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Care Guide: Rainwear
Rainwear is technical gear - it's designed to keep water out and let moisture vapour escape, and it only keeps doing that if it's cared for properly.
This guide covers Swanndri rainwear and Line 7 wet-weather gear, because both rely on breathable, seam-sealed construction that can lose performance when dirt, sweat, oils, and residue build up.
Quick Tips
Spot clean first (cold water, soft cloth) and air dry.
Don't use fabric softener or bleach - they can damage waterproof coatings and reduce performance.
Use a technical cleaner (not regular laundry detergent) to avoid residues that block breathability and reduce water repellence.
Rinse properly (an extra rinse is ideal) so detergent residue doesn't clog the membrane.
Follow the care label for drying - some garments allow low heat to help restore water repellence, others must avoid heat.
Why Rainwear Needs Proper Care (and what goes wrong if you don't)
Breathable, seam-sealed rainwear membranes can become clogged by dirt, oil, sweat and animal residues, which over time reduce breathability and can even cause the garment to fail.
Over time, contaminants can also reduce the effectiveness of the water-repellent finish, leading to "wetting out" (when the outer fabric soaks up water instead of beading it off).
How Often Should You Wash Rainwear?
You don't need to wash rainwear after every use - it's outerwear, so spot cleaning and airing often does the job.
A good rule of thumb is - wash when cuffs/collar are dirty from oils and sweat, the jacket starts to let water in, or water stops beading and rolling off.
Before You Wash: Prep Properly (5 minutes that saves your jacket)
Read the care label - membranes and face fabrics can have different requirements, especially for drying.
Empty pockets and remove loose mud with a soft brush if needed.
Close all zips, pockets, and secure Velcro tabs to prevent snagging and abrasion.
Loosen drawcords and cuffs so water and detergent can circulate properly.
If you're using a washing machine, a front-loading machine is preferred for technical wet-weather gear.
Step-by-Step: Washing Your Rain Jacket
- Step 1 - Spot Clean (recommended first)
For small marks, spot clean in cold water and hang to dry.
This reduces unnecessary washing and helps your rainwear last longer.
- Step 2 - Choose the Right Cleaner (this matters)
Avoid standard detergents and avoid bleach or fabric softeners, as they can degrade waterproof coatings and performance.
Use a specialist technical cleaner such as Nikwax Tech Wash® to clean without leaving residues that block breathability or reduce water repellence.
Before washing, remove detergent residue from your machine so leftover household detergent doesn't contaminate the wash.
- Step 3 - Gentle Wash
Use a cold (or cool/warm if label allows) gentle cycle.
Wash one garment at a time for best results (especially for heavy wet-weather gear).
Washing in cold water on a gentle cycle helps reduce friction and wear.
- Step 4 - Rinse (don't skip this)
Run an extra rinse cycle to remove detergent residue - this is crucial for breathability and waterproof performance.
Drying
Always follow the care label first for drying instructions.
If heat is not permitted, line dry in the shade.
If heat is permitted, use low/cool tumble dry to help restore water repellency (DWR).
If tumble drying isn't allowed but gentle heat is, Line 7 suggests using a warm iron (no steam) with a towel barrier.
Restoring Water Repellency (DWR): When Rain Stops Beading
If water stops beading on the surface, or the fabric begins to "wet out", it's time to restore water repellency.
Step-by-step DWR refresh (spray-on method)
Clean first with a technical wash (don't skip this) - like Nikwax Tech Wash - Technical Cleaner.
Apply Nikwax TX Direct Spray-On Waterproofer to wet fabric, focusing on high-wear/exposed areas.
Wipe away excess and allow to air dry (or heat-activate only if your care label allows it).
Why spray-on (vs wash-in) is a good default for rainwear:
Spray-on waterproofing targets the outer fabric, making it ideal for garments with wicking linings or layered construction.
What Not To Do (common mistakes that ruin rainwear)
Do not use fabric softener or bleach.
Do not dry clean - harsh chemicals can damage waterproof coatings.
Do not store rainwear while damp - dry it fully first.
Avoid oil-based and harsh chemical exposures (e.g., some sunscreens and insect repellents), which can degrade waterproof coatings over time.
Troubleshooting: Fix the 3 Most Common Rainwear Problems
- "My jacket leaks" (but seams look fine)
Often this is wetting out - the outer fabric is saturated, breathability drops, and you feel clammy inside.
Fix: clean with a technical wash, dry correctly, then reproof if beading doesn't return.
- It smells / feels grimy"
This usually means sweat and oils have built up and need a proper wash (spot cleaning won't cut it).
Fix: gentle wash + extra rinse, then dry fully before storing.
- "Water still doesn't bead after washing"
If washing and drying don't restore repellency, you likely need to reapply a water-repellent treatment.
Fix: apply a spray-on DWR (like TX.Direct), following the product method (clean first, apply to wet fabric, wipe excess, air dry).
