Care instruction rain clothing: how to wash your waterproof rain jacket properly

namuk rain jackets and rain pants are extremely waterproof and breathable. They don’t need to be washed often, but sometimes there’s no getting around it – for example, if the ground outside gets soaked from a lot of rain and the clothes get really muddy. Or, if the rain clothing is no longer waterproof. We’ll tell you how to keep your rain jacket and rain pants functional and ready for action for a long time!

Rain jackets and rain pants are often exposed to extreme conditions. They endure constant dampness, they get dirty, and sometimes we sweat when wearing them. That can cause the membranes to get clogged so the clothing loses its breathability. In addition, the clothing can get more permeable over time and need re-waterproofing – and that, too, works in the washing machine.

• Remove dirt and stains before washing with a soft brush and a mixture of water and stain remover  
• Empty pockets and remove your kids’ little treasures, such as pebbles and pinecones   
• Turn clothing inside-out and close zippers
• Use mild detergent for delicates or special cleaner for outdoor and functional clothing (we recommend Nikwax Tech Wash – you can find instructions for using it below)
• Wash on delicate cycle (cool or cold setting)
• Be sparing with the detergent – you don’t need much!
• Don’t use any powdered or heavy-duty detergent, fabric softener, or bleach

Air dry it on a clothesline or drying rack

You can test it very easily: Hold your rain jacket or rain pants under running tap water. If the water beads, everything’s fine. If not, you can renew the waterproofing with wash-in textile waterproofing liquid or a suitable waterproofing spray.

• Important: The clothing must be washed before waterproofing
• For rain gear, it’s best to use special waterproofing liquid for outdoor and functional clothing, which you can use in the washing machine. Our favorite is Nikwax Tech Wash (you can find instructions below). But there are also many other brands you can find in stores.

For the first washing cycle, use Nikwax “Tech Wash” – a technical cleaner and waterproofing wash for water-repellent, breathable materials: 

• Wash no more than three pieces of clothing per cycle 
• Add 3.5 - 5 fl oz (100 - 150 ml), depending on the hardness of the water 
• Machine wash on delicate setting (cool or cold)

For the second washing cycle, use Nikwax “TX Direct” – permanent, wash-in waterproofing liquid for textiles with waterproof, breathable membranes: 

• First clean rain gear with Nikwax Tech Wash
• Shake well before use
• Add 3.5 fl oz (100 ml) per item
• Wash no more than three pieces of clothing per cycle
• Machine wash on delicate cycle (cool or cold setting)
• Air dry the rain clothes

• Snow jackets and snow pants
• Fleece clothing
• Merino wool
• PrimaLoft jackets und vests
• Gloves and mittens