Why is my waterproof no longer shedding water?

Why Your Waterproof Cycling Gear No Longer Sheds Water Like It Used To (And How to Fix It)

For many cyclists, a reliable waterproof jacket or pair of rainproof trousers is an essential piece of kit. Whether you’re commuting, touring, or tackling local trails, staying dry can make all the difference between an enjoyable ride and a miserable one. But over time, you might notice that your once-waterproof gear is no longer repelling water as it once did. Instead of beading up and rolling off, rainwater begins to soak into the fabric. This phenomenon is known as wetting out—but what causes it, and how can you restore your gear’s water-shedding abilities? Read on to find out.

What Is Wetting Out?
Wetting out occurs when the durable water repellent (DWR) coating on your cycling gear breaks down or gets contaminated. Normally, DWR allows water to bead up and roll off the fabric’s surface, keeping the outer layer dry. However, dirt, sweat, body oils, and general wear can degrade this coating over time. When the outer layer soaks up moisture instead of repelling it, the fabric becomes saturated.

While wetting out doesn’t mean your gear is no longer waterproof (the waterproof membrane beneath still works), it significantly impacts breathability. Modern waterproof cycling jackets and rain gear are designed to let sweat and moisture escape while keeping rain out. But when the outer fabric is soaked, it blocks this process, leaving you damp and clammy from the inside. Materials like Gore-Tex, which feature a breathable waterproof membrane, are particularly affected when the outer fabric wets out.

How to Restore Your Waterproof Gear
Thankfully, wetting out isn’t permanent, and you don’t need to replace your gear just yet. With proper cleaning and reproofing, you can restore your gear’s DWR water repellency and extend its lifespan. One of the best ways to do this is by using Storm Technical Garment Wash alongside a quality reproofing treatment. Here’s how:

Step 1: Wash with Storm Technical Garment Wash
Ordinary detergents can leave behind residues that clog the waterproof fabric’s pores, further reducing breathability. Storm Technical Garment Wash is specially formulated to remove dirt, sweat, and detergent residues without damaging the DWR coating.

Close all zips and fastenings on your garment.
Place your waterproof gear in the washing machine.
Add the recommended amount of Storm Technical Garment Wash.
Run a gentle cycle at 30°C or 40°C, following the garment’s care label instructions.
Rinse thoroughly to ensure no detergent residue remains.
Step 2: Apply a Reproofing Treatment
Once your gear is clean, it’s time to restore the DWR coating. Use a Storm Technical Garment Proofer to rejuvenate water repellency.

While the garment is still damp, apply the reproofing treatment as per the instructions (either wash-in or spray-on, depending on the product used).
Run another short washing cycle (if using wash-in treatment) or allow the treatment to soak into the fabric for a few minutes if using a spray.
Dry the garment according to the manufacturer’s instructions—tumble drying on a low heat can help reactivate the DWR.

Keep Your Waterproof Gear Performing Like New
To maximize the lifespan of your waterproof cycling gear, wash it regularly with a technical cleaner and avoid standard detergents. Reapply a waterproofing treatment whenever you notice water no longer beading on the surface. With proper care, your jacket and rain gear will continue to keep you dry and comfortable on all your rides.

By using products like Storm Technical Garment Wash and a quality DWR reproofer such as Storm Spray on Reproofer or Wash on reproofer, you’ll not only restore your gear’s waterproof properties but also maintain its breathability—ensuring you stay comfortable even in the wettest conditions.

So, before you think about replacing that soaked-through waterproof cycling jacket, try giving it some much-needed care. A little maintenance goes a long way in keeping your gear performing at its best!