Guidance on Washing a Rain Jacket, as Suggested by a Textile Professional
Your Rain Jacket: A Weather-Tested Companion
Your rain jacket is no mere fashion accessory – it's designed to tackle harsh weather conditions, but it needs some TLC to keep its performance at its peak. By following a regular maintenance routine, you'll be ensuring it lasts for many seasons to come.
According to Frej Lewenhaupt, the co-founder and chief product officer of Steamery, a Scandinavian textile care brand, "The most durable jacket is the one you already own, so knowing how to care for your shell jacket is essential to maintain its performance and lifespan."
With the right care, your rain jacket will shrug off even the heaviest downpours, keeping you dry and comfortable. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make the most of your rain jacket, from washing to waterproofing.
Frej Lewenhaupt
Frej Lewenhaupt is not just the co-founder and CPO of Steamery, but also boasts a background in textile engineering. Steamery is committed to educating people on how to extend the life of their clothing through proper care.
How Frequently Should You Wash Your Rain Jacket?
While your rain jacket puts up a big fight against the elements, it doesn't need much attention when it comes to laundry. As Lewenhaupt explains, "Too frequent washing can lead to unnecessary wear and tear."
If your rain jacket starts to develop a funky smell, has visible stains, or has been through a particularly intense activity like hiking or traveling for extended periods, a wash might be in order. If it's just a small stain, treat it directly with a gentle laundry detergent. However, Lewenhaupt advises against using stain removers, as they can harm the fabric.
Regular checks on your rain jacket's moisture handling abilities are also important. If water starts soaking in rather than beading off, dirt could be blocking the fabric's durable water repellent (DWR) finish, reducing its effectiveness. Washing your rain jacket should restore its water-repelling capabilities, unless it's time for a DWR treatment reapplication.
Washing a Rain Jacket
Before washing your rain jacket, take a moment to refer to the care label for specific washing instructions, as different jackets may require different treatments.
First, prepare your jacket for washing by removing any surface dirt, emptying the pockets, closing zippers, and turning the jacket inside out to protect the outer fabric.
In the washing machine, use cold or lukewarm water on a gentle cycle paired with a gentle or technical wear liquid detergent. For a gentler approach, you can hand-wash your jacket instead. In either case, perform an extra rinse cycle to ensure all detergent is removed before drying.
When your jacket is ready to be dried, you can either use the tumble dryer or air-dry it. Tumble drying can help reactivate the jacket's water-resistance, but Lewenhaupt recommends using low heat and checking the care instructions beforehand.
Sustainable Laundry Practices
According to a report by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, "The apparel industry is responsible for approximately 10% of annual carbon emissions, and the equivalent of one washed cotton shirt takes 2,700 liters of water to produce." By adopting sustainable laundry practices, you can help reduce your environmental footprint. Using a gentle detergent and tumble drying on low heat are both steps in the right direction.
Recommended Washing Method
To maintain a rain jacket's performance and extend its lifespan, follow these steps for washing:
- Pre-Wash Preparation:
- Ensure all pockets and the main zipper are zipped up to prevent damage or snagging during the wash cycle.
- Check the care label for specific washing instructions.
- Washing:
- Use a mild detergent specifically designed for waterproof clothing, such as Nikwax Tech Wash or Grangers Performance Wash. Avoid using regular detergents, as they can harm the waterproof coating.
- Wash the jacket in a delicate cycle with cold water. Avoid using hot water, which can damage the fabric or the waterproof coating.
- Drying:
- If the care label allows, tumble dry the jacket on a low to medium heat setting. Check the jacket frequently to ensure it doesn't get too hot.
- Alternatively, you can use a hair dryer or an iron on a low setting (with a tea towel to protect the fabric) to help restore the DWR treatment.
Waterproofing a Rain Jacket
Most rain jackets will come pre-waterproofed, but over time, the DWR finish wears off with use. If your jacket still isn't repelling water as well as it once did, even after it's been washed, it's likely time to reapply a waterproofing treatment.
First, clean the jacket with a gentle or specialized detergent. Then, apply a waterproofing spray designed for technical outerwear, which helps restore the DWR finish. Spray the jacket while it is still damp from washing, and be sure to cover the entire outer surface. To finish, tumble dry on low heat to activate the treatment.
Storage Method
Proper storage is essential for keeping a rain jacket in good shape after facing the elements (especially if it's still wet). If your jacket is wet, hang it up to dry in a well-ventilated area, away from direct heat sources like sunlight or a radiator. If you don't let your jacket dry fully, the moisture will get trapped, leading to mold, mildew, and odors, which can deteriorate the fabric and its DWR coating. Once your rain jacket is dry, it's best to store it by hanging it up, preventing unwanted creases from forming and keeping it looking fresh for longer.
Frej Lewenhaupt, the co-founder and CPO of Steamery, suggests that while tackling outdoor activities, it's essential to maintain the housekeeping of one's bhg, such as the rain jacket. He suggests washing a rain jacket less frequently to prevent unnecessary wear and tear. When it's time to wash the jacket, he recommends using a mild detergent meant for waterproof clothing, like Nikwash Tech Wash or Grangers Performance Wash. By washing and waterproofing a rain jacket accordingly, one can extend its lifespan and ensure continued outdoor-living enjoyment, contributing to a sustainable lifestyle in the realm of home-and-garden care.
