How to Clean a Rain Jacket | Care That Keeps You Dry

For the full breakdown, see our best Equestrian Rain Jacket guide.

Your rain jacket’s waterproof magic lives in two places: the durable water repellent (DWR) coating on the outside and the waterproof membrane underneath. Dirt, body oils, and detergent residue clog both, which is why a jacket that stops beading water often just needs a proper wash rather than replacement. The good news is that cleaning it well takes about 30 minutes of actual work, plus drying time.

How to clean a rain jacket isn’t complicated, but skipping the wrong step—like using fabric softener—can shorten its life considerably. The care label is the final authority for your specific jacket, so check it first. The steps below match what major outdoor brands recommend.

What You Need Before You Wash

A successful wash starts before the machine does. Gather a mild liquid detergent (a technical cleaner like Nikwax Tech Wash works well, but a small amount of regular gentle liquid detergent is fine), a microfiber cloth, and nothing else—skip fabric softener, bleach, and powder detergents entirely.

Prep your jacket in this order:

• Empty every pocket completely.
• Zip all zippers, fasten snaps, and close any Velcro or hook-and-loop closures. Loose flaps snag and abrade the fabric during the wash.
• Turn the jacket inside out. This protects the coated outer surface, a step Rains specifically recommends for its PU-coated jackets.
• Wipe off loose dirt with a dry or slightly damp microfiber cloth before washing.

Machine Washing vs. Hand Washing

Most rain jackets handle a machine wash well on the gentle cycle, but heavily soiled jackets often come out cleaner with a pre-treatment or a sink wash first.

Machine Washing

Add a small amount of mild liquid detergent. Run a thorough rinse cycle; if your machine has an extra-rinse setting, use it, because leftover detergent residue is a common reason jackets lose their water repellency.

One major caveat: top-loading washers with a center agitator can be too rough for waterproof garments. Front-loaders and top-loaders without an agitator are the safer choice whenever you have the option.

Hand Washing

For a jacket with heavy grime, fill a sink or tub with cool water and a bit of mild detergent. Gently work the fabric with your hands, paying attention to cuffs, collar, and any stained areas. Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear and no suds remain. Squeeze out excess water without wringing or twisting the fabric.

Drying to Restore Water Repellency

Air drying is the safest default for every rain jacket. Hang it on a sturdy hanger or drying rack in a well-ventilated area, away from direct heat or strong sunlight. Let it dry completely before storing—folding or hanging a damp jacket invites mold and mildew, and that smell is nearly impossible to fully remove.

Some jackets need this heat to re-bond the water-repellent coating to the fabric.

If you’re shopping for a replacement and outdoor work or riding is part of your routine, our roundup of the best equestrian rain jacket options covers models built for saddle time and serious weather.

Mistakes That Ruin Rain Jackets

The most common laundry errors are also the most damaging. Here is what to avoid and why it matters:

• Fabric softener: it coats and clogs the breathable membrane, permanently reducing both waterproofing and breathability.
• Bleach and powder detergents: their harsh chemicals and abrasive particles can degrade the coating and membrane over repeated washes.
• Washing with zippers open or Velcro loose: exposed hooks catch the fabric, causing snags that compromise the waterproof shell.
• Rushing the rinse: soap residue attracts dirt and blocks the DWR finish. Extra rinse cycles are worth the time.
• Tumble drying without label permission: high heat can delaminate the membrane. Low heat only, and only if the care label allows it.
• Storing it damp: mildew forms quickly inside folded wet gear. Always dry fully before putting it away.

FAQs

Can I use regular laundry detergent on a rain jacket?

Yes, a small amount of mild liquid detergent works fine for most jackets. Avoid heavy-duty, powder, or “sport” detergents with additives, and never use fabric softener. Technical cleaners like Nikwax Tech Wash are specifically formulated for waterproof gear and are the safer choice when available, but they’re not mandatory for a basic wash.

Why does my rain jacket leak after washing?

Most likely, the jacket isn’t leaking—the DWR finish has worn off, so water soaks into the outer fabric instead of beading up and rolling away. The membrane underneath may still be waterproof. Wash the jacket with a technical cleaner, then reapply DWR with a wash-in product like Nikwax TX.Direct Wash-In to restore the beading effect.

How often should I clean a rain jacket?