How to Care for Your Long Waterproof Coat

Our Top Tips on Caring for Your Waterproof Long Coat

We spend a lot of time choosing the right waterproof clothing - and why wouldn’t we? British weather is famously unpredictable, and staying warm and dry is a must!

But once you’ve found the best long waterproof coat and worn it on countless outings (again, why wouldn’t you?), it might start to look a bit worse for wear. Muddy paw prints from dog walks, sticky fingers after the school run, or general wear and tear can all take their toll.

Waterproof jackets and coats need a little know-how to clean properly. The good news? Once you’ve got the hang of it, it’s simple. To help you out, we’ve put together this handy guide packed with tips, tricks, and everything you need to care for your long waterproof coat.

How to Wash Your Waterproof Coat

We always recommend starting with the care instructions on your long coat. These are your best guide to cleaning a waterproof item like this, covering all the important details like the right temperature setting for washing and whether it’s safe for machine use or hand washing.

To cover both bases, we'll discuss the best ways to wash your coat by hand and in the machine.

By Hand

Washing waterproof garments by hand might involve a bit more elbow grease, but the wonderful thing is that you have much more control over the process.

Here is our step-by-step guide for washing a waterproof coat by hand:

1. Brush off dried mud and muck with a soft-bristled brush. What you're doing here is getting rid of as much visible excess dirt as possible - stuff that's going to end up muddying up your basin water straight off the bat.
2. Remove any detachable parts (such as hoods or liners) and empty the pockets too.
3. Fill a large basin or bathtub with lukewarm water.
4. Add a small amount of mild detergent designed for waterproof or technical fabrics - something like the Nikwax Tech Wash is a brilliant choice. Avoid regular laundry detergent or fabric conditioners, as they can damage the waterproof membrane.
5. Gently submerge the coat in the water and use your hands to lightly agitate the fabric, focusing on areas that may be dirtier or have stains. For spots or stains, use a soft, clean cloth or sponge to gently scrub the fabric with the soapy water.
6. Once the coat is clean, drain the soapy water and refill the basin with clean water.
7. Rinse the coat thoroughly, squeezing out any excess water as you go. Continue rinsing until all soap residue is gone.
8. Once cleaned, gently press out excess water to help with the drying process - but do not wring the coat as this can affect its shape.

Washing Machine

Modern waterproofing technology is often designed for machine washing, so this can save you some time (and effort!) if this is the case.

We've put together some basic guidance below as a rule of thumb, but please make sure you follow the care labels as different garments might have different instructions.

1. Close all zips, fasten Velcro straps, and empty any pockets. Turn the coat inside out to protect the outer fabric. If your coat has a removable liner or hood, remove them and wash separately if needed.
2. If your machine has a mesh laundry bag, it’s a good idea to put your coat inside to reduce the risk of snags and abrasion.
3. Ideally, just wash your coat on its own. Do not overload the washing machine, as this can cause the coat to get twisted and stretched.
4. Choose a gentle cycle, as harsh washing can damage the fabric and waterproof coating. Cold water is usually recommended, but again check the temperature suggested on the label.
5. Use a detergent that’s designed for waterproof or technical fabrics like the Nikwax Tech Wash we mentioned before. Avoid regular detergents or fabric softeners, as they can degrade the waterproof coating over time.
6. After the wash cycle is complete, it’s important to rinse the coat thoroughly to ensure all soap is removed. Some machines allow you to run an additional rinse cycle for this purpose.
7. Once washed, gently press out excess water - but do not wring the coat as this can affect its shape.

Drying Your Coat the Right Way

You've got a nice clean coat, so let's make sure it dries well! This is a simple step, but it can really impact the end result.

The best way to dry your waterproof coat is to let it air dry in a well-ventilated area. You could use a clothes horse or hang up in any large open space in your home.

Tumble dryers are usually a no-no. You also don't want to place your coat too close to a heat source, such as a radiator, fireplace, or heater. While it might seem like a quick fix, direct heat can cause the fabric to become brittle and break down the water-resistant properties.

