A ski jacket protects against cold and moisture while remaining breathable. Even if it is rarely worn, it is advisable to wash it once per season. But fear of damaging its technical properties or delaminating the membrane can sometimes make it hard to take the plunge. Here's a step-by-step guide to washing your ski jacket properly.
Key takeaways:
- It is advisable to wash your ski jacket at least once per season to preserve its performance.
- A good wash starts with proper preparation, the right detergent, and a gentle cycle.
- Drying is crucial, and heat helps reactivate the jacket's water repellency.
Why should you wash your ski jacket?
Just as it is important to choose your ski jacket carefully, knowing how to look after it is equally essential. While it does not need to be washed too often — as this can wear it out — it is recommended to do so at least once per ski season. A proper wash genuinely helps preserve its performance.
A ski jacket needs to be washed for several reasons. First, dirt reduces breathability. Over time, sweat, dust and sunscreen residue accumulate in the membrane. Its pores gradually become blocked and moisture vapour is unable to escape as efficiently.
Next, dirt degrades waterproofing. Contaminants can in particular alter the water-repellent treatment. On a dirty jacket, water tends to saturate the fabric instead of beading on the surface. Finally, perspiration can weaken the fibres and therefore reduce its lifespan.
How to wash your ski jacket
Ski jackets come with care instructions. While some insulated models require more careful handling, most standard jackets can be machine washed. Start by emptying the pockets, closing all zips and velcro fastenings, and loosening the drawcords. Then turn the jacket inside out so that the internal membrane faces outward.
Choosing the right detergent is essential to preserve the jacket's technical properties. Avoid powder detergents, which can leave residue in the membrane, and opt instead for a gentle liquid detergent ideally designed for technical garments.
To wash your ski jacket, a gentle wash cycle is recommended. Choose a synthetic or delicate programme, at a maximum temperature of 30 °C and a very slow spin speed, to avoid damaging the seams and the membrane. To prevent friction, we also recommend washing it on its own.
Drying and reactivating water repellency
Drying is an important step in preserving the technical properties of your ski jacket. The simplest solution is to dry it flat and in the open air. Choose a well-ventilated spot and avoid direct heat sources such as a radiator or fireplace. Tempting as it may be, you risk damaging the fibres.
Once your ski jacket is completely dry, you can reactivate the water-repellent treatment (DWR). A source of heat helps the outer fabric regain its ability to bead water on the surface. To do this, we recommend putting it in the tumble dryer on a low heat setting for around fifteen minutes.
If water no longer beads after several washes, it can also be useful to apply a re-waterproofing spray. Simply spray it evenly across the entire surface of the ski jacket. You then need to leave it to dry so that the product can penetrate the fabric and restore its water-repellent treatment.
Mistakes to avoid
There are a few mistakes to avoid when washing your ski jacket. First, using fabric softener. Like bleach or stain remover, it destroys the pores of the waterproof membrane and can prevent proper moisture evacuation. It is therefore best never to use it.
Dry cleaning is also not recommended for ski jackets. The chemical solvents used are too aggressive. They can damage the membrane or the water-repellent treatment. It is therefore best to stick to a traditional wash.
Finally, poor rinsing can leave detergent residue on the fabric. These residues then block the garment's breathability. To avoid this, it is advisable to run the machine a second time, without detergent, to thoroughly remove any residue.
Washing your ski jacket is straightforward, as long as you follow a few steps. Once the jacket is clean, dry and its water-repellent treatment reactivated, you can store it somewhere dry and away from dust. It will then be in perfect condition for the next ski season.
