The ski jacket protects against cold and moisture while remaining breathable. Even if it is rarely worn, it is advisable to wash it once a season. But for fear of destroying its technical properties or damaging its membrane, taking the plunge can sometimes feel daunting. Here we explain the steps to follow to wash your ski jacket properly.
Key takeaways:
- It is advisable to wash your ski jacket at least once a season to preserve its performance.
- A good wash requires adequate preparation, the use of a suitable detergent, and a gentle cycle.
- Drying is crucial, and heat helps reactivate the water repellency of the jacket.
Why should you wash your ski jacket?
Just as it is important to choose the right ski jacket, it is essential to know how to care for it. While it does not need to be cleaned too often — at the risk of wearing it out — it is recommended to do so at least once per ski season. A proper wash effectively helps preserve its performance.
Your ski jacket needs to be washed for several reasons. First, dirt reduces breathability. Over time, sweat, dust, or sun cream residue accumulates in the membrane. Its pores gradually become blocked and moisture vapour is no longer expelled as effectively.
Next, dirt degrades waterproofing. Impurities can in particular affect the water-repellent treatment. On a dirty jacket, water tends to saturate the fabric rather than beading on the surface. Finally, perspiration can weaken the fibres and therefore reduce its lifespan.
The steps to wash your ski jacket
Ski jackets come with care instructions. While some insulated models require more delicate handling, most standard jackets can be machine washed. Start by emptying the pockets, closing the zips and velcro fastenings, and loosening any drawcords. Then turn the jacket inside out so that the internal membrane faces outward.
Choosing the right detergent is essential to preserve the technical properties of the jacket. Avoid powder detergents, which can leave residue in the membrane, and opt instead for a mild 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, so as not to damage the seams and the membrane. To avoid 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 lay it flat and air dry it. 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 gentle heat helps the outer fabric regain its ability to bead water on the surface. To do this, we recommend tumble drying it 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 over the entire surface of the ski jacket. Then leave it to dry so that the product penetrates the fabric and restores 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 to never use it.
Dry cleaning is also inadvisable for ski jackets. The chemical solvents used are too aggressive. They can damage the membrane or the water-repellent treatment. It is therefore preferable to stick to a traditional wash.
Finally, inadequate rinsing can leave detergent residue on the fabric. These residues then block the breathability of the garment. To avoid this, it is advisable to run the machine a second time, without any product, to thoroughly eliminate detergent 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 dust-free. It will then be in perfect condition for the next ski season.
