Ever stood in the rain watching water bead up and roll off someone’s jacket while yours soaks through?
That water-shedding magic comes from a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating.
When you’ve scored an awesome used North Face or other technical jacket at a great price, you might notice it doesn’t repel water like it should.
Don’t worry—this is normal and fixable! With some simple steps, you can bring that water-repellency back to life.
Why Water-Repellent Finishes Wear Off?
Before diving into restoration, it helps to understand why these finishes fail over time. Water-repellent coatings aren’t permanent—they gradually wear away due to:
- Regular wear and friction from backpack straps and daily movement
- Dirt and oils from your skin and environment
- Washing with harsh detergents that strip protective coatings
- Age and exposure to environmental elements
DWR doesn’t make fabric waterproof—it creates a hydrophobic surface that makes water bead up rather than soak in. When this coating diminishes, the fabric “wets out,” becoming heavy and losing breathability.
Testing Your Garment’s Current Water Repellency
Before starting any restoration, you should test your garment’s current condition:
- Sprinkle a few drops of water on different areas of the garment
- Watch what happens—does it bead up or soak in?
- If water soaks in immediately, your DWR needs restoration
Preparing Your Garment for Treatment
Proper cleaning is crucial for successful DWR restoration. Without this step, you’re just trapping dirt under a new coating.
Start by:
- Reading the care label on your garment
- Washing with a technical cleaner designed for outdoor gear
- Avoiding fabric softeners, bleach, or standard detergents
- Rinsing thoroughly to remove all soap residue
Technical cleaners are specially formulated to remove oils and dirt without damaging performance fabrics or leaving residue.
DWR Restoration Methods
There are three main approaches to restoring water repellency, each with its own advantages:
| Method | Best For | Durability | Ease of Application |
| Wash-in treatments | Full garment coverage | Medium (5-7 washes) | Easy |
| Spray-on applications | Targeted treatment | Low-Medium (3-5 washes) | Medium |
| Heat activation | Reviving existing DWR | Low (1-3 washes) | Very Easy |
Method 1: Heat Activation
Sometimes, you can revive the existing DWR with heat:
- Make sure your garment is clean and completely dry
- Run a clothes dryer on low heat for 15-20 minutes
- Or use an iron on low setting (no steam) with a cloth between iron and garment
This method works by melting and redistributing the remaining DWR polymers on the fabric surface.
Method 2: Spray-On DWR Application
When heat activation isn’t enough:
- Hang your clean, dry garment outdoors or in a well-ventilated area
- Hold the spray bottle 6-8 inches away from the fabric
- Apply evenly, focusing on high-wear areas like shoulders and hood
- Let dry completely, then heat activate with a dryer or iron as above
Remember: Overspray can affect breathability, so apply evenly but don’t saturate.
Method 3: Wash-In DWR Treatment
For comprehensive coverage:
- Wash and rinse your garment thoroughly
- Add the wash-in treatment to your washer according to package directions
- Run a gentle cycle
- Dry completely, then heat activate for best results
Environmental Considerations
Modern DWR treatments have evolved to be more environmentally friendly. When choosing products:
- Look for PFC-free options (perfluorocarbon-free)
- Consider biodegradable formulas
- Use only as much product as needed
Many older technical garments used C8 fluorocarbon treatments that are being phased out for environmental reasons. Newer treatments are often just as effective but more eco-friendly.
Maintaining Your Restored Garment
After restoring water repellency, maintain it with these practices:
- Clean your gear regularly but gently
- Avoid harsh detergents and fabric softeners
- Reapply DWR treatments after every 5-10 washes
- Store properly—hang in a cool, dry place
By properly caring for your technical garments, you can extend their lifespan significantly—good for both your wallet and the planet.
How to Know When Restoration Isn’t Enough
Sometimes, an older technical garment can’t be fully restored because:
- The face fabric has degraded
- The membrane (like Gore-Tex) has failed
- The garment has been damaged beyond repair
If you’ve tried multiple restoration attempts with no success, it might be time to consider recycling programs for technical gear.
Final Thoughts
Breathing new life into pre-owned technical garments is rewarding and practical.
With proper restoration of water-repellent finishes, you can enjoy high-performance gear without paying full price.
Remember that regular maintenance is key to keeping your restored garments functioning at their best.
The next time you’re caught in a downpour, you’ll be glad you took the time to restore that water-repellent finish on your used technical jacket.
Q&A
Why isn’t my used waterproof jacket repelling water like it should?
Answer:
Because the DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating has worn off. This happens due to:
- Friction from backpacks
- Dirt, oils, and sweat
- Repeated washing (especially with harsh detergents)
- Age and UV exposure
The fabric is likely still technically waterproof, but it’s “wetting out”—absorbing surface water, which reduces breathability and comfort.
How do I test if my jacket still has a working DWR finish?
Answer:
Sprinkle some water on the fabric:
- Beads up and rolls off? → DWR is still working.
- Soaks in immediately? → DWR has failed and needs restoration.
Test multiple areas—shoulders, cuffs, and hood tend to lose DWR fastest.
What’s the easiest way to restore DWR?
Answer:
Heat activation is the simplest:
- Wash and dry the jacket
- Tumble dry on low for 15–20 minutes
(Or iron on low with a cloth between the iron and fabric)
This often revives the original coating—no product needed.
How often do I need to reapply DWR treatments?
Answer:
Typically every 5–10 washes, or when water stops beading.
High-friction areas (like shoulders or cuffs) may need spot-treating sooner.
How should I care for my jacket after restoring DWR?
Answer:
- Wash only when needed, using technical cleaner
- Avoid fabric softeners, bleach, and dryers on high heat
- Hang to store in a cool, dry place
- Reapply DWR as needed to maintain performance
Proper care = longer lifespan and better performance.
Is it worth restoring a used jacket instead of buying new?
Answer:
Yes, if:
- The jacket’s shell and membrane are intact
- You’re willing to invest a little time in cleaning and treating
- You want to save money and reduce waste
You can get years of reliable use out of a restored jacket at a fraction of the cost of new gear.
