Guide · Laundry and clothes washing · October 24, 2026

How to Wash Softshell

Softshell is a flexible, windproof technical fabric that often has a water-repellent coating; it is used in outdoor jackets, coats and trousers. Sweat, dust and mud reduce the fabric's breathability and water repellency, while washing it the wrong way can damage the coating. This guide explains how to wash softshell garments, how to wash a softshell jacket and how to wash softshell trousers. For raincoats, see our guide how to wash a raincoat.

Before you start

Read the label: check the washing temperature and the drying and ironing symbols.
Close the zips: empty the pockets and close zips and Velcro; this reduces friction.
Brush off mud: let mud dry and brush it off; for details, see how to remove mud stains.
Turn inside out: wash the garment inside out.

How to machine wash softshell?

Wash softshell garments separately from other laundry or with similar technical garments.
Use a small amount of a liquid laundry detergent such as TETİK detergent for coloureds, without exceeding the amount on the label.
Choose the delicate or synthetics programme, the low temperature on the label and a low spin speed.
Do not use fabric softener; it reduces the properties of breathable, water-repellent fabric.
Select an extra rinse so that no detergent residue remains.

How to wash a softshell jacket?

Before washing, pre-treat sweat and grease marks on the hood, collar and cuffs of a softshell jacket with a stain remover suitable for the fabric (how to remove collar stains). Wash a removable fleece lining separately (how to wash fleece). Wash the jacket using the steps above, keep the zips closed, then shake it out and hang it up when you take it out of the machine. For jackets with down or fibre filling, follow the steps in how to wash a winter jacket.

How to wash softshell trousers?

Let the mud on the knees and hems of the trousers dry and brush it off.
Turn the trousers inside out and close the zips and buttons.
Wash using the steps above, at a low temperature and with liquid detergent.
Dry the trousers on a hanger or laid flat.

Drying and the water-repellent coating

Dry softshell garments on a hanger in the shade.
Use a tumble dryer only if the label allows it, and at the low heat recommended by the manufacturer.
Do not dry on a radiator or in direct sunlight.
If water repellency fades over time, use the water-repellent care product recommended by the manufacturer.
Do not iron unless the label allows it.

What not to do

Using fabric softener on softshell garments.
Using too much detergent.
Washing softshell garments in hot water.
Using bleach on softshell garments.
Drying softshell garments on a radiator.

For teams working outdoors

In teams working outdoors, such as cargo, courier, field and outdoor guiding teams, softshell jackets and trousers are used as workwear; washing them at regular intervals with a little liquid detergent, without fabric softener and at a low temperature, and drying them well make for a well-organised routine. For workwear, see our guide how to wash work clothes. TETİK detergent for coloureds is produced in 4 kg packs; for bulk purchases you can request a quote.

Prepared by: Tetikoğlu Kimya — cleaning chemicals manufacturer since 1997. When using products, always follow the instructions and warnings on the pack.

Frequently asked questions

Can softshell be machine washed?

Softshell garments whose label allows it can be machine washed inside out with the zips closed, on a delicate or synthetics programme, at a low temperature and with a little liquid detergent. Fabric softener is not used.

At what temperature should softshell be washed?

Softshell is washed at the temperature on its label; a low temperature is generally recommended. The temperature on the label is not exceeded.

Can softshell go in the tumble dryer?

A softshell garment is tumble dried only if the label allows it and at the low heat recommended by the manufacturer; otherwise it is dried on a hanger in the shade.