EXPERT GUIDE
How to Wash Ski Clothes: Cleaning Jackets, Pants, and Layers
Over time, sweat, dirt, oils, and waterproofing wear down your gear’s ability to breathe and repel moisture. That’s why it’s essential to clean your ski clothes the right way.
EXPERT GUIDE
How to Wash Ski Clothes: Cleaning Jackets, Pants, and Layers
Over time, sweat, dirt, oils, and waterproofing wear down your gear’s ability to breathe and repel moisture. That’s why it’s essential to clean your ski clothes the right way.
Why Washing Ski Gear Matters
Why Washing
Ski Gear Matters
Neglecting to wash your ski clothing can impact its performance and longevity. Dirt, body oils, and sweat cause the loss of water repellency (DWR), leading to moisture soaking into the fabric instead of beading off. This buildup also clogs the jacket or pant's breathable membrane, making it harder for moisture to escape, leaving you damp and uncomfortable on the mountain. In addition, base layers trap odor over time, and without proper care, the overall lifespan of your ski gear can be shortened.
Learning how to wash ski gear properly not only improves comfort but also restores essential performance features. A thorough, gentle wash with technical detergent removes grime, clears membrane pores, and reactivates DWR coatings. Whether you're storing your gear for the offseason or prepping it for your next ski day, regular cleaning keeps your ski jacket, pants, and base layers in peak condition for seasons to come.
Neglecting to wash your ski clothing can impact its performance and longevity. Dirt, body oils, and sweat cause the loss of water repellency (DWR), leading to moisture soaking into the fabric instead of beading off. This buildup also clogs the jacket or pant's breathable membrane, making it harder for moisture to escape, leaving you damp and uncomfortable on the mountain. In addition, base layers trap odor over time, and without proper care, the overall lifespan of your ski gear can be shortened.
Learning how to wash ski gear properly not only improves comfort but also restores essential performance features. A thorough, gentle wash with technical detergent removes grime, clears membrane pores, and reactivates DWR coatings. Whether you're storing your gear for the offseason or prepping it for your next ski day, regular cleaning keeps your ski jacket, pants, and base layers in peak condition for seasons to come.
Cleaning your gear and reapplying DWR treatment helps prevent your ski outerwear from absorbing moisture, keeping it light, dry, and performing at its best.
Cleaning your gear and reapplying DWR treatment helps prevent your ski outerwear from absorbing moisture, keeping it light, dry, and performing at its best.
How to Wash a Ski Jacket or Ski Pants
How to Wash a Ski Jacket or Ski Pants
Step 1: Check the Care Label
Before anything else, read the manufacturer’s tag for fabric-specific instructions. Most ski outerwear is machine-washable, but delicate components like insulation or membrane layers may require extra care.
Step 2: Prep Your Gear
Before washing, close all zippers, Velcro, snaps, and pit vents, turn your ski jacket and pants inside out, and remove excess dirt with a soft brush or cloth.
Step 3: Choose the Right Detergent
Use a technical outerwear wash like Nikwax Tech Wash or Grangers Performance Wash to safely clean your ski gear without damaging its performance fabrics.
Step 4: Machine Wash
Use a cold or warm cycle (30°C / 86°F max) on a gentle or delicate setting, with an extra rinse if available to fully remove detergent from your ski gear.
Step 5: Drying
Tumble dry on low (if allowed) or hang dry, as tumble drying shell garments can help reactivate the DWR coating. Never iron or dry clean unless specifically stated on the care label.
Step 1: Check the Care Label
Before anything else, read the manufacturer’s tag for fabric-specific instructions. Most ski outerwear is machine-washable, but delicate components like insulation or membrane layers may require extra care.
Step 2: Prep Your Gear
Before washing, close all zippers, Velcro, snaps, and pit vents, turn your ski jacket and pants inside out, and remove excess dirt with a soft brush or cloth.
Step 3: Choose the Right Detergent
Use a technical outerwear wash like Nikwax Tech Wash or Grangers Performance Wash to safely clean your ski gear without damaging its performance fabrics.
Step 4: Machine Wash
Use a cold or warm cycle (30°C / 86°F max) on a gentle or delicate setting, with an extra rinse if available to fully remove detergent from your ski gear.
Step 5: Drying
Tumble dry on low (if allowed) or hang dry, as tumble drying shell garments can help reactivate the DWR coating. Never iron or dry clean unless specifically stated on the care label.
Reproofing: Restoring Water Repellency
Reproofing: Restoring Water Repellency
Over time, your ski jacket or pants may stop shedding water effectively, causing moisture to soak into the fabric rather than bead on the surface. This is a sign that it’s time to reapply DWR (Durable Water Repellent) to restore your gear’s water-repellent performance.
Over time, your ski jacket or pants may stop shedding water effectively, causing moisture to soak into the fabric rather than bead on the surface. This is a sign that it’s time to reapply DWR (Durable Water Repellent) to restore your gear’s water-repellent performance.
When to Reproof
You’ll know it’s time to reproof your ski jacket or pants when water no longer beads on the surface and instead soaks into the fabric. If your ski outerwear looks heavy or saturated when wet, it’s a clear sign the DWR coating needs to be restored.
How to Reproof
After washing your ski gear, apply a spray-on or wash-in DWR product such as Nikwax TX. Direct or Grangers Repel, following the directions specified for each product to ensure proper application. Then, tumble dry or use gentle heat as recommended to activate the treatment and restore lasting water repellency.
When to Reproof
You’ll know it’s time to reproof your ski jacket or pants when water no longer beads on the surface and instead soaks into the fabric. If your ski outerwear looks heavy or saturated when wet, it’s a clear sign the DWR coating needs to be restored.
