Washing Ski Clothes

How To: Wash Your Ski Clothes

Posted by Bianca Chang on Thursday, May 15, 2025

Let’s be honest. When’s the last time you washed your ski jacket? If it’s been a while, it’s probably time to refresh your gear. Not only does a good wash help your gear look better, but it will also perform better out on the hill.

What Kind of Detergent Should I Use to Wash My Snow Outerwear?

It’s best to use a specific detergent made to wash waterproof outerwear like Nikwax’s Tech Wash. Tech washes are designed to clean technical fabrics and improve the DWR (the Durable Water Repellent coating). Regular laundry detergents and fabric softeners leave behind a residue that clogs the fabric, messing with the gear’s waterproofing and breathability.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to washing, drying, and taking care of your ski jacket and pants so you stay warm and dry all season.

Before washing anything, always read each item’s care labels for specific wash and care instructions.

Prep Your Gear

Empty out your pockets, zip up all the zippers (including the main zip), close up any pocket flaps, fasten all velcro, and remove any fur trim. This will help prevent any snags during the wash. Check the labels for any special care instructions.

Pre-treat Stains

If you notice any stains, use a damp cloth to get them out. For stubborn or larger stains, pre-treat by soaking the spot in some tech wash before throwing it in the wash. Let it sit for about 30 minutes before washing.

Use a Tech Wash

Check your tech wash for specific instructions on how many items to wash together, how much detergent to use, and what wash settings to use. Try not to wash super dirty items with cleaner items.

Set Your Machine

Always check the care labels first and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. Most of the time, cold water and a gentle cycle with low spin will work. Try not to use more detergent than recommended to avoid extra soap being left on your gear. You can also run an additional rinse cycle to ensure everything's washed out.

If you don’t have access to a washing machine, you can hand wash your outerwear using lukewarm water and tech wash.

Tumble Dry

After your ski gear is clean, throw it in the dryer on low heat for about 20 minutes. The low heat will help reactivate the waterproof coating.

If the dryer isn’t an option, hang dry your gear. Once dry, lay down a clean, dry towel over your gear and use an iron on low heat with no steam to warm up and reactivate that DWR finish.

Bonus Step 6: Reapply DWR

DWR is the durable water repellent coating added to technical outerwear that keeps you dry. Over time, the DWR can wear off, especially on high-wear spots like shoulders where backpack straps rub, jacket sleeves, or the seat of ski pants.

A good test to see if your DWR is working: run a bit of the sleeve or pant leg under some water. If the water beads up and rolls off, that shows you the waterproofing is working. If the face fabric starts to absorb the water, that’s known as “wetting out,” and it’s time to reapply the DWR coating.

The two ways to reapply waterproofing are wash-in or spray-on DWR.

Wash-in DWR works best for shell layers (no insulation to interfere with the treatment) and works easiest if you have a washing machine available. Follow the instructions on your specific wash-in DWR—it’s usually a similar process to tech wash.

Spray-on DWR is super versatile. It can be used on your ski jacket and pants as well as other waterproof gear like backpacks and tents. Hang your jacket or pants, spray an even layer over the entire outer surface. Once everything’s coated, wipe off any excess and let it hang dry.

Reapplying the DWR coating should always be done to clean pieces. Once you’ve reapplied the DWR coating, it’s a good idea to throw it back in the dryer on low for a few minutes to help activate or use the iron trick from step 5.

How Often Should I Wash My Ski Clothes?

How often you should wash your ski gear depends on how often you use it and how dirty it gets. Over time, sweat, body oils, and grime can build up, reducing the gear’s waterproofing and breathability. If you’re skiing often or spending long days on the mountain, you’ll likely need to wash your clothes more regularly than someone who only takes a few trips a season.

You don’t need to wash your gear after every use—it's usually fine to wear it a few times unless it gets particularly dirty. Spot cleaning between washes is a great way to keep your gear in good shape without overwashing.

A good rule of thumb is to give your ski clothes a proper wash at the end of the season before storing them. That way, they're clean, fresh, and ready to go when winter returns.

Taking care of your ski gear might take a little extra effort, but it pays off. Regular cleaning helps your gear perform at its best, extends its life, and keeps you looking sharp on the slopes. If your gear isn’t keeping you as warm or dry as it used to, a thorough wash and fresh waterproofing can make a big difference, often bringing it back to life and saving you from an early replacement.

Categories: Skills & Advice | Ski Outerwear & Clothing

Tagged: How To, Outerwear