How to Wash and Waterproof a Softshell Jacket

When camping mates begin to wrinkle their nose as you walk by, you know it is time to wash your favorite softshell jacket. Sure that grime tells the story of your adventures, but did you know that like hardshells, softshells work best when they are clean. But if you use any old detergent off the shelf, you are likely to ruin the breathability and water repellency of the garment.

It doesn't matter how many hundreds of dollars you spend on a softshell, if you don't care for it properly your technical garment will make an excellent seat cover for your car.

This article provides general guidelines to clean and restore a waterproof finish to your softshell jacket.

Though softshells can easily be hand washed, throwing them in the washing machine won't hurt them as long as you follow the care instructions. People ask, when a softshell should be washed - and unfortunately there is no good answer. Generally I'll wash my shells in the washing machine after every long trip; my jackets go on several day hikes and local jaunts before venturing into the laundry basket.

General Softshell Machine Washing Instructions:

1. Empty out all pockets - you would be surprised how many batteries and candy wrappers are in there.
2. Close all hook and loop (AKA velcro) fasteners and pockets.
3. Set washing machine to normal cycle (usually) and use warm water.
4. Add a sport-wash detergent - SEE MORE ON THIS BELOW
5. Allow machine to cycle through and completely rinse
6. Remove the garment from washing machine and dry on low in dryer until the jacket is dry to the touch. Often drying the garment will restore the DWR (durable water repellent finish)

Technical Detergents

When washing softshells or any kind of technical apparel, it is critical to use the correct laundry detergent. My favorite product for cleaning softshells and all technical apparel is Nikwax Techwash. Techwash is very easy to use, just add two to three cap fulls of detergent to the washing machine. Often after washing a rain coat with techwash and throwing it in the dryer, the water repellency as well as the breathability will be restored.

If you can't find a detergent specifically used for waterproof breathable garments, try an organic type of detergent. Make sure it states on the package that it doesn't leave any residue and completely rinses.

Helpful Hint!

Front load washers are easier on clothing and gear because of less agitation. If you don't have a friend with a front load washer, take your technical apparel to a laundromat and use theirs.

So, you've properly cleaned your softshell, dried it on low, and it still isn't as waterproof as it use to be. It looks as if the DWR has worn off. Most DWRs, especially on softshells are hydrophobic fabric treatments that resist fabric saturation and they do wear off over time. Whenever your softshell begins to wet out, it is time for a treatment.

To retreat your garment's DWR and restore that weather resistant finish. You have two options to retreat the garment: either wash in or spray on.

First, before using any sort of waterproofing agent, ensure that the garment has been cleaned properly with some sort of tech detergent.

Again, though many companies like McNett / Revivex and Grangers produce softshell treatments, Nikwax Softshell Proof is easy to use and very effective.

Directions for a wash-in application using Nikwax Softshell Proof

1. Place garments is washing machine and fill with warm water
2. Add entire 10 oz bottle of Nikwax Softshell Proof
3. Run machine to Warm, heavy, and low water level
4. Air dry or tumble dry on low

Directions for a spray-on application using Nikwax spray-on Softshell Proof

1. Hang a clean garment - preferably outside
2. Hold bottle about 6-inches from the fabric and spray evenly
3. Wait two minutes and remove any excess drips
4. Hang to let dry

I use a combination of wash-in and spray-on applications for my technical garments. I usually re-proof them once a year or so with a wash-in. However, if I start to detect leakage at seams or along the shoulder area (where I usually get wetness) I will spray the affected area.

Of the softshells I use, few differ in their laundering and care instructions. Below, I have listed verbatim the care instructions for each of these softshell garments.

• Arc'Teryx Venta SV Jacket

1. Machine wash in warm water or dry clean
2. Do not use fabric softener
3. Tumble dry on low heat
4. Do not iron

• Marmot Sharpoint Jacket

1. Close all fasteners
2. Machine wash warm
3. Powdered detergent
4. No fabric softeners
5. Do not iron, bleach, or dry clean
6. Tumble dry low.

• EMS ENDO Jacket

1. Machine wash warm
2. Tumble dry low
3. Do not bleach
4. Do not use fabric softeners
5. Do not dry clean
6. Cool iron if needed

• The North Face Summit Series Windstopper Jacket

1. Do not dry clean
2. Hand or machine wash separately on delicate cycle in warm water
3. Use mild detergent
4. Rinse well
5. Do not bleach
6. Tumble dry at low heat
7. Secure all hook and loop closures

• Marmot Approach Vest

1. Machine wash warm
2. Wash with like colors
3. Powdered detergent no fabric softeners
4. Do not iron, bleach, or dry clean
5. Tumble dry low
6. Close all fasteners

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