How to Maintain Your Technical Gear and Ski Jackets?

Properly maintaining your technical clothing (membranes, down jackets, etc.) will help them last longer and ensure they perform at their best.

Before washing, always check the care label provided by the manufacturer. It contains essential information about the composition of your technical garment. Keep in mind that cleaning instructions may vary from one item to another!

How to Maintain a Membrane Jacket or Pants?

Washing Your Technical Jackets

• Use LIQUID detergent without softener or conditioner. Nikwax are recommended as they are designed for waterproof fabrics.

• Close all zippers before washing.

• Machine wash at 40°C (104°F).

• Do not mix with other types of laundry.

  You can also rinse your jacket with clean water from time to time for a quick refresh.

Drying

This step reactivates your jacket’s water-repellent treatment:

• Air dry or tumble dry on a delicate / low-temperature program.

• For best results, once dry, lightly iron (delicate mode, no steam), placing a towel between the iron and the fabric.

• If using a dryer, add an extra 20 minutes to help reactivate water repellency.

Re-Waterproofing

Once your jacket is clean and dry, apply a water-repellent spray or machine treatment to restore surface protection.

Key Takeaways

• Machine wash technical gear at 40°C.

• Do not use fabric softener or conditioner.

• Dry gently or air dry.

• Wash regularly depending on use.

Maintaining a Real Down Jacket

Have a down jacket or ski jacket with real down filling?

Don’t worry—if the label allows machine washing, there’s no need for dry cleaning!

Steps for washing:

1. Close zippers and empty all pockets (leave them open).

2. Use a delicate cycle at 30–40°C.

3. Use a special down detergent (Nikwax / Grangers) or a mild detergent with no softener.

4. Add tennis balls or extra laundry to keep the down moving and prevent clumping.

5. Do not overload the washing machine. If detergent remains, run an extra rinse cycle.

Hand wash option: keep water under 30°C, wash gently, and avoid wringing. Instead, press the jacket flat between two towels to remove water.

Drying a Down Jacket

This is the key to restoring loft. When wet, the down will appear flat—this is normal.

• Always check the care label first.

• Never wring or twist the jacket.

• Never dry near direct heat sources (radiator, hairdryer). You can dry in the sun or in a warm room.

Without a dryer:

• Blot excess water with towels.

• Lay flat on a dry towel or hang on a hanger, ensuring both sides are exposed to air.

• Tap and shake the jacket frequently to redistribute down and prevent clumps.

• Do not store until completely dry to avoid mildew.

With a dryer:

• Use a low heat / delicate program with tennis balls.

• Run several cycles until the jacket regains full loft and is completely dry.

• Hang for a few hours afterward to air out.

• Note: thin down jackets dry faster than thick ones.

Final step: just like membrane jackets, you can apply a water-repellent spray to restore surface protection. If machine washing is not allowed, take it to a professional cleaner.

Synthetic Insulated Jackets

Unlike real down, synthetic insulation is not sensitive to water. These jackets are easier to care for:

• Wash at 30°C with mild detergent, no softener.

• Use tennis balls or extra laundry to keep the filling fluffy.

• Drying is faster and they regain loft more easily than natural down.

What about alpine skiing outfits? Is there a different method for washing them?

Alpine ski clothing can be membrane-based and insulated (synthetic or down). Follow the appropriate care instructions depending on the fabric composition. The same applies to ski pants.

Key Takeaways :

• Machine wash at low temperature.

• Do not use harsh detergent or softener.

• Dry gently or air dry.

• Wash waterproof gear according to usage frequency.

• Apply waterproofing treatments when needed.

Looking for advice on how to dress properly in the mountains, especially for ski touring? Check out our dedicated guide.