How to Wash Your Rain Gear: A Step-by-Step Guide

A family of four wearing Columbia rain jackets in a rain forest.

This article is part of the Rain Gear 101 series, and the Fabric Cleaning Collection.

Rain jackets are a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast. Engineered with waterproof technology, they shield you from the rain and cold so that you stay dry and comfortable. But how do you ensure your rain jacket stays in proper condition for the next adventure?

Our Outerwear Experts are here to guide you on the signs that it's time to wash your rain jacket and the essential steps and products needed to maintain and extend its waterproof protection.

Signs It’s Time to Wash Your Rain Jacket

Over time and with each adventure, your rain jacket can accumulate dirt and oils that clog the waterproof membrane and compromise its performance. Here are a few signs that it’s time to wash your rain jacket:

Loss of Water Repellency: If water doesn’t bead up and roll off the surface of your rain jacket, the Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish isn’t properly working.
Visible Stains: If you see noticeable stains or dirt, it’s safe to say your rain jacket isn’t providing as good of protection as it could because the pores are clogged.
Odor: If you wear your rain jacket during vigorous activity, you may notice a musty smell from the accumulation of sweat.

How to Clean Your Rain Jacket

Properly cleaning your jacket 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

Frequently Asked Questions about Washing a Rain Jacket

By following these tips on how to wash a rain jacket properly, you can be sure that your rain jacket is up for your next adventure. If you have additional questions about caring for a rain jacket, stop into your local SCHEELS to speak with an Outerwear Expert.

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