The Right Way to Wash Your Windbreaker Without Damage

Windbreakers are those handy, go-to jackets that are lightweight, breathable, and super easy to stash in your bag or car—perfect for unexpected weather. But let’s be real, they don’t get washed as often as they should. After all, they’re “cleaned” when it rains, right?

Well, not exactly. If you wear your windbreaker a lot, it will eventually soak up dirt, sweat, and maybe even a bit of funk. But don’t worry—cleaning it isn’t as tricky as it sounds!

Here’s your ultimate guide to washing your windbreaker the easy way. If your jacket is machine washable, toss it in on a low heat. If you’re unsure, a simple hand wash in the sink with detergent and a soft sponge will do the trick.

Gently scrub, rinse well, and then let it air dry—either on a towel or by hanging it up. In no time, your windbreaker will be fresh, clean, and ready for the next adventure!

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Types of Windbreakers

Before choosing your cleaning method, it’s a good idea to figure out what you’re dealing with. Windbreakers are made from different materials, and as such, different jackets require different cleaning methods. So check the care label to identify what material your jacket is, and if there are any recommended cleaning methods.

1. Water-Resistant Windbreakers.

These jackets are treated with a water-repellant coating (DWR), meaning water rolls off the jacket instead of being absorbed. You’ll need to be careful not to melt or scrub this coating off your windbreaker when cleaning. 

2. Single-Layer Nylon.

This type is the most sought-after type, as they are extremely thin and lightweight. However, they can damage easily because they’re made from a single piece of thin nylon. They can tear but aren’t coated with anything.

3. Polyester.

Polyester is an affordable, synthetic fiber; many windbreakers are made from this. The jackets look similar to the nyon ones. However, the different fabric means they are usually a bit heavier and bulkier. 

4. Outer Shell Jackets.

Outer shells are a little more technical, with more layers and more space. However, they are not water proof or repellant.

5. Insulated.

These jackets are made from a double layer. The inside layer is fleece or cotton, and the outer layer is breathable nylon to help with water resistance. 

6. Tricot Breaker.

Finally, this jacket is the first choice for many athletes. Tricot is the material that makes the jacket a good light insulating layer that’s incredibly comfortable and soft to wear. However, they’re not water resistant. 

Quick Tips and Things to Bear in Mind

• Synthetic fabrics can shrink in extreme heat, so be careful when machine washing or drying in the tumble dryer.
• Certain chemicals can eat away at the protective layer of chemicals on the jackets that make them waterproof, so make sure you’re using the right products. Any detergent containing bleach, whitener, and stain remover is not recommended for windbreakers. 
• Hand-washing is always safer, so stick the jacket in a sink or a bucket instead of the machine if in doubt.
• Always check the care instructions on the jacket. Windbreakers can be made of various fabrics and coated with different products, and as such, you should always refer to the instructions provided on the jacket.

Preparations Before Washing

1. Brush off loose dirt and debris; there’s no use in adding dirt and mud into your washing machine for no reason.
2. Empty all pockets! This is an obvious one that many of us neglect when washing anything.
3. Check for any major stains, and treat them before washing.
4. Do up all of the zips to protect them.
5. Gather all the necessary ingredients. 

How to Remove Stubborn Stains

As mentioned previously, it’s a good idea to attack stubborn stains before washing the entire garment. Fortunately, it’s not that complicated.

Flatten out the windbreaker on a table or on the floor, then make your cleaning solution. In a bowl, combine a  little mild detergent with some water, and stir to make a thick paste. Then, apply the paste directly onto the stain and rub it with a cloth in circular motions. Do not use anything abrasive, and do not scrub too hard. 

Leave the solution to get to work for 5-10 minutes, then wipe away with a clean, wet cloth. If the stain persists, repeat these steps. 

How to Machine Wash a Windbreaker

First, check that your jacket is machine washable to prevent unnecessary or irreparable damage. Many windbreakers are safe for the machine but double-check this first. If it’s unclear, avoid machine washing and skip to the next method instead.

What you’ll need:

• A mesh laundry or lingerie bag.
• Mild detergent.
• Fabric softener (optional)
• Tennis balls (optional)

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Steps to machine wash windbreaker.

1. Place the jacket in a lingerie or laundry bag to ensure the jacket doesn’t get tangled with other garments and to protect the zipper.
2. Put a small amount of a non-chlorinated powder detergent. If you wish to use liquid detergent, check the label to ensure it’s safe your jacket fabric. 
3. Set the machine to a gentle cycle and on a cool or warm cycle. Avoid setting to a hot cycle, as it may damage the fabric. 
4. Now, rinse the jacket to ensure it is free from any detergent. For this stage, you can use a little fabric softener. Then, start the cool rinse cycle.
5. Now, dry the jacket. You can leave it somewhere to air dry, ideally hung up. Otherwise, you could use a tumble dryer. However, you should be careful and only set it to s short, low-heat cycle. If you have an insulated jacket, you may want to tumble dry with a few tennis balls to fluff up the insulating layer. 

How to Hand Wash your Windbreaker

Handwashing is a good default method if you’re not sure of the material of the jacket. 

What you’ll need:

• Mild detergent. 
• Fabric softener (optional)
• Soft washing brush or sponge.
• Bucket, basin, large sink, or bathtub.
• Coathanger. 

Steps to hand wash your windbreaker:

1. First, always check the care label. It may indicate any special instructions. 
2. Fill a bucket or basin with cold water, and add a small amount of mild detergent and a little fabric softener (optional).
3. Submerge the windbreaker, and leave it to soak for a few minutes.
4. Then, swirl and agitate the jacket in the basin a little.
5. Gran the soft brush or sponge and start scrubbing the jacket to remove any dirt or stains. Make sure to do so gently to avoid scraping off the protective coating or damaging the fabric. 
6. Again, soak the jacket for 30 minutes, then rinse the jacket thoroughly in cold water. Ensure all traces of soap have been removed.
7. Hand up the jacket somewhere to dry.

Can I Tumble Dry my Windbreaker?

Technically yes, but we don’t recommend it. 

Windbreakers are made from synthetic materials that are tightly woven to create a windproof barrier between you and the elements. These fibers can warp and shrink when exposed to extreme heat, such as that of the tumble dryer.

So, if you tumble dry your windbreaker on regular or high heat, you may end up with something that will not fit a grown adult and will instead need to be donated to a niece, nephew, or your child. 

The best way to dry a windbreaker is by laying it flat on a towel or handing it up somewhere. 

If you’re keen to use a tumble dryer, make sure you use the lowest heat setting possible on a short cycle. Make sure to remove the jacket as soon as you think it’s dry or mostly dry.

To Summarize

Windbreakers take good care of us, so it’s a good idea to try and take care of them. Synthetic jackets can last years if cared for correctly but can be instantly damaged if washed or dried improperly.

If in doubt, wash the windbreaker by hand with a bit of detergent. Scrub the jacket gently with a soft sponge and rinse thoroughly. Then, leave it on a dry towel to air dry or hang it up somewhere.

For stubborn stains, make a mixture of water and detergent and rub it into the stain, leave it to sit for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Be gentle, and be careful; otherwise, enjoy your nice, fresh jacket!