A lot of people believe that washing a waterproof garment ruins its ability to keep water out. But that’s not true! The key isn’t avoiding washing altogether—it’s knowing when and how to do it properly.

Step 1: Do You Really Need to Wash It?
Before tossing your waterproof jacket into the machine, ask yourself: Does it actually need a full wash? If it’s just a bit muddy or has trail spray on it, a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth and warm water might be enough. Frequent washing can wear out your garment faster, so only wash when necessary.

Step 2: Use the Right Soap
If a wash is needed, using the correct detergent is crucial. Regular biological detergents can damage the waterproof membrane, making your jacket less effective at keeping you dry. That’s why we recommend STORM Eco Wash—it cleans thoroughly without harming the waterproof layer.

Step 3: Wash & Dry Correctly
Temperature: 30°C
Cycle: Synthetic wash
Drying: Leave indoors in a well-ventilated area overnight, or hang on the line in dry conditions.

Step 4: Re-Proof When Needed
Every waterproof garment is treated with a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish that helps water bead off the fabric instead of soaking in. Over time (and after a few washes), this coating wears down. If you notice water no longer beading up, it’s time to re-proof your garment.

We recommend STORM Eco Proof, available in two versions:

Wash-in (for overall re-proofing)
Spray-on (for high-wear areas like shoulders and seats)

Why Choose STORM?
STORM products use PFC-free C-ZERO chemistry, a sustainable alternative to traditional fluorocarbon treatments, which have been banned due to their harmful environmental impact.