How to Extend the Waterproofness of Your Huakai Travel Jacket

Taking care of your Huakai Travel Rain Jacket properly will help maintain its waterproofness, so you can stay dry in any storm for years to come. Here are a few tips we recommend to extend the life of your jacket.

#1. Don’t be afraid to wash it (and often)

Most of the time, when someone says, “My jacket’s not waterproof anymore,” it just needs to be washed. Dirt, body oil, sunscreen, and especially campfire smoke can degrade DWR, allowing water to penetrate the fabric. Washing off these contaminants can help restore its performance.

A lot of people think cleaning a jacket strips away the DWR, but that’s not true. More washing can actually be better. That doesn’t mean you should wash it every time you use it. Instead, treat it like a good pair of jeans and wash your jacket when it starts to smell or gets dirty.

We recommend washing your Huakai Travel Rain Jacket at least once every season and after big trips, and more often if you’re sweating a lot while wearing it.

#2. Use a Technical Fabric Wash

Household detergents can leave behind a residue that can act like oils and dirt, attracting water. Instead, Nikwax uses biodegradable soaps that are gentler on fabrics and the environment than conventional detergents.

Avoid High Heat:

It is important to avoid exposing your DWR-coated jacket to high heat, as this can break down the coating. Instead, opt for air drying or tumble drying on a low-heat setting.

3. Test the DWR

Dry the jacket according to the care label, and then test the DWR by sprinkling or spraying water on the shoulders, waist, and back.

If the water beads up and rolls away, your jacket is good for another round. If any water absorbs into the jacket or the color of the fabric changes, the DWR needs to be reapplied.

You can also tell by wearing your clean jacket in the rain. If the rain doesn’t bead or the fabric starts to look soggy, it’s time to reapply the DWR.

#4. Reapply the DWR

DWR treatments come in aerosol and liquid sprays or as a wash-in treatment. Aerosols tend to use chemicals that can be hard on the environment, so we don’t recommend them.

The wash-in treatment works like laundry soap, soaking the garment in the DWR treatment. It’s best for shell-style jackets.

The liquid spray is applied with a spray bottle directly to the exterior of the jacket. We recommend Nikwax. The soft-shell treatment is preferred because it can soak into stretch fabric.

Spray Application

After washing (drying is optional), hang up the jacket and spray it all over, including the hood and under the arms. Give a few extra sprays to the shoulders, chest, and waist, where the most abrasion occurs and DWR is likely to wear off more quickly. Wipe off any excess liquid.

Wash-In Application

Read the DWR label to see how much to add for the number of garments and your type of washing machine. Most bottles can reapply the treatment to two or three jackets at a time.

Add the DWR treatment and clothing to a washing machine cycle according to the directions, typically using a warm-water wash and slow spin.

Store Properly

When not in use, store your DWR-coated jacket in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This will help prevent the coating from degrading and extend the life of your jacket.