How to wash and reproof a waterproof jacket

When rain stops beading on a waterproof jacket, the outer fabric may become soaked and feel cold. Cleaning and restoring its water-repellent finish can help, but the right method depends on the jacket’s care label.

Waterproofing and water repellency are different

• DWR means durable water repellent: the finish that helps water bead on the outer fabric.
• The waterproof membrane is the barrier beneath that fabric. Reproofing the surface does not mend a torn membrane or peeling layers.
• Wetting out means the outer fabric is soaking up water. It does not, on its own, prove the membrane has failed.

Start with the care label

For standard GORE-TEX outerwear, the maker recommends the following routine. Follow your own jacket’s label if it differs.

1. Close zips, straps and flaps. Empty the pockets.
2. Wash at 40°C with a small amount of liquid detergent. Avoid powder detergent, fabric softener, bleach and stain remover.
3. Rinse twice and keep spinning to a minimum.
4. Line-dry, or use a warm, gentle tumble cycle if the label allows it. Do not use high heat.

Restore the beading

For suitable GORE-TEX garments, a further 20 minutes in the tumble dryer after drying can reactivate the finish. Only do this if the garment’s care instructions allow it. If water still does not bead, use a compatible DWR treatment and follow both sets of instructions.

Exception: GORE-TEX SHAKEDRY and garments with a persistent-beading surface have different care rules: do not tumble-dry, iron or apply DWR. Identify the fabric before treating it.

What I would check on a used jacket

I would look for peeling tape, flaking lining, holes and worn areas under pack straps before spending money on reproofing. A tired surface finish may be treatable; structural damage needs a different assessment. Wash and test well before a trip, so there is time to deal with a problem.

Read next: Choosing a second-hand waterproof jacket.

Sources and photo credits

Sources checked 2 October 2026.

• GORE-TEX: outerwear washing, drying and DWR care

Photo: Illustrative gear photograph; not ReGear stock. Water repellent shell layer jacket.jpg — alinja. CC BY-SA 3.0. Resized for display.