How to Clean Waterproof Jackets

Remove any mud or difficult stains from the jacket by hand first. Spray a fabric spot remover solution onto the difficult stains, and gently scrub the stains by using a soft bristle toothbrush. Rinse the stains off under lukewarm water in a sink. Apply the spray in small amounts to prevent from over spraying the area with solution. One to two sprays should be sufficient.

Fill the kitchen sink or a small tub with lukewarm water. Dip the jacket into the water to allow it to soak. Pour in a teaspoon of mild or delicate powder detergent and wash the waterproof jacket by hand. Pour the dirty soap water out of the tub after washing the jacket, and rinse the jacket under lukewarm running water. Gently wring, not squeeze, the water out of the jacket upon washing.

Place the waterproof jacket into the washing machine, if hand washing is not desired. Put the jacket into the washer alone and select the delicate cycle. Add a teaspoon of delicate powder detergent or waterproof jacket liquid soap, and select cold water for the wash. Select a short wash time, if possible, to prevent the waterproof jacket from bubbling up during the cycle.

Take the jacket out of the washer once the cycle has completed. Place the waterproof jacket onto a heavy duty hanger, such as a wood hanger, to allow it to retain its shape and air dry. Avoid placing the jacket into the drier or drying it with a blow dryer, as excessive heat may damage the shell of the jacket.