Proper Storage for Your Coat

Now you've taken the time to wash your coat properly and dried it nicely, so tick off the last part of the process by storing it correctly. This can often be the hurdle people fall at, resulting in that horrible musty coat smell we all want to avoid!

A few easy storage tips for your coat are:

• Choose a cool, dry place to hang up your coat. Something like a coat rack, well ventilated cupboard, or a garage.
• On that note, hangers are a great way of helping maintain the coat's shape and preventing any creases or folds. Invest in a sturdy hanger that can hold the long coat's weight.
• Over the summer, or when you're not going to be wearing the coat much, use a breathable garment bag (not plastic bag) for long-term storage to keep the dust from building up on the surface and interior.

Regular Maintenance Checks

We've guided you through how to wash a waterproof coat, but there are also little things you can do to keep it at its best along the way.

Your long coat often gets put through the wringer, being exposed to all kinds of elements and outdoor activities as you go about your day. So occasionally, it might be subjected to a bit of wear and tear. Luckily, you can usually manage to avoid any major damage with a few maintenance tips:

• Every so often, inspect the seams, zips, and the fabric for any signs of deterioration.
• If you do spot any small holes, mend them as soon as possible with repair patches or a waterproof adhesive.
• Zips can sometimes be replaced too, so get in touch with our team for more information.

Tips for Tackling Stains and Odours

Mud, sweat, or accidental spills are all common coat stains that can happen. And most of the time, you can usually get away with spot cleaning or a quick freshen up.

While it may be tempting to just wash your coat after every use, frequent washing can be more of a negative than a positive. Waterproof fabrics can handle a lot, but you may find the water repellency and material starts to get worn down over time if you continually subject it to lots of detergent.

Try to save the proper full wash for when the coat starts to visibly show dirt or develop a strong smell that you definitely want to get rid of!

If you notice any stains or mild odours, these are some of our best tips to help:

• Act Quickly: For the most effective results, tackle stains as soon as possible. If you spill something on your coat or notice a stain, blot it gently with a damp cloth to lift the stain before it sets.
• Use Baking Soda: Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda inside the coat (especially on the lining) or directly on any areas that smell. Leave it overnight to let it do its thing. Shake or vacuum off the baking soda the next day.
• Removing Dog Hair: Use a lint roller or a pet hair remover brush to get rid of any stray fur on your coat. These tools work best on the surface of the fabric, and they’re an easy way to keep your coat looking clean after dog walks.

Restoring Waterproofing

Occasionally, depending on the material, you may need to reproof your waterproof gear. The easiest way to tell if this is the case is if rain stops beading on the surface and starts soaking in. This means its water repellent coating is wearing off and needs some special treatment.

Nikwax TX Direct Spray-On or Nikwax TX. Direct Wash In Waterproofer are two fantastic products designed specifically for technical gear. Just make sure you choose a spray or wash-in treatment that’s compatible with your own coat’s fabric (for example, Gore-Tex or DWR-treated fabrics).

Many waterproofing treatments need heat to bond with the fabric. After applying the treatment, you can iron it on a low setting (use a cloth between the iron and the jacket to avoid direct heat). This helps the waterproofing treatment form a stronger bond with the fibres. As ever, just double-check the instructions on the bottle before doing this.

Summary

A simple wash now and then, tackling stains early, and following proper care tips can keep the waterproof protection of your favourite coat doing what it does best: keeping you dry!

Remember to bookmark this care guide for future use and let us know in the comments if there are any other topics you'd like us to cover on our blog - we'd love to hear from you.

About the Author

Sarah Holland lives in the British countryside and has a serious love for coats—the collection in her wardrobe is proof! She’s always on the lookout for outerwear that combines practical features for the outdoors with a style that you actually want to wear, believing a good waterproof coat should be your go-to for both comfort and looking good. Now, she’s here to share her insights and help you discover your next perfect coat.