A ski jacket protects against cold and wet weather while remaining breathable. Even with light use, washing it once per season is recommended. However, fear of damaging technical properties or delaminating the membrane often makes skiers hesitate. Here is our step-by-step guide to washing your ski jacket properly.
Key takeaways:
- We recommend washing your ski jacket at least once per season to maintain peak performance.
- A successful wash requires proper preparation, the right technical detergent, and a gentle cycle.
- Proper drying is crucial, and gentle heat reactivates the jacket's water repellency.
Why do you need to wash your ski jacket?
Just as it is vital to carefully choose your ski jacket, knowing how to care for it is essential. While it should not be washed excessively to avoid premature wear, cleaning it at least once per ski season is recommended. Proper washing preserves its technical performance.
Ski jackets require regular washing for several key reasons. First, dirt impairs breathability. Over time, sweat, dust, and sunscreen residue build up inside the membrane. The microscopic pores clog up, significantly hindering moisture vapour transfer.
Second, dirt degrades waterproof performance. Impurities break down the water-repellent finish. On a dirty jacket, water tends to saturate the outer fabric rather than bead off the surface. Finally, sweat salts weaken fabric fibres over time, shortening the garment's lifespan.
Step-by-step guide to washing your ski jacket
Ski jackets come with specific care instructions. While insulated models require extra care, most standard hardshell jackets are machine washable. First, empty all pockets, close zips and Velcro fasteners, and loosen elastic drawcords. Then, turn the jacket inside out so the internal membrane faces outwards.
Selecting the right detergent is vital to protect the jacket's technical properties. Avoid powder detergents that can leave residue in the membrane, and opt instead for a gentle liquid detergent, ideally formulated for technical outdoor garments.
When washing your ski jacket, a gentle cycle is recommended. Select a synthetics or delicate program with a maximum temperature of 30°C and a very slow spin speed to avoid stressing the seams and membrane. To minimise friction, we also recommend washing it on its own.
Drying and reactivating water repellency
Drying is a critical step to safeguard your ski jacket's technical properties. The simplest method is to dry it flat on a drying rack away from direct sunlight. Choose a well-ventilated area and avoid direct heat sources, such as radiators or open fireplaces. While tempting to speed things up, direct heat can damage the technical fibres.
Once your ski jacket is completely dry, you can reactivate its water-repellent treatment (DWR). Applying gentle heat helps the outer fabric restore its water-beading performance. We recommend placing it in the tumble dryer on a low heat setting for about 15 minutes.
If water no longer beads after several washes, applying a reproofing spray can restore performance. Simply spray it evenly across the entire exterior of the ski jacket. Allow it to air-dry so the formula binds with the textile fibres and restores its durable water-repellent finish.
Mistakes to avoid
Avoid a few critical mistakes when washing your ski jacket. First, never use fabric softeners. Just like bleach or harsh stain removers, they destroy the pores of the waterproof membrane and prevent moisture from escaping. It is best to avoid them entirely.
Dry cleaning is strictly not recommended for technical ski jackets. The harsh chemical solvents used are far too aggressive and can destroy the membrane or strip the water-repellent coating. Stick to gentle machine washing at home.
Finally, inadequate rinsing can leave soap residue on the fabric, which clogs breathability. To avoid this, run an extra rinse cycle without detergent to thoroughly eliminate any soap residue.
Washing your ski jacket is straightforward when following the right steps. Once clean, dry, and with its water-repellent finish reactivated, store it in a dry, dust-free space. It will be ready to perform in top condition for your next season on the slopes.
