Should I worry if my jacket stays wet for too long… what do you think?

I use a Gore-Tex jacket every day, and most of the time, it gets wet. If I leave it wet for a long time, could mold grow on it? Or is it enough to just make sure it dries out properly?

How often do you clean it? Have you checked the care instructions? Washing it alone in the machine and then drying it on low heat can help reactivate the water repellent coating.

Edit: I think I misunderstood earlier. I usually hang mine to dry and sometimes place it in front of a fan, which works fine.

@Nori
I don’t clean it much because I’m usually busy. That might be why it’s absorbing water. I’ll try your suggestion this weekend.

Marlon said:
@Nori
I don’t clean it much because I’m usually busy. That might be why it’s absorbing water. I’ll try your suggestion this weekend.

Yeah, my rain jacket wasn’t repelling water well either. I didn’t know you need to wash it regularly, and I had no idea drying it was so important. I do it more often now, and it’s in great shape.

Marlon said:
@Nori
I don’t clean it much because I’m usually busy. That might be why it’s absorbing water. I’ll try your suggestion this weekend.

That’s exactly why it’s absorbing water. A waterproof breathable fabric should have a DWR treatment so water beads up and rolls off. If the fabric gets soaked, it can’t vent moisture from the inside. It’ll still be waterproof, but you might feel damp inside.

You can refresh the DWR with a treatment like Nikwax Techwash. Check what the manufacturer recommends. Regular laundry soap might help, but it’s not the best option.

As long as you dry it in a place with good airflow and low humidity, it should be fine.

Always follow the care instructions. I once complained about a jacket losing its waterproofing, and the manufacturer said it wasn’t guaranteed because I didn’t wash it enough. But I have jackets that are 25 years old and still waterproof, even though I’ve only washed them a couple of times with regular detergent.

New materials need different care, and it’s not always clear from the name.