How to Clean and Re-Waterproof your Child’s Rain Jacket

Over time, rain jackets can lose their water-repellency.

Waterproofing doesn’t last forever.

Whether from playing in the rain or a muddy dog wanting snuggles, a dirty jacket will stop repelling water.

Luckily, it’s easy to clean and re-waterproof your rain jacket so you can stay dry. The trick is to clean your jacket first. Most times, it’s dirt and crud that are covering the water-repellent coating, making your jacket soak up water. Also important to note, using household detergents to clean can leave behind residues that attract water, so it’s important to use a technical cleaner for items with water-repellent coatings.

Here’s how to clean:

1. Place jacket(s) in washing machine.
2. Add Nikwax Tech Wash. In a top-loading machine, add three full caps (150ml) for 1-3 jackets, or five full caps (250ml) for 4-6 jackets. In a front loader, it’s best to add no more than two jackets with two capfuls (100ml) of Tech Wash. Special note: If you live in an area with hard water, toss in an extra capful of Tech Wash. If you have an HE machine, use about half the recommended amount so you don’t suds up the place.
3. Sit back with a good book and a glass of wine/beer/hot cocoa as the machine runs its course.
4. More often than not, this single cycle will be enough to have revitalized your child’s jacket.

But my kiddo’s rain jacket still isn’t waterproof!

That’s ok. Don’t panic. Over time the water-repellent finish can wear off. When that happens, it’s time to add more waterproofing.

Here’s how to waterproof:

1. Clean first. Always clean first. Use Tech Wash like before. Then…
2. If you have a top-loading machine, let the machine fill, then add a maximum of 3 jackets and 300ml of TX.Direct Wash-In. Run a heavy/warm cycle.
3. If you have a front-loading machine, add a maximum of 2 jackets and 200ml of TX.Direct.
4. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions as to whether your garment should be line or tumble dried. Nikwax does not require heat for activation, so you’re good to go either way.
5. Put your kid’s jacket on and admire waterproofed duds in the mirror.

There you have it! Now you’re ready to step out into the rain without fear of getting wet.