Foul weather gear is an investment and there’s nothing worse than that sinking feeling when you realize that your gear is not keeping you dry. The fact is that there’s more to caring for foul weather gear than just hanging it up at the end of a race.

Keeping foul weather gear clean is important, helping to extend its life and performance. An accumulation of sweat, oils and salt can be detrimental to gear, according to the experts at Mustang Survival. Washing your gear is not just OK, it’s recommended, and can help add years to the life of the gear sailors depend on to stay dry.

Mustang Survival recommends a simple procedure for keeping foul weather gear in tiptop shape.

Before washing, close all zippers, fasten flaps and straps and loosen any adjuster cords. Then spot clean any areas with heavy dirt or stains. Stubborn stains can be treated with a fabric technical wash.

A small amount of technical wash designed for waterproof outerwear or an additive-free mild detergent without stain removers, bleach or fabric softener, should also be added to the wash cycle. Using a gentle wash cycle at a temperature of 104 degrees—the warm temperature setting on most washing machines—run gear through a full cycle.

The next step in the process is perhaps the most surprising. After washing, toss gear into the dryer on a warm, gentle cycle. Contrary to what many people think, drying can help reinvigorate the water repellent finish. 

If water does not bead up, then reapplying a durable waterproof repellent coating is a good idea, and this is best done after washing and before drying. A non-wax non-silicone-based DWR coating that comes in a spray is recommended so the membrane side of the gear is not coated, as would be the case with a wash-in repellent.

Before drying, use a spray-on waterproofer to evenly spray the whole garment, working from the middle to the edges. Pay special attention to areas prone to wetting out, including the shoulders, seams and elbows. Clean up excess liquid with a cloth before activating the waterproofer in the dryer. Follow the instructions on the waterproofer, or dry for 20 minute on low heat until the garment is fully dry, continuing in five minute increments for additional dry time as needed.

Foul weather gear  may have a longer life than you realize, so long as it gets some regular care.