Waterproof Care Guide

Let’s be honest: British weather loves to keep us guessing. One minute it’s blue skies, the next it’s sideways rain. There’s nothing worse than heading out for a walk, a hike, or even just the school run, only to discover your trusty waterproof jacket isn’t quite as waterproof as you remember. Don’t worry, though. With a few simple steps, you can keep your kit performing brilliantly, season after season. Whether you’re a seasoned mountain-goer or just want to keep your raincoat in tip-top shape, we’ll walk you through the science, the steps, and the secrets of looking after your kit.

Waterproof fabrics are engineered to stop rain penetrating while allowing sweat vapour to escape, a property known as breathability. Most modern waterproofs use a sandwich construction:

• Face Fabric → Provides durability and carries the Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating.
• Membrane or PU Film → The heart of waterproofing-e.g., GORE-TEX, eVent, Dermizax blocks water but lets vapour through.
• Scrim/Inner Layer → Protects the membrane and wicks moisture outwards.

There are three main types of construction:

• 3-Layer → All layers bonded for maximum durability (e.g., GORE-TEX Pro).
• 2.5-Layer → Outer and membrane are bonded with a thin protective print inside.
• 2-Layer → Outer and membrane bonded, with a loose inner lining for comfort.

DWR (Durable Water Repellent) works by lowering the surface tension of the fabric, causing water to bead and roll off. Traditional DWRs used PFCs (perfluorinated compounds), but many brands now use PFC-free alternatives like Bionic-Finish Eco for better environmental performance.

• Microporous Membranes → (e.g., GORE-TEX, eVent) Block water with tiny pores smaller than water droplets but large enough for vapour.
• Monolithic Membranes → (e.g., Dermizax) Use a solid, hydrophilic layer that transports moisture via molecular diffusion.

Even the best fabric will leak if seams aren’t sealed. Look for jackets with taped seams-strips of waterproof tape applied inside. Fewer seams and narrower tape mean lighter, more breathable jackets

Here’s a simple test → drip a bit of water onto your jacket. If it beads up and rolls off, you’re good. If it soaks in, it’s time to reproof.

You don’t need to reproof after every wash. But if you notice your jacket is getting heavy and damp in the rain, or the water’s not beading, give it a refresh.

• Empty the pockets. (You don’t want to wash your car keys or last week’s snack.)
• Fasten all zips and Velcro. This stops them snagging or catching in the wash.
• Brush off mud and grit. A soft brush works wonders.

• Use a specialist cleaner (like Nikwax Tech Wash or Grangers Performance Wash). Ordinary detergent or fabric softener can wreck waterproofing; save those for your socks!
• Gentle cycle, 30°C. Don’t go hotter; you don’t want to melt anything.
• Don’t overload the machine. Two or three items at a time are perfect.
• Extra rinse if you can. This gets rid of any leftover cleaner.

• Air-dry on a hanger, away from direct heat or sunlight.
• Tumble-dry on low heat (if the care label says it’s OK). The gentle heat helps reactivate the DWR coating.

1. Run your washing machine on a hot cycle with nothing in it and check that the tray is clean. This gets rid of any detergent left from previous washes, which work against your garment's DWR.
2. Gently rinse off any thick dirt by hand, or for stubborn stains apply some of the Tech Wash directly onto the garment with a sponge before washing. 
3. Fasten all zips and velcro and place in the machine.
4. Shake bottle, measure out the amount specified on the label, and pour into the washing machine drawer.
5. Wash on a full cycle at 30°C/86°F or according to care label instructions.

Nikwax recommends washing no more than two items at a time. You should be able to wash reproofed kit 6-8 times with Nikwax Tech Wash before it requires reproofing with an appropriate Nikwax proofer.

1. Ensure there is no detergent or fabric conditioner residue in your washing machine.
2. Gently rinse off any thick dirt from your garment by hand, do up all zips and Velcro and place in the machine.
3. Shake bottle then add 1 capful (50ml) into the washing machine drawer for 1 jacket. Add an extra capful for every 2 garments added.
4. Wash on a full cycle at 30°C/86°F or according to care label instructions.
    

Watch video

NB: If you are short on time you can use Grangers Wash + Repel Clothing 2 in 1 instead which reproofs as well as cleans. However, heat activation is required for the DWR coating to be effective. After washing, tumble dry on low-medium heat, or gently apply heat using an iron or hairdryer. Watch video