Keeping your ski jacket clean is essential for maintaining its performance and longevity. A build-up of grime, body oil, sweat, dirt, and other substances can significantly impair its functionality. Many people avoid washing their jackets, fearing damage, but regular cleaning is crucial.
Ever seen a 15-year-old parka that's never been washed? It's not a pretty sight. Here's how to safely clean your ski jacket to keep it in top condition.
Choosing the Right Cleaning Products
Using the correct cleaning products is vital to protect the waterproof and breathable properties of your ski jacket.
- Techwash, Nikwax, or Grangers: These products are specifically formulated for waterproof breathable fabrics. Grangers is a popular choice among many users.
- Avoid Fabric Softeners: Do not use fabric softeners with technical fabrics, as they can negatively affect performance.
- Soap Flakes: Soap flakes are no longer recommended for cleaning modern technical fabrics.
Dealing with Grime and Stains
Grime can accumulate on your ski jacket, especially around the collar and cuffs. Here's how to tackle it:
- Spot Cleaning: For grease and grime, products like Shout can be effective, according to GORE. A mild Simple Green solution can also be used, but results may vary (YMMV).
- Preventative Measures: The best way to prevent nasty grime build-up is through regular laundering.
- White Coats: If you have a white coat with grease stains, achieving perfection may be challenging.
How to Wash & Reproof Your Waterproof Jacket | GORE-TEX | Mountain Equipment
The Importance of DWR (Durable Water Repellency)
DWR is a coating applied to the outer fabric of your ski jacket that makes it water-resistant. Over time, the DWR wears off, regardless of the brand or price of the jacket.
Read also: Dope Snow Jacket: A Comprehensive Review
The DWR is going to wear off no matter what over time - it depends more on environmental conditions than laundering. Here's what you need to know:
- Reapplying DWR: If water is soaking through your jacket instead of beading up and rolling off, it's time to reapply the DWR.
- Dryer Activation: Putting jackets in the dryer at a moderate temperature can help reactivate the DWR.
- Frequency: The DWR needs to be reapplied every so often, no matter what brand or how much you paid
Understanding Gore-Tex and Similar Fabrics
Gore-Tex and similar fabrics are designed to keep you dry and comfortable in cold, drier conditions. However, they have limitations:
- Condensation: If people complain that their Gore-Tex leaks in the rain, it's probably not leaking. More likely, condensation is building up on the inside.
- Environmental Conditions: Gore-Tex and similar fabrics are designed to work in cold, drier conditions; not wet humid ones.
- Wear and Tear: Gore-Tex and similar materials do wear out over time.
Washing and Drying Instructions
Here is a summary of steps for washing and drying ski jackets:
- Use Techwash, Nikwax, or Grangers.
- Wash the jacket according to the care label instructions.
- Tumble dry on a moderate temperature to reactivate the DWR.
- Reapply DWR when water no longer beads on the surface.
By following these guidelines, you can safely clean your ski jacket and maintain its performance for years to come.
Read also: Stretch Slim Jacket Performance
Read also: Snow Jacket and Pants by Dimito