Re-Waterproof: The Complete Handbook on How to Fix a Rain Jacket

Your gear is perfect. Water is still beading up on your jacket and just rolling off? Gosh! It seems more like a sponge. You are probably experienced with "wetting out," a very common problem.

Don't put that jacket in the bin. Often this is a fixable situation. All you need is a bit of cleaning and the addition of a fresh protective layer.

This guide will help you through every step of the process. We will assist you in identifying the problem, outlining the exact steps of how to re-waterproof your rain jacket, and helping you to care for it to ensure the jacket lasts for years.

First Off, Why Does It Leak?

It is important to know how to re-waterproof a rain jacket because to do so, you must first understand how it works. You can visualize your jacket as two parts working together.

The membrane is a waterproof, breathable material such as Gore-Tex that is the main part of it. It prevents the physical entry of water while at the same time allowing the vapor caused by the sweat to escape. The outer fabric coated with DWR is the first line of defense, however, which is a factory-applied treatment.

DWR (Durable Water Repellent) is a hydrophobic glaze that allows the coats to be breathable, yet waterproof. It forces water to drop into little beads which then roll off the surface. Over time, this coating is worn away by dirt, body oils, or just normal use, and the outer fabric gets totally wet.

This is the soaking that we refer to as "wetting out." Your jacket is now heavy, cold, and clammy, and all this is because your sweat is unable to escape. The outer membrane still might be able to keep rain out, but the whole system can no longer work as it should. In the learning process of re-waterproofing your jacket, you literally become an expert at fixing this crucial DWR layer.

Is Your Jacket Fixable?

Before you proceed, you should really find out if your jacket is a candidate for rehabilitation. It takes just a few minutes to check if the jacket can be fixed and in this way save your time and money on getting a new one. An excellent idea is to detective your way to the solution.

Step 1: The Spritz Test

First, wipe your jacket with a cloth in order to eliminate the dust. Then take a spray bottle with water and aim the stream of water towards the jacket's shoulders and sleeves.

• Water beads and comes off? Your DWR is working good and you might just need a wash with a proper cleaner.
• Water that soaks in, darkens the fabric, and spreads out? The DWR has failed. This jacket is great for re-waterproofing.

Step 2: Check for Delamination

Next, reverse the jacket and look closely at the interior, especially at the neck, shoulders, and seams.

Delamination is when the waterproof membrane is being separated from the outer fabric. It looks like small bubbles, a crinkled texture, or white, which peels off the film on the inside. I've seen this several times on old, beloved jackets. This means the core materials are not cohesive.

If you find delamination on the vast majority of the jacket, an outer DWR addition will do nothing to stop leaks. The jacket has totally lost its basic waterproof protection.

If your jacket has delamination, it's time to go shopping. When looking for a new one, pay special attention to the quality of the construction because its lifespan is strongly affected by it. Reputable brands like the one you find at the custom apparel specialists at Eton Garment focus on fabric bonding, which effectively prevents such issues.

The Re-Waterproofing Toolkit

Prepare your equipment before you start the process. Keeping everything ready makes the procedure more efficient and hassle-free.

• A technical gear wash: You should have brands like Nikwax Tech Wash or Grangers Performance Wash. Avoid using common laundry detergents.
• A DWR waterproofing product: You will have either spray-on or wash-in option of this.
• Washing Machine: First check the detergent tray, it should be clean and free of any old residues.
• Tumble Dryer, Iron, or Hair Dryer: Most of the DWR treatments require heat to get activated.
• Soft brush or cloth: use them for the heavily soiled areas that require spot cleaning before the washing.

A Step-by-Step Guide

These are the steps you need to take to restore DWR on your jacket. This is the main method for how to re-waterproof a rain jacket and it actually works.

Step 1: Prep and Clean

Profoundly cleaning is the overriding step of this process. Wearing new DWR on a dirty jacket is no different from waxing a dirty car. It won't be firm.

To start, empty all the pockets and close all the zippers, Velcro flaps, and snaps. This will prevent damage during washing.

Next, clean the detergent drawer of your washing machine. The detergent drawer needs to be free of any remaining regular detergent which will spoil the DWR application.

Put your jacket in the machine and wash it on a gentle, warm program (refer to the care label) using specialized technical wash. Use only the amount stated on the bottle. Don't use regular detergent or fabric softener.

Step 2: Apply the DWR Treatment

With the jacket cleaned and still slightly damp, it’s the perfect time to add the new DWR. How you do this varies with the product you have chosen.

For wash-in treatment, leave the jacket in the washing machine, thoroughly cleaned, and wet. First, add the right amount of wash-in DWR product to the clean detergent drawer. Second, you will run again a gentle wash cycle after the product's instructions.

