How To Wash Ski Jacket​

Ski jackets are your best defense against cold, snow, and wind. Whether you're on the slopes or walking through a winter storm, your jacket keeps you warm and dry. To maintain its performance, it must be cleaned and cared for properly.

This complete guide explains when and how to wash your ski jacket, which detergents to use, drying techniques, and how to handle different materials like puffer jacket, quilted jacket, and bomber jacket.

When Should You Wash Your Ski Jacket?

Washing too often can damage your jacket, but ignoring dirt can reduce performance.

How Often?

• Light use: Once per season

• Regular use: Every 10-15 wears

• Heavy or backcountry use: After every trip

Signs It Needs Washing

• Foul odors

• Visible stains

• Water no longer beads on the surface

• Interior lining feels sticky or clammy

• Reduced breathability during physical activity

Why Overwashing Is Harmful

• Strips waterproof coating (DWR)

• Weakens taped seams and inner mesh

• Reduces insulation efficiency

• Shortens jacket lifespan

Can You Machine Wash a Ski Jacket?

Yes, most ski jackets are machine-washable. But you must read the label first.

What to Check on Care Label

• Washing temperature limit (usually 30°C or cold)

• Cycle type: synthetic or delicate

• Drying instructions

• Whether it allows DWR reactivation by heat

Hand Wash Instead If:

• The jacket has leather trims or fur

• It’s a premium quilted jacket with delicate stitching

• Care tag says "hand wash only"

• You own a vintage ski bomber jacket with fragile outer shell

Step-by-Step: How to Wash a Ski Jacket in a Washing Machine

Step 1 – Prep Your Jacket

• Empty all pockets

• Zip all zippers, close Velcro and snaps

• Turn jacket inside out

• Brush off any loose dirt or mud

• Spot treat visible stains with a small amount of detergent

Step 2 – Choose the Right Detergent

• Use liquid detergent, not powder

• Best options:

• Nikwax Tech Wash

• Granger’s Performance Wash

• Gear Aid Revivex

• Atsko Sport Wash

• Avoid fabric softeners, bleach

• Avoid regular household laundry detergents

Step 3 – Set the Machine Correctly

Setting	Recommended Value
Water Temperature	Cold or 30°C (86°F)
Cycle	Synthetic/Delicate
Spin Speed	Low (Max 800 RPM)

• Add an extra rinse cycle to remove detergent residue

• Use front-loading machines for best results

• Do not overload the drum

How to Hand Wash a Ski Jacket

Best for Delicate or Specialty Jackets

• Fill a tub with cold or lukewarm water

• Add a small amount of technical detergent

• Gently agitate the jacket

• Let soak 15–20 minutes

• Rinse until water runs clear (may take 2–3 rinses)

• Gently press water out; do not wring

Tips for Hand Washing

• Use soft sponges for gentle scrubbing

• Clean around zippers and seams thoroughly

• Use gloves to protect hands from detergent

How to Dry a Ski Jacket Properly

Can You Use a Dryer?

Yes, but only with care.

• Use low or synthetic setting (Max 60°C / 140°F)

• Toss in two clean tennis balls for puffer jackets

• Remove promptly when dry to avoid wrinkles

• Recheck periodically to prevent overdrying

Air Drying Tips

• Hang on a wide hanger

• Dry indoors or in shade

• Turn inside out halfway through

• Keep in a well-ventilated space

• Do not hang near direct heat (radiators, fireplaces)

How to Reactivate Waterproofing After Washing

Why DWR Coating Fades

Durable Water Repellent wears off with washing and use. Reapplication restores water-beading ability.

