Washing and waterproofing an outdoor jacket: everything you need to know
You can wash an outdoor jacket in the washing machine, as long as you use the right cleaner and follow a few simple rules. Regular detergent damages the water-repellent coating and reduces your jacket's breathability. This article walks you through exactly how to avoid that — and how to re-waterproof your jacket afterwards.
Can I wash my outdoor jacket in the washing machine?
Yes, in most cases you can. Always check the care label first. Most hardshell and softshell jackets made from polyester or nylon are machine washable at 30 or 40 degrees. Use a low spin speed, or switch off the spin cycle altogether. High spin speeds can damage the seams and coating.
Fasten all zips and turn the jacket inside out before putting it in the machine. This minimises wear on the outer fabric.
Which cleaner should I use for a hardshell or softshell jacket?
Avoid regular detergent, fabric softener, and any liquid soap containing bleach or fragrance. These substances build up in the fibres and interfere with water repellency. They can also prevent moisture from moving through the fabric properly.
Choose a mild cleaner specifically designed for outdoor textiles. Sprayhood & Tent Shampoo was developed for exactly this purpose. It cleans the material without affecting its functional properties. Run an extra rinse cycle without any product afterwards, so no residue is left behind.
How do I maintain my jacket's breathability?
A jacket's breathability depends largely on how clean the fabric is. When dirt, sweat, and soap residue accumulate in the fibres, moisture can no longer escape effectively. Washing regularly with a suitable cleaner is the most important step you can take.
After washing, you can tumble dry the jacket briefly on a low temperature setting, if the care label permits. Heat helps reactivate the water-repellent coating on the outer surface. If water no longer beads off the fabric after drying, it's time to re-waterproof the jacket.
Do I need to wash my outdoor jacket before waterproofing it?
Yes, always. A waterproofing treatment only works properly on clean fabric. If dirt or soap residue remains in the fibres, the product won't bond effectively and the result won't last. Washing is step one, waterproofing is step three. Never skip that order.
If stubborn stains remain after washing, you can apply Fabric Power Cleaner directly to those areas as an intermediate step. Leave the product to work for a maximum of 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
How do I waterproof my outdoor jacket?
Make sure the jacket is clean and slightly damp. Spray Sprayhood & Tent Protector evenly over the outer surface, working section by section and making sure you don't miss any spots. Leave the jacket to air dry, or tumble dry briefly on a low temperature if the care label allows. Once dry, water will bead off the surface again.
Sprayhood & Tent Protector is suitable for synthetic fabrics such as polyester and acrylic. Ultramar maintenance products are PFAS-free.
How often should I wash and waterproof my outdoor jacket?
It depends on how intensively you use the jacket. A good rule of thumb: wash it when it's visibly dirty or when water soaks in rather than beading off. Re-waterproof after every wash, or whenever you notice water repellency starting to fade. For regular users — such as those who go hiking weekly — one or two treatments per season is usually sufficient.
Frequently asked questions
Can I hand wash an outdoor jacket?
You can, but it takes more effort to rinse out all the cleaner thoroughly. A washing machine generally does a more thorough job. If you do hand wash, use lukewarm water and rinse several times.
Can I use fabric softener?
No. Fabric softener leaves a residue on the fibres that interferes with water repellency. Only use a cleaner designed for outdoor textiles.
My jacket has been waterproofed, so why is water still soaking in?
This is usually caused by a dirty fabric. Dirt blocks the water-repellent effect. Wash the jacket first, then re-waterproof it. In most cases, that solves the problem.
Can I use the same products on my tent or boat canopy?
Yes. Sprayhood & Tent Shampoo and Sprayhood & Tent Protector are also suitable for boat covers, tents, and awnings made from synthetic materials. The steps are the same: clean first, then waterproof.