Garment care · Waterproof outerwear

Wash a Waterproof Shell Safely: Six Steps from Care Label to DWR

Waterproof shells need material-specific cleaning: dirt and detergent additives can interfere with surface water repellency. Follow GORE-TEX and REI guidance while prioritizing the label on your actual garment.

4 min read2026-10-22

Official GORE-TEX wash, dry and DWR guide; check your own label and fabric exceptions.

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OriginalOfficial wash, dry, DWR and SHAKEDRY exception instructionsGORE-TEX® Brand / Original publisher

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01

What you need

Jacket care label and fabric details
Appropriate liquid or technical detergent if permitted
A washer or the approved cleaning method
Drying area or appliance permitted by the label

02

How to

1. Identify the fabric and read its care label. General GORE-TEX guidance is not universal; separate exceptions such as waxed cotton and SHAKEDRY-style surfaces.
2. Empty the pockets and close front, pocket and underarm zips. Secure hook-and-loop fasteners and straps, remove loose dirt and confirm the maker's method.
3. If machine washing is allowed, use a small amount of a suitable liquid detergent and the specified cycle and temperature. GORE-TEX advises avoiding softener, bleach and powder detergent.
4. Rinse thoroughly. GORE-TEX recommends two rinses with minimal spinning to remove detergent residue; follow other garments' specific instructions.
5. Air-dry or gently tumble-dry only when permitted. Some GORE-TEX shells allow an additional 20 minutes of dryer heat after drying to revive DWR, but do not tumble-dry or iron SHAKEDRY items.
6. After the garment is fully dry, check whether droplets bead and roll off. If the face fabric still wets out, consider a fabric-compatible DWR renewal, following product, ventilation and drying instructions.

One more tip

Do not apply 40°C washing or tumble-dryer heat to every shell. Waxed cotton and GORE-TEX SHAKEDRY require different care; the garment manufacturer's label always takes precedence.

Sources and media

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A Korean outdoor label's wool-blend hooded fleece and colorblock stand-collar jacket need different care. Compare verified fabric compositions, everyday styling and wash instructions before choosing.