Reactivation Methods

Method	Description
Heat (Dryer/Iron)	Helps reactivate existing DWR layer
Spray-On Waterproofing	Good for targeting surface areas
Wash-In Treatment	Reapplies DWR throughout fabric

• Reapply DWR every 2–3 washes or when water no longer beads

• Nikwax TX.Direct or Granger’s Clothing Repel recommended

• Apply in a ventilated area and follow label instructions

How to Wash Different Types of Ski Jackets

Washing a Gore-Tex or Technical Membrane Jacket

• Use Gore-Tex-approved detergents only

• Double rinse to prevent residue clogging membrane

• Machine dry on low heat to reactivate waterproofing

• Avoid ironing unless care label allows

Washing a Down Ski Jacket

• Use down-safe detergent (e.g., Nikwax Down Wash Direct)

• Double rinse to remove soap from feathers

• Tumble dry low with 2–3 tennis balls

• May take 2–3 cycles to fully dry and restore loft

• Never store compressed

Washing Synthetic-Insulated Jackets (e.g., PrimaLoft)

• Wash similar to waterproof jacket

• Use technical detergent

• Low heat tumble dry or air dry

• Do not wring or twist; preserve shape and loft

Washing a Puffer Jacket

• Zip and turn inside out

• Use cold water and gentle detergent

• Tumble dry with balls to break up clumps

• Do not hang dry if filled with down

Washing a Bomber Jacket

• Check shell fabric (nylon, canvas, polyester)

• Remove faux fur if detachable

• Spot clean cuffs and collar

• Machine wash cold, delicate cycle

• Air dry flat or use dryer on fluff cycle

Washing a Quilted Jacket

• Use gentle detergent

• Wash alone or with similar fabrics

• Avoid high spin speeds

• Lay flat to dry to maintain shape

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Washing a Ski Jacket

1. Using fabric softener (kills waterproofing)

2. Using bleach (damages fibers)

3. Washing with heavy garments (jeans, towels)

4. Not rinsing thoroughly

5. Storing while still damp (causes mold)

6. Folding or compressing a puffer jacket for long periods

7. Ignoring zipper maintenance (can corrode)

8. Not reapplying DWR when needed

How to Wash Other Ski Clothing

Washing Ski Pants

• Same steps as ski jacket

• Pay attention to gaiters and cuffs

• Reapply waterproofing as needed

Cleaning Base Layers, Fleece, and Midlayers

• Cold water, gentle detergent

• Avoid dryer; air dry

• No softeners or bleach

• Turn fleece items inside out to reduce pilling

Cleaning Snow Gloves

• Hand wash with glove-specific cleaner or mild soap

• Rinse thoroughly

• Dry flat, away from heat

• Reapply leather conditioner if applicable

Storage Tips for Off-Season

• Clean and fully dry all items

• Store hanging (for jackets) or loosely folded (for fleece)

• Use breathable garment bags

• Avoid damp basements or hot attics

FAQs: Washing and Caring for Your Ski Jacket

Can I Dry Clean My Ski Jacket?

Usually not recommended unless label says it’s safe. Solvents may damage waterproofing.

What if It Smells Bad After Washing?

Try washing again using odor-eliminating gear wash like Gear Aid Revivex Odor Eliminator.

How Do I Clean Mold or Mildew?

Use vinegar and water (1:1 ratio) before washing. Scrub gently, rinse, then machine wash.

Can I Store My Ski Jacket in a Compression Sack?

No. Compressing affects insulation and waterproofing. Use a hanger.

How Do I Remove Stains?

• Use spot cleaner like Tech Stain Remover

• Apply before washing

• Gently scrub with soft brush or cloth

Final Tips for Maintaining Ski Jackets Between Washes

• Brush off loose dirt after every wear

• Spot clean small spills

• Hang to dry after each use

• Reapply DWR every season

• Inspect seams and zippers monthly

• Avoid contact with sunscreens or oils that can stain

Product Comparison: Technical vs Fashion Jackets

Feature	Technical Jacket	Bomber Jacket	Puffer Jacket	Quilted Jacket
Waterproofing	High	Low	Medium	Low
Breathability	High	Low	Medium	Low
Insulation Type	Synthetic/Down	Polyester	Down	Polyester/Down
Machine Washable	Yes	Usually	Yes	Often hand wash
Dryer Safe	With care	Sometimes	Yes (low heat)	Sometimes
Best Use Case	Outdoor, Sport	Casual	Cold Climates	Mild Winters

By following these care instructions, your jacket will last longer, perform better, and look great. Clean it right. Dry it slow. Maintain its magic every season.

Keep your winter investment ready for adventure, whether it's a rugged shell or a cozy quilted jacket. A well-maintained jacket isn’t just gear—it’s your shield against the elements.