Take good care of your ski jacket and it will take good care of you for years to come. It's one of the keys to keeping you warm, dry, and comfortable while skiing, snowshoeing, or just hanging out around town. Your snowsuit does most of the heavy lifting when it comes to protecting you from the elements, so you need to make sure you take good care of your investment.
One of the best ways to care for your winter clothes is to wash and waterproof them to ensure they continue to withstand the cold, wet winter weather. Below, we've broken down how to clean your snowsuit, from detergent types to drying methods, and how to clean your ski pants. So grab your winter coats and get ready to wash them. In the photo, a ski jacket is in the dryer with the door open.When to wash a ski jacket? The most important tip when washing your winter jacket is to wash it only once or twice per season to maintain the integrity of the material.
Over-washing your waterproof technical gear is the quickest way to shorten its lifespan. So before you use the washing machine, make sure your ski jacket or ski pants actually need washing. Can you put a ski jacket in the washing machine? Can. The best way to wash a ski jacket is to zip up all zippers and turn the jacket inside out before placing it in the washing machine. This will help protect the fabric and prevent wear or damage. Use liquid detergent (even better if you can find one specifically designed for outdoor clothing). Try to avoid using powdered detergents and wash your ski jacket in 86° water on a low spin or on a cold/cool setting.Remember, these are general guidelines and always check labels to ensure technical materials are properly cared for.
What detergent is best for skiing?
The best detergents for waterproof clothing tend to be mild liquid detergents that won't damage your waterproof ski jacket. Look for specialty cleaners made specifically for waterproof gear. Just make sure to check the clothing tag to make sure your waterproof jacket cleaner is compatible.
In what conditions do you wash your ski jacket?
Knowing how to wash a winter jacket in the washing machine means choosing the right settings. These can vary from jacket to jacket and washing machine, so be sure to check the instructions, but a general rule of thumb is to use cold water on gentle or low spin mode. Due to the special settings and detergents, be sure to wash your ski jacket or ski pants separately from other clothing to protect them.
How to clean white ski clothes? Can use bleach?
A white ski jacket looks great on the slopes, but after that après-ski happy hour, it might pick up a stain or two. Cleaning a white ski jacket is the same as any other ski jacket - don't use bleach or fabric softener. Instead, wash in cold water using a waterproof laundry detergent. If the stain persists, you can try cleaning it by hand.
How to clean ski clothes without using a washing machine?
You can hand wash your ski jacket by turning it inside out, filling a tub or basin with cold or warm water, and using a mild liquid detergent. Spin the jacket by hand until clean, then rinse thoroughly and hang to air dry at a safe distance away from any heat sources. Spot cleaning is also an effective way to keep your winter ski jackets and pants clean. Just put a small amount of liquid cleaner on a damp cloth and wipe the area you want to clean. Wipe off the cleaner thoroughly with a clean damp cloth and allow to air dry.
Can ski clothes be put in the dryer?
While most ski jackets are best air dried, you can also tumble dry your jacket using a low or medium heat setting. Again, always check the label. If in doubt, avoid using the dryer and line dry.
What about other ski gear? Do I need to wash my ski pants?
When washing snow pants, the process is generally the same as washing a ski jacket. As with all waterproof clothing, the key is to wash it only once or twice per season to protect the material. Wash your ski pants on a gentle cycle with cold water and waterproof clothing detergent. Always check the care label on your ski pants first and follow specific instructions.
How to clean snow gloves?
Cleaning snow gloves depends on the type of winter glove and the material it is made of. Some gloves can be machine washed and dried, while others require extra care to hand wash the waterproof materials. The safest and best option is to hand wash your snow gloves and air dry them to ensure they don't shrink or get damaged.