets and remove any detachable fur hoods or cuffs.

• Close all zippers, buttons, and hook-and-loop closures so they don't snag on the fabric in the wash.

• Turn the garment inside out to protect the outer fabric and the delicate DWR finish from abrasion.

Step 3: Spot Clean (If Needed)

• For tough stains around the collar or cuffs, gently work in a dime-sized amount of cleaner with a soft nylon brush.

• Use mild dish soap for down jackets, or a mild laundry detergent for waterproof shells during this step.

Step 4: Load the Machine & Wash

• Clean out your machine’s detergent dispenser to ensure no leftover household laundry soap mixes with your technical cleaner.

• Avoid top-loading machines with central agitators, which can stretch or tear the fabric.

• Wash technical jackets on their own so heavier garments (like jeans) don't cause friction damage.

• Add the correct amount of Nikwax Tech Wash and select a gentle or delicate cycle with a low spin setting.

Step 5: Run an Extra Rinse

• Always run an extra rinse cycle at the end.

• Any residual cleaner left in the fibers will actively attract water, so a deep rinse is essential to achieve maximum water repellency

How to Test and Restore DWR

Even with a thorough wash, factory DWR treatments eventually wear out. To keep your gear performing at its peak, test its water repellency before drying. Follow these quick steps to perform a beading test and select the right DWR treatment to restore your garment’s performance.

Step 1: The Beading Test

• After washing, while your clean jacket is still wet, splash a little bit of water onto the fabric.

• If it beads up: Your original DWR is still active, and you can proceed directly to drying.

• If it soaks in: The DWR finish is worn out and leaving a dark, wet spot. You must restore the DWR while the garment is still damp.

Step 2: Choose Your DWR Treatment. 

While there is no universally "best" method, the right choice depends on whether you select a Wash-In or Spray-On DWR. 

Proper maintenance of your outdoor apparel is essential for performance, comfort, and longevity, ensuring your technical gear remains fully functional for years of adventure. By cleaning with Tech Wash to keep breathable membranes clear and re-applying DWR treatments to restore water repellency, you keep your equipment performing just as it did the day you bought it. If you have any further questions regarding the care of your technical gear or need help selecting the right professional-grade cleaning products, please visit your local SCHEELS to speak with an Expert today.