How to Wash & Reproof Waterproof Trousers

Waterproof trousers are designed to protect you from rain, wind and wet ground, but their performance relies heavily on proper care. Dirt, sweat and general wear gradually affect the outer fabric, especially around high-friction areas such as the knees, seat and lower legs.

Incorrect washing, or washing waterproof trousers with everyday clothing, can reduce breathability and water repellence over time. This guide explains how to wash waterproof trousers correctly, when to reproof them, and how to help extend their usable life.

We have guides on caring for other types of clothing too. If you’re interested take a look at our guides on washing waterproof jackets or washing and re-fluffing puffer jackets.

Washing and caring for any waterproof clothing at first might seem a bit daunting or maybe concerning if you’re uncertain of what actually makes a product waterproof, or how it’s all put together to begin with. We’re here to dispel those concerns with a straightforward guide for how to wash waterproof trousers along with how to maintain the DWR layer on your waterproof trousers(Durable Water Repellent).

1. Remove any excess mud and dirt: Only necessary if you’ve been on a muddy hike or trail generally. This step is to ensure a more thorough wash inside the washing machine. Be gentle with this step if the mud has dried on. Avoid scrubbing the fabric. Use a soft bristle brush or cloth with warm water and gently soak and brush away the loose muck.
2. Empty pockets: Check that you have removed everything from the pockets. Check all pockets, front, back, and don’t forget your coin pockets also. Washing trousers with tissues or receipts can be annoying but washing your wallet or phone is worst case scenario.
3. Fasten or zip up the trousers: Zip up or button up the trousers, zip up the pockets, and if your trousers have touch fasten or Velcro around the ankles then fasten those up too.
4. Turn inside out: If you like to get good wear out of your clothing then I’d recommend you turn your trousers inside out. It reduces wear to the outer fabric. Though if your trousers are particularly muddy then it may be best to keep them the right way out to avoid trapping in mud.
5. Read the instruction label: This will indicate what temperature you should be washing the trousers at or rather, what temperature you should not exceed. An important step for washing anything waterproof.
6. Add in a pure soap or a detergent designed for waterproof clothing: Avoid using any standard laundry detergents as these can damage the water repellence of waterproof clothing. We recommend using our Wash-in Cleaner.
7. Wash the trousers on a gentle wash: Wash on gentle as well as cool. Washing too hot has the potential to damage the waterproof membrane. We recommend washing at 30 Degrees as it reduces wear as well as being better for the environment.
8. Tumble dry the trousers: check the care label and tumble if it says its ok. Keep it on low, but a gentle heat will keep the DWR in place better.

Only wash one or two waterproof items at a time. We’d recommend you also avoid adding any other clothing or towels to the wash.

Is water seeping through on your knees or the seat of your trousers? This doesn’t mean that it’s time to replace them just yet. For most waterproof trousers there’s two stages of water repellence. Firstly is the knit of the trousers, which should be tight enough to block water from getting through, though can loosen over time. Secondly is the water repellent finish, which can come off after a lot of wear. You can bring both of these back if you follow our instructions.

Here’s how to re-proof your waterproof trousers:

1. When washing your trousers in the washing machine, add a wash-in proofer along with adding in your wash-in cleaner. When using a wash-in proofer, your waterproof trousers will come out of the washing machine more water-resistant.
2. Tumble dry. Do this at a low temperature. This will reactivate the DWR(Durable Water Repellent). Check the machine frequently to avoid overheating