For spray-on treatment, you should hang the clean, damp jacket on a hanger. Spray the DWR product evenly across the entire outer surface aiming from 6-8 inches away. Pro tip: Areas such as shoulders, cuffs, and lower back which are under high wear loss their DWR fastest so you should apply a bit more here.

Step 3: Activate with Heat

This step is very important for many DWR products because the heat causes the treatment to adhere to the fibers of the fabric. First check your care label before you proceed to ensure that it is safe to tumble dry or iron.

If the care label says yes, tumble dry the jacket on low or medium heat for 20 to 30 minutes. This is the trick to activate DWR best.

No dryer or care label says it isn't? You can use an iron. Simply set it to low, synthetic setting with no steam. Then put a thin towel or cloth over the jacket and iron gently. Be careful not to put the hot iron right on the fabric. A hair dryer in medium heat works too.

Some newer formulas for DWR are air-dry and avoid heat. Always read the instructions on your particular waterproofing product.

Which Product Is The One?

Deciding between spray-on and wash-in DWR can be tricky. The most suitable option is determined by the construction of the jacket.

Spray-on treatments give you more control, while wash-in products are more convenient. A brief overview should help direct you to making the decision.

The outdoor industry is headed toward the use of more environmentally friendly, PFAS-free DWR formulas. These products are the latest offering and don't leave the long lasting chemicals used in previous treatments.

Fixing the Common Mistakes

Didn't achieve the desired outcome? No worries. Pretty much the following mistakes have been done, so let me enlighten you.

• You Used Regular Laundry Detergent: This is mistake number one. Standard detergents leave behind water-attracting residues that completely ruin the DWR. If you did this, wash the jacket again with technical cleaner before trying again.
• You Didn't Apply Enough Product: If you used spray-on, you might have missed spots or applied too thin a layer. Make sure you have complete, even coverage, especially on seams and shoulders.
• You Skipped the Heat Activation: For most DWR treatments, heat isn't optional. It bonds the coating to the fabric. If your jacket is still wetting out, try another 20 minutes in the dryer on low heat (if the care label allows).

Does it still wet out even after you troubleshoot? The DWR may require a second application. If that doesn't work, check again for delamination as there can be other issues.

Long-Term Care Tips

You've just learned how to re-waterproof your rain jacket. Now you want the treatment to last. Good maintenance is vital.

• Wash your jacket with technical washes regularly. Accumulated dirt and oil are deadly for DWR.
• Avoid storing your jacket squished in a stuff sack for extended periods. Hang it in a closet so that the fabric and coating will be protected.
• Should you see some water slightly beginning to soak in, it is common to refresh the DWR without performing the whole treatment again. Just a quick 20-minute tumble dry on low heat might help it be back alive.

The basic maintenance is the solution to all your problems in keeping your jacket at the best performance level. Small efforts can make a difference.

After following these steps, you have successfully revived your gear once again. You saved some money and besides that, you kept a valuable piece of equipment offline from being disposed of. It's time for your next adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How often should I re-waterproof my rain jacket?

There isn't a specific timeline. The most suitable time to re-waterproof a jacket is whenever you see the fabric "wetting out"—soaking up water instead of making it bead. A person who uses their jacket every day might need to do this once a season, while an infrequent user might go for a few years.

2. Can I use a regular laundry detergent to clean my waterproof jacket?

No way, never ever use standard detergent. It contains ingredients that will clog the breathable membrane of the jacket and leave behind residues that actually attract water. Consequently, it will be worse than before. Always use specialized technical wash which is made for the outdoor gear.

3. Will my jacket's breathability be lower after re-waterproofing it?

In fact, the right re-waterproofing procedure improves breathability. The outer fabric chokes up with water when it is wet and this acts as a barrier prohibiting the sweat vapors from escaping. Restoring the DWR is the only way of preventing this soaking, thus the inner membrane can breathe normally.

4. What's the difference between "water-resistant" and "waterproof"?

"Water-resistant" refers to the fabric being capable of holding off light rain for a short duration, often facilitated by just a DWR coating. "Waterproof" means that the garment comes with a physical membrane that absolutely blocks all access to water even during torrential and non-stop rains. This guide on how to re-waterproof a rain jacket is valid for both types.

5. My jacket's inner lining is flaking off. Can I still re-waterproof it?

Unfortunately, you cannot. A peeling or flaking inner lining is a clear sign of delamination, which means the main waterproof membrane has failed. Adding a DWR coat to the outside won't fix this kind of structural damage. The jacket is beyond repair and needs to be replaced.