Wash, Dry, Reapply: How to Care for your Waterproof Apparel
Your outerwear works hard. Whether you’re navigating heavy spray, running open boats, or logging long days on patrol, waterproof-breathable gear is a critical piece of your safety system. But even the most technical fabrics require maintenance to perform at their best.
There’s no preset number of “use hours” before your gear needs attention. Instead, maintenance should be based on seasonal care and performance indicators you can observe in the field.
Here’s how to know when—and how—to maintain your gear.
When to Wash Your Waterproof Apparel
As a baseline, we recommend washing and drying your waterproof apparel at least once per season.
More importantly, pay attention to how the fabric is behaving on the water. If you notice the face fabric is no longer beading water and instead appears saturated or “wetted out” in rain or heavy spray, it’s time for maintenance. Wetting out doesn’t necessarily mean the garment is leaking—but it does mean the Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish on the outer fabric is losing effectiveness.
Common high-wear zones include:
- Shoulders (especially under a life jacket)
- Chest and belt areas when wearing a PFD
- Anywhere exposed to regular abrasion or rubbing
These areas typically show reduced water beading first.
Knowing when to wash and dry your gear is critical to maintaining waterproof performance-this in-studio walkthrough explains what to look for.
Before Washing: Proper Care Steps & Recommended Cleaning Products
Always check the care label to confirm your specific product can be machine washed and dried.
- Empty all pockets.
- Fully close zippers.
- Secure all hook-and-loop (Velcro®) closures.
We recommend using a non-detergent, non-silicone-based technical wash such as those from Grangers or Gear Aid. Liquid formulas are preferred over powder. If you don’t have a technical wash available, liquid detergent is a better alternative than powder but avoid fabric softeners or conventional detergents when possible.
How to Wash Waterproof Gear
- Use a front-load washer or a top-load washer without an agitator.
- Select a delicate cycle.
- Add an extra rinse cycle.
- Follow the specific directions on your chosen wash product.
This method is gentler on waterproof membranes, seam taping, and technical trims.
How to Dry and Reactivate DWR
After washing, resist the urge to put your gear directly into the dryer for a long cycle.
Instead:
- Hang dry until the garment is mostly dry but still slightly damp.
This allows excess water—especially from neoprene seals, pockets, and complex construction areas—to drain out. - Once damp (not soaking), move to the dryer on low heat for approximately 20 minutes.
The dryer step is essential. Heat reactivates the DWR treatment on the fabric surface, restoring water beading performance.
Avoid high heat or extended drying cycles, as excessive heat can degrade components over time.
When and How to Reapply DWR
If washing and heat reactivation don’t fully restore water beading—particularly in high-wear zones—it’s time to reapply DWR.
We recommend using a spray-on DWR treatment rather than a wash-in formula. Spray applications allow you to target specific areas where performance has declined.
Apply the spray evenly to damp fabric, focusing on affected zones. After application, return the garment to the dryer on low heat to activate the treatment.
Once dry, your gear is ready to perform again.
Understanding DWR Performance
Understanding DWR (Durable Water Repellent)
DWR is a factory-applied coating that makes fabric water-resistant. Used with waterproof-breathable apparel, it helps prevent the outer layer from becoming saturated—a condition called “wetting out,” which can reduce breathability and allow water to pass through.
How DWR Protects Waterproof Apparel
DWR works by creating a chemical barrier that causes water to bead on the fabric surface instead of soaking in. Many factory treatments use fluoropolymer-based coatings. Over time, dirt and harsh detergents can degrade or remove this finish. Performance can often be restored by washing with a suitable cleaner or applying gentle heat, such as low tumble drying.
Performance Is Preventative
Regular maintenance extends the life of your waterproof gear, preserves breathability, and ensures consistent performance in demanding marine environments. Seasonal washing, proper drying, and strategic DWR reapplication are small investments that protect your gear—and your time on the water.
Maintain it properly. Wear it with confidence. Get back on the water.