The waterproof trail jacket is your essential ally for braving the elements on your outdoor adventures. But how do you look after it properly? Can you machine wash a waterproof jacket? What detergent should I use to preserve its technical properties? To maintain its performance and extend its durability, discover our practical advice on how to clean it properly.
By hand :
- Soak the trail jacket in lukewarm water with a little detergent (use a mild detergent such as Marseille soap or a specialist detergent for technical or waterproof clothing).
- Gently rub the dirty areas.
- Rinse thoroughly.
Machine wash :
- Close all the zips.
- When you wash your running jacket with other clothes, zips, Velcro or plastic parts can damage it. It's best to use a mesh bag so that nothing can damage it.
- Wash your jacket right side up to avoid direct contact between the membrane and the machine drum.
- Use a delicate programme at 30°C maximum (some machines have a sports mode).
- Add a small amount of mild detergent, such as Marseille soap, or a specific detergent for technical and waterproof clothing.
- Avoid conventional detergents containing softeners, which can damage the membrane. Choose a liquid detergent rather than a powder.
- Set spin speed to minimum to preserve fabric performance
How do you dry your trail jacket?
- Dry your waterproof jacket in the open air, away from a source of direct heat.
- After a trail run, simply hang the jacket on a hanger to dry naturally.
- You can tumble-dry your waterproof jacket at moderate temperature on the delicate program. Do not dry your rain jacket at high temperatures.
- The tumble dryer should only be used after the garment has been washed in the washing machine.
- If you don't have a tumble dryer, you can iron at very low temperature, without steam, using a protective cloth. Do not iron over watch windows or drawstrings.
Additional tips
- Avoid washing too often. Keep in mind that a waterproof jacket should be washed as infrequently as possible.
- Clean your jacket after several intensive uses, or as soon as it shows visible traces of dirt.
- No dry-cleaning
- No fabric softener
- No bleach
- To preserve the quality of your waterproof jacket, it's essential to keep it on a hanger. Avoid storing it in a ball in your pocket or hood.
All these tips also apply to all your waterproof equipment: waterproof pants, waterproof over-mitts, etc.
By following these tips, you'll be able to enjoy the technical qualities of your trail jacket for a long time to come, and face the elements with complete peace of mind. Taking care of your trail equipment is also a guarantee of safety on the trails.
Coming soon: a polyamide mesh wash bag, made in France in our Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse workshop, ideal for gently cleaning your shoes, waterproof jackets and trail bags.
