How do you get the smell out of a waterproof jacket?

Over time, even the most high-quality and expensive waterproof jackets can develop an unpleasant odor. A smelly jacket can be uncomfortable to wear.

In this quick guide, we’ll explore some tips and tricks for getting the smell out of your waterproof jacket.

Why does my waterproof jacket smell?

If your waterproof jacket has developed an unpleasant odor, this can be due to bacterial growth, improper drying, or improper storage.

Sweat and bacterial growth

If your perspiration comes into direct contact with your waterproof jacket, this can lead to bacterial growth and odor.

Your body heat can easily create a warm, and humid environment inside the jacket that will facilitate bacterial growth.

If you don’t wash and dry your jacket properly, bacteria can build up over time.

It’s easier to prevent bacterial growth or nip it in the bud than to get rid of a bacteria colony that’s been thriving on your jacket for weeks or months.

Improper drying

If your jacket doesn’t dry properly, it can develop a musty odor over time.

This typically happens if you don’t dry your jacket properly after wearing it in damp conditions or after washing it.

Improper storage

Don’t store your jacket in a damp or humid environment. Storing it in your basement or garage is a very bad idea.

What you want to do is store it in a dry and well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.

How do I get the smell out of my waterproof jacket?

Wash your jacket

To get an unpleasant smell out of your waterproof jacket, start by washing it according to the care instructions on the label.

Some washing machines have a special cool wash cycle for waterproof clothing. Select that wash cycle and use a gentle detergent. Ideally, use a special detergent for waterproof clothing.

Do not use fabric softeners or bleach.

Use vinegar or baking soda

If for whatever reason, you can’t wash the jacket or the odor persists after washing it, try using vinegar and baking soda.

My grandma used to rely on these two methods to remove unpleasant odors from clothes. Of course, she didn’t have any waterproof clothes in her wardrobe but her solutions worked.

Add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to neutralize any lingering smells.

You can sprinkle a small amount of baking soda onto the jacket, and leave it for a few hours. Then brush it off and hang the jacket up to dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.

Alternatively, you can soak your jacket in a bucket of water with a few teaspoons of baking soda for one or two hours. That should help reduce any remaining odors.

Baking soda is a cheap and effective cleaning agent that’s not abrasive.

Freeze your jacket

Freezing your jacket can help you remove bacteria causing unpleasant odors.

Wash and dry your jacket, then freeze it for a couple of days. Freezing does not necessarily kill all types of bacteria, but it can pause their growth.

Take your jacket out of the freezer, let it thaw, and then wash it again to remove any residue.

It should be easier to get rid of those nasty bacteria while they’re still dormant.

In some cases, it may not be necessary to wash the jacket after you take it out of the freezer. Use your sense of smell to determine if you need to wash it again.

Reapply a water-repellent product

After following the steps above, most likely, you’ll need to reapply a water-repellent product on your jacket.

How do you keep a waterproof jacket from smelling?

To prevent your waterproof jacket from developing an unpleasant odor even with regular use, make sure to properly clean and dry it according to the care instructions on the label.

Store it in a dry, well-ventilated area to prevent bacterial growth and odor.

Always wear a long-sleeve pullover so that your jacket doesn’t come in direct contact with your skin.

If you happen to sweat a lot, the pullover with absorb the sweat making it easier for you to clean your jacket when you get home.

By the way, before tossing your clothes into the washing machine, turn them inside out. Sweat and bacteria from your body tend to accumulate on the inside of your clothes. Flipping them inside out helps you wash them more thoroughly.

Hope this helps.