How to reproof your waterproof jacket

Reproof your jacket if it’s wet outside and sweaty inside! Learn when and how to bring your jacket back to its original, water-repellent glory with this guide.

If you’re not sure how to reproof your waterproof jacket and trousers, then here's our guide to get your waterproof clothing working like new. It’s dead easy.

1. How can I get my jacket waterproof again?
2. How often should I reproof my waterproofs?
3. How long does waterproofing last on jackets?
4. Can I spray my jacket to make it waterproof?
5. Why do I need to reproof my waterproofs?
6. Waterproof washing myths?

How can I get my jacket waterproof again?

You can use an in-wash waterproofer to make your jacket and trousers waterproof again. Here’s how:

1. Run your washing machine on a hot cycle with nothing in it and check that the tray is clean. This gets rid of any detergent left from previous washes, which work against your DWR.
2. Do up any zips and velcro on your waterproofs and wash them with the 2-in-1 Alpkit Apparel Wash and Reproofer. Follow the washing instructions on your clothing or wash at 30°C on a gentle cycle if there aren't any.
3. Dry in a warm place or tumble dry on low (if the garment care instructions advise). You can also iron on a low setting afterwards as heat helps the DWR to bond with the fabric.

How often should you reproof a jacket?

You should reproof your waterproofs when you notice they’re not beading anymore. This is our simple test to check whether it’s time to reproof:

• Wash them with the 2-in-1 Alpkit Apparel Wash and Reproofer
• Pour some water onto the high-wear points of your jacket. (These are usually the shoulders (where the straps of your backpack rub) and your cuffs.)
• If the water soaks into the top layer of the fabric and ‘wets out’, it’s time to reproof.

How long does waterproofing last on a jacket?

You should reproof your waterproof clothing around every 6-12 months, depending on how much you use it. You may find you need to reproof your clothing more frequently for heavier usage, or if you use your waterproofs for intense exercise like hiking, running, biking and climbing.

Can I spray my jacket to make it waterproof?

In short, nope. It’s not just the waterproof coating that makes a jacket waterproof – waterproof jackets work with their waterproof membrane and the taped seams, too. You can, however, apply a water-repellent coating using a waterproofing spray like Nikwax.

Why do I need to reproof my waterproof clothing?

Your waterproof jacket and trousers are treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) that causes water to 'bead' on the surface rather than soaking in (like the picture above!). But this DWR treatment slowly wears out over time. When it does, your waterproof clothing starts absorbing water and loses its breathability. This traps perspiration inside, quickly making you cold. Reproofing tops up the DWR treatment your clothing comes with so that water continues to bead on the surface.

Waterproof washing myths

Washing your waterproof clothing doesn't damage it; washing is actually essential to keep it working properly! When your jacket stops beading, it may not need reproofing right away – it might just need a good clean.

Things like mud, sweat, body oils, insect repellents and detergents/conditioners can contaminate your clothing's DWR treatment, stopping it from working effectively.