How To Wash a Windbreaker

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Windbreakers are warm, comfortable, and much needed in colder months.

Since they are used frequently in colder months, they can easily get dirty and stained with extended use.

The process of washing them is slightly complicated as they’re made from delicate materials and thus extra care needs to be taken while doing it.

Here, I’ve jotted down the essential steps to help you wash your windbreaker safely and properly.

These are the 4 steps:

  1. Check the washing instructions on the label
  2. Remove the stains
  3. Wash it in a gentle cycle
  4. Let the windbreaker air-dry

Read on to find out more about how to wash your windbreaker correctly. Happy reading!

What You Need

Here’s what you need to wash your windbreaker correctly:

  1. Mesh bag or laundry bag (for machine-washing the windbreaker)
  2. Mild, non-chlorinated detergent
  3. Hydrogen peroxide (for removing more persistent stains)
  4. Dry, clean pieces of cloth (for scrubbing out the stains)
  5. Soft brush or sponge (for scrubbing out the stains)
  6. Washing machine that can run a gentle cycle

Step 1 – Check the labels on your windbreaker

Before you get down to washing your windbreaker, it is important to check the clothing labels on it and see the washing instructions (if given).

The label will tell you if your windbreaker can be washed in the machine and what kind of detergents can be used with it.

This is necessary because windbreakers are usually made from delicate materials that can get damaged if certain incorrect washing practices and methods are followed.

So it is always a good idea to follow the instructions on the care label.

Step 2 – Remove the stains

Getting rid of the stains on your windbreaker is essential before you machine-wash it.

To get started, mix some detergent with warm water in a small bowl and soak pieces of cloth in it.

Dab the stains on the jacket with the cloth and scrub the area to get rid of them.

Leave the solution on for a few minutes after the stains are gone and then rinse it off.

You can use hydrogen peroxide with water instead of detergent for more stubborn stains such as bloodstains.

Step 3 – Wash it in a gentle machine cycle

Next, you need to wash your windbreaker in the washing machine.

Again, do check the care label to see the instructions for machine-washing the jacket.

Put your windbreaker in a mesh bag and put that in the machine. The bag protects your windbreaker in the machine and prevents it from getting torn.

Set your machine to a gentle cycle that uses cold water. Hot water may damage the outer materials of the jacket and alter its texture. Use mild detergent.

Step 4 – Dry the windbreaker correctly

The last step is simple but should be done correctly. There are certain dos and don’ts when it comes to drying your windbreaker after a wash cycle.

After the cycle is complete, squeeze your windbreaker, but don’t wring it. You can also use a towel to absorb the excess water.

Next, hang up your windbreaker in a shaded area, allowing it to air-dry.

Avoid drying it in the dryer since the heat can damage the jacket’s delicate materials.

Final thoughts

Washing a windbreaker is simple but certain practices should be followed – and some avoided to do it correctly and prevent any sort of damage to it.

The washing process involves checking the washing instructions on the label of your windbreaker before using a cleaning solution to remove any stains.

Then, the windbreaker must be washed in a gentle machine cycle, in a mesh bag.

Lastly, it should be air-dried.