Your waterproof jacket is your shield against rain, wind, and cold. Whether you’re racing or training, it takes it all. But to keep it effective, you need to take care of it. Washing, drying, products to avoid… Here’s everything you need to know to maintain your trail jacket without compromising its performance.
Hand washing: simple, gentle, effective
If you want to maximize the lifespan of your jacket, hand washing is a safe bet. Here’s how to do it:
- Soak your jacket in lukewarm water (not hot!) with a gentle detergent like Marseille soap or a detergent made for technical fabrics.
- Gently rub the dirty areas, without using a harsh brush.
- Rinse thoroughly with clear water.
- Hang it on a hanger to air dry, away from radiators or direct sunlight.
👉 This washing method is especially recommended after a very muddy or sandy outing.
Machine washing: doable, but with caution
Yes, you can machine wash your waterproof jacket, but not just any way. Here are the right habits to adopt:
- Close all pockets, zippers, and Velcro to avoid fabric wear.
- Use a laundry bag to protect it from the drum and other clothes (zippers, Velcro, hooks).
- Choose a delicate cycle at max 30°C (if your machine has a sport mode, even better).
- Prefer a gentle liquid detergent, without softener or bleach.
- Spin at minimum speed to avoid damaging the membrane.
👉 Avoid regular detergents, powders, and harsh stain removers: they can clog the membrane’s pores and ruin waterproofing.
Drying: air dry or moderate tumble dry?
The best option remains air drying, hanging on a hanger in a dry, ventilated place. But if you really need a quick dry:
You can use a tumble dryer on a delicate, moderate temperature setting, but only after machine washing, not just after your trail run.
If you don’t have a tumble dryer, you can iron your jacket at a very low temperature, without steam, protecting the membrane with a thin cloth (never directly on the watch window or cords).
👉 Discover all our waterproof trail jackets.
Good habits to preserve your jacket
Some simple tips to apply daily:
- Don’t wash it too often: only after several intense uses or if it’s visibly dirty.
- Avoid dry cleaning, softeners, and bleach.
- Store it on a hanger, never rolled or compressed in its hood: this preserves shape and membrane.
- These tips also apply to your waterproof pants, your over-mitts, or any gear equipped with a technical membrane.
Discover at Raidlight: the washing bag to clean your shoes, jackets, and trail pack.
In summary
Maintaining your waterproof jacket isn’t just about cleanliness: it’s a real move to extend its lifespan, preserve its technical qualities, and ensure you optimal protection during races and training. Well-maintained gear means a more confident trail runner on the paths.
