frHow to Clean and Care for Your Ski Jackets and Technical Outerwear
Properly caring for your ski jackets, down coats, and waterproof pants is essential to extend their lifespan and maintain peak waterproofing, breathability, and thermal insulation. Correct washing protects your gear from weather conditions and keeps you dry on the mountain.
Before starting, always check the manufacturer’s care label on your garment for specific material compositions and instructions.
1. How to Wash and Re-Waterproof a Membrane Jacket (Gore-Tex)
Contrary to popular belief, washing a Gore-Tex jacket or waterproof membrane is necessary. Sweat builds up body salts inside, while dirt and oils clog the outer pores, reducing the garment's overall breathability.
Recommended Washing Frequency
Occasional use (1–2 weeks per year): Wash once at the end of the season.
Intensive use (every weekend): Wash every 3 to 4 months.
Step-by-Step Washing Process
Preparation: Empty all pockets, close all zippers, velcro straps, and snaps.
Detergent: Use a dedicated technical cleaner (such as Nikwax Tech Wash or Grangers). Never use fabric softeners, conditioners, or powder detergents, as they clog technical pores and destroy the durable water repellent (DWR) coating.
Machine Wash: Select a synthetic cycle at 30°C or 40°C (86°F–104°F) with a thorough rinse and a gentle spin cycle (max 600 RPM).
Reactivating Water Repellency (DWR)
To restore that fresh water-beading effect:
Tumble Dryer: Place the clean garment in the dryer on a gentle, low-heat setting for 20 minutes. The mild heat reactivates the DWR treatment.
Ironing: If you don't have a dryer, iron the dry jacket on a low setting without steam, placing a towel between the iron and the fabric.
Reproofing Treatment: If water still absorbs into the outer fabric, apply a spray-on or wash-in waterproofer. Check out our range of technical fabric care and reproofing products.
2. Cleaning and Washing Natural Down Jackets
Washing a down jacket filled with goose or duck down requires careful handling to prevent the feathers from clumping together.
Machine Washing Instructions
Place the down coat in the machine with 2 or 3 clean tennis balls to fluff the feathers throughout the wash.
Use a specialized down detergent to preserve the natural oils on the feathers.
Select a delicate or wool cycle at 30°C (86°F), followed by an extra rinse cycle.
Spin Cycle: Use a slow spin speed (400 to 600 RPM maximum).
Drying: Restoring Fill Power and Loft
Tumble Dryer (Highly Recommended): Run multiple low-heat cycles with tennis balls until the down is completely dry and fully lofted.
Air Drying: Lay the coat flat on a drying rack (never hang it on a hanger while wet). Gently shake and fluff it periodically to separate the down clusters as it dries.
Note: Never store a down jacket while it is still damp, as this leads to mildew and odor.
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3. How to Clean Synthetic Insulation Jackets
Synthetic insulation (like PrimaLoft or Coreloft) handles moisture much better than natural down and requires less maintenance.
Washing: Machine wash at 30°C (86°F) using a mild liquid detergent.
Drying: Air dries quickly flat or in a dryer on gentle heat. Synthetic fibers regain their shape naturally.
Key Takeaways for Ski Gear Maintenance
Temperature: Wash at 30°C to 40°C (86°F–104°F) max.
Avoid: Fabric softeners, bleach, and powder detergents.
Essential Step: Reactivate the DWR coating using gentle heat or a re-proofing spray.
Planning your next alpine adventure? Read our expert guide on the 3-layer system for ski touring, or visit our shop to get personalized advice from our team.