How to Reproof
After washing your ski gear, apply a spray-on or wash-in DWR product such as Nikwax TX. Direct or Grangers Repel, following the directions specified for each product to ensure proper application. Then, tumble dry or use gentle heat as recommended to activate the treatment and restore lasting water repellency.
How to Wash Base Layers & Midlayers
How to Wash Base Layers & Midlayers
Base and midlayers are designed to absorb sweat and body oils throughout your ski day, which means they require more frequent washing than outer layers to stay fresh and effective. When cleaning these garments, avoid using dryer sheets or fabric softeners, as these products can clog the fibers and significantly reduce their essential moisture-wicking properties, leading to decreased performance.
Step 1: Check the Care Label
Before anything else, read the manufacturer’s tag for fabric-specific instructions. Use a sports wash designed for synthetic or merino fabrics (e.g., HEX, Grangers Active Wash).
Step 2: Wash
Wash midlayers in a cold wash using a gentle cycle to preserve insulation and fabric integrity.
Step 3: Drying
Air dry midlayers and base layers to preserve their elasticity and prevent shrinking, ensuring long-lasting comfort and fit.
Step 1: Check the Care Label
Before anything else, read the manufacturer’s tag for fabric-specific instructions. Use a sports wash designed for synthetic or merino fabrics (e.g., HEX, Grangers Active Wash).
Step 2: Wash
Wash midlayers in a cold wash using a gentle cycle to preserve insulation and fabric integrity.
Step 3: Drying
Air dry midlayers and base layers to preserve their elasticity and prevent shrinking, ensuring long-lasting comfort and fit.
Cleaning Gloves, Gaiters & Socks
Cleaning Gloves, Gaiters & Socks
Gloves
To clean your ski gloves, hand wash them with mild soap and always avoid machine drying to protect their materials and insulation.
Neck Gaiters & Beanies
Wash your neck gaiters and ski beanies on a gentle machine cycle, and air dry them to maintain their shape, softness, and performance.
Socks
Turn your ski socks inside out, machine wash on a gentle cycle, and air dry to preserve fit, elasticity, and moisture-wicking performance.
Gloves
To clean your ski gloves, hand wash them with mild soap and always avoid machine drying to protect their materials and insulation.
Neck Gaiters & Beanies
Wash your neck gaiters and ski beanies on a gentle machine cycle, and air dry them to maintain their shape, softness, and performance.
Socks
Turn your ski socks inside out, machine wash on a gentle cycle, and air dry to preserve fit, elasticity, and moisture-wicking performance.
Washing Frequency Guide
Keeping your ski gear clean is essential for both performance and longevity. While ski jackets and pants need occasional care to maintain their waterproofing, base layers and gloves often require more frequent washing due to sweat and odor buildup. Here is a quick guide to help you determine how often each piece of gear should be cleaned, so you can stay fresh, warm, and dry every day on the mountain.
| ITEM | WASH FREQUENCY |
| Ski Outerwear (jackets & pants) | Every 5–8 uses or when visibly soiled; reproof DWR as needed |
| Midlayers (fleece, insulated layers) | Every 2–4 uses, especially if worn close to skin |
| Baselayers (thermal tops & bottoms) | After every ski day to remove sweat and oils |
| Ski Gloves | Every 3–5 uses; spot clean more frequently |
Washing Frequency Guide
Keeping your ski gear clean is essential for both performance and longevity. While ski jackets and pants need occasional care to maintain their waterproofing, base layers and gloves often require more frequent washing due to sweat and odor buildup. Here is a quick guide to help you determine how often each piece of gear should be cleaned, so you can stay fresh, warm, and dry every day on the mountain.
| ITEM | WASH FREQUENCY |
| Ski Outerwear (jackets & pants) | Every 5–8 uses or when visibly soiled; reproof DWR as needed |
| Midlayers (fleece, insulated layers) | Every 2–4 uses, especially if worn close to skin |
| Baselayers (thermal tops & bottoms) | After every ski day to remove sweat and oils |
| Ski Gloves | Every 3–5 uses; spot clean more frequently |
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I wash ski jackets and pants?
You should wash your ski jacket and ski pants every 5–10 ski days or whenever they start to look dirty or lose water repellency. Regular cleaning helps maintain breathability and extends the life of your ski outerwear.
Can I use regular detergent to wash ski gear?
No, avoid regular detergent—it can damage technical fabrics and strip away DWR coatings. Always use a technical outerwear wash like Nikwax Tech Wash or Grangers Performance Wash to safely clean your ski clothing.
What temperature should I use to wash ski clothes?
Use a cold or warm cycle (no hotter than 30°C / 86°F) on a gentle setting to clean your ski jackets and pants without damaging waterproof membranes or fabric coatings.
Do I need to reapply DWR after washing my ski jacket?
If water no longer beads on the surface, it’s time to reapply DWR (Durable Water Repellent). Use a spray-on or wash-in DWR treatment and tumble dry on low to activate the coating and restore your jacket’s water resistance.
Can I put ski gear in the dryer?
Yes, you can tumble dry ski gear on a low heat setting if the care label allows. This helps reactivate the DWR finish, but if tumble drying is not recommended, air dry your gear thoroughly.
What’s the best way to remove odors from ski clothing?
To remove persistent odors from ski base layers, midlayers, or insulated gear, use a sports-specific detergent designed for synthetic or merino fabrics. These formulas target sweat and bacteria without damaging moisture-wicking properties or insulation, keeping your ski clothing fresh without compromising performance.
Can I wash down-insulated ski jackets and pants?
Yes, you can wash down-insulated ski jackets or pants, but use a down-specific detergent like Nikwax Down Wash and follow a gentle cold cycle. After washing, tumble dry on low with clean tennis balls to restore loft and avoid clumping. Always check the care label first to protect the delicate down insulation.