How to Effectively Wash a Waterproof Jacket (Without Damaging It)

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you know the importance of having a waterproof jacket. Waterproof jackets protect you from rain and snow, allowing you to stay dry and comfortable even in inclement weather. Despite being waterproof and designed to weather the elements, over time your jacket can become dirty and dingy, making it less effective. To ensure your jacket continues to function optimally, you need to know how to effectively wash it without damaging it. That’s where this guide comes in. We’ll teach you everything you need to know to care for your jacket to keep it looking like new. If you’ve been wondering how to wash a waterproof jacket, keep reading.

What You Need

Before beginning, it’s crucial to collect all of the necessary supplies. For this task, you will need a gentle detergent, such as a liquid soap made specifically for delicate fabrics, a bucket or tub with warm water, a sponge, and a drying rack. If your waterproof jacket has a hood or fur lining, it is recommended that you also purchase an upholstery brush and fabric softener.

Prepare the Jacket

Once you have all of the supplies gathered, it is time to prepare your waterproof jacket for cleaning. Start by shaking off any excess dirt and debris from the exterior of the jacket before turning it inside out. If your waterproof jacket has a hood or fur lining, it is important to brush away any dirt particles on those areas before attempting to wash your coat.

Washing the Jacket

Fill the tub or bucket with warm water and add a gentle detergent, such as liquid soap, made specifically for delicate fabrics. It is important to note that too much detergent may cause damage or discoloration, so be sure not to use more than is necessary. For jackets that have fur-lined hoods or collars, you may also want to include fabric softener in the wash.

Once you have added detergent to the warm water in your bucket or tub, submerge your jacket in the solution and swirl it around to ensure that all areas are properly saturated with the detergent solution. Let the jacket soak for 10 minutes before using a sponge to lightly scrub away any tough spots or stains. Be sure not to scrub too hard, as this may damage the fragile fabric. After scrubbing for a few minutes, rinse off your jacket in clean water until all of the dirt and soap residues have been removed.

Drying the Jacket

Once your waterproof jacket has been thoroughly washed in detergent solution and rinsed off in clean water, it is time to let it dry. Place your jacket on a drying rack and allow it to air dry completely before storing or wearing it again. It is critical not to place your waterproof jacket near direct sources of heat, such as radiators or open flames, as this could damage the fabric and its waterproofing properties. It may also be helpful to turn the garment inside out during the drying process, as this will help keep its shape intact.

Conclusion

By following these simple steps, you should be able to effectively wash your waterproof jacket without damaging it. With just a few supplies and some gentle handling, you can restore your favorite garment to its former glory. All that’s left to do is wear your jacket and enjoy the compliments.