How To Wash Kids Waterproof Clothing Without Ruining It

Keeping waterproof jackets, puddle suits, and outdoor gear adventure-ready for every rainy day. 

If your child loves puddles, mud kitchens, Forest School, or jumping in every stream they can find, then you’ll know one thing for certain:

Kids’ waterproofs work hard.

Really hard.

One minute they’re bright and clean, the next they’re splattered in mud, stuffed in the footwell of the car, and smelling faintly of wet leaves and woodland adventures.

But before you throw those waterproof trousers straight into a hot wash with the towels, it’s worth knowing that waterproof clothing needs a little extra care.

Wash it the wrong way and you can accidentally damage the waterproofing, reduce breathability, or shorten the life of the fabric.

The good news? Looking after waterproof clothing is actually pretty simple once you know what type of waterproofs your child is wearing.

In this guide, we’ll explain:

• How to wash kids’ waterproof clothing properly

• The difference between PU and technical waterproofs

• How to remove mud without over-washing

• When waterproofs need reproofing

• The biggest mistakes parents make when cleaning waterproof jackets and trousers

And if you’d rather watch than read, we’ve also included our video guide below.

First Things First: Don’t Overwash Waterproofs

This surprises lots of parents.

Waterproof clothing actually lasts longer when you wash it less.

Most muddy waterproofs don’t need a full washing machine cycle every time they’re worn.

Often, the easiest method is:

• Let the mud dry

• Brush or wipe it off

• Hang the waterproofs up to air

Simple.

Constant washing can gradually wear down waterproof coatings and reduce performance over time.

So unless they’re particularly grubby, smelly, or covered in wet mud, try spot-cleaning first.

The Golden Rules Of Washing Waterproof Clothing

No matter which brand your child wears, there are a few universal waterproof care rules worth remembering.

Never Use Fabric Conditioner

Fabric softener is the enemy of waterproof clothing.

It leaves behind a coating that affects how the fabric repels water and can stop breathable jackets working properly.

Avoid Harsh Detergents

Strong detergents and biological washing powders can damage waterproof treatments.

For technical outdoor gear, specialist cleaners are usually best.

Keep Heat Low

High heat can damage coatings, welded seams, and waterproof membranes.

Avoid drying waterproofs directly on radiators or using hot tumble dryer settings.

Always Check The Care Label

Different waterproof fabrics behave differently.

A quick glance at the label can save you from shrinking, peeling seams, or damaged coatings.

Understanding the different types of Waterproof Clothing

Not all waterproof clothing is made the same.

Most kids’ waterproof jackets and trousers fall into one of two categories:

• PU waterproofs

• Technical waterproofs

Knowing which type your child has makes caring for them much easier.

PU Waterproofs: The Muddy Play Heroes 

If your child attends Forest School, outdoor nursery, or simply loves mud, chances are you’ve already come across PU waterproofs.

These are the tougher waterproofs with the slightly rubbery feel.

They’re incredibly popular for younger children because they’re:

• Fully waterproof

• Hard-wearing

• Easy to clean

• Brilliant for wet weather play

Brands like Didriksons and Reima are especially popular with Forest Schools because they cope so well with repeated muddy adventures.

Unlike technical jackets, PU waterproofs don’t rely on breathable membranes and additional coatings.

The waterproof layer is built directly into the fabric itself.

That makes them wonderfully low maintenance.

The Easy Way To Clean PU Waterproofs

Most of the time, PU waterproofs don’t need a full wash.

For Everyday Muddy Messes

Simply:

✔ Hose them down outside

✔ Wipe clean with a damp cloth<

✔ Leave to air dry naturally

That’s often enough.

If They Need Washing Properly

Usually you can:

✔ Wash at 30–40°C

✔ Use a gentle synthetic cycle

✔ Use non-biological detergent

✔ Air dry naturally

Avoid:

✘ Fabric conditioner

✘ Tumble drying

✘ Radiators

✘ Direct heat - High heat can damage the PU coating over time.

Technical Waterproofs: The waterproof and breathable ones 

Technical waterproofs are great for older children who are starting to do some decent walks and who need protection from rain but also need the ability for the fabric to breath, so they don't get too sweaty!

A classic technical waterproof jacket is a shell jacket that may either have no lining or just a lightweight or mesh lining. The fabric is not as tough as the PU style fabric we've already mentioned so you won't want to intentionally slide down a muddy slope again and again in technical waterproofs. However as they fabric is breathable it will be much more comfortable to wear over the course of a day long hike.

The waterproofing of a technical garment relies on two factors; firstly the membrane and then the DWR (durable water repellency).

The membrane fabric is stuck to the inside of the outer fabric. Gore-Tex is the waterproof membrane most people have heard of but pretty much all outdoor clothing brands will also have their own in house version. The membrane keeps water out but allows some breathability. The membrane needs to be kept clean to function and to do this you need to wash the garment with a specific wash like Nikwax or Grangers. If you damage the membrane the jacket or trousers will leak.

The DWR is a coating on the outside of the fabric which allows water to bead and run off. When the DWR wears off - which it will do especially around shoulders if you are carrying a rucksack - the fabric will "wet out". This means that water is absorbed by the fabric, the membrane will still keep you dry but your garment will feel damp and cold to wear. Washing with a technical waterproof wash and then tumble drying your garment will reinstate the DWR.

Technical waterproofs are great but they do need some care to keep the waterproofing optimal. This makes them more suitable for older children who will be spending less time rolling around in mud!