Wash your ski jacket like a pro before the season starts

For comfortable skiing, you need special clothing - light, warm, wear-resistant and water-repellent. A ski jacket with a membrane coating is endowed with all these qualities. But in order for the positive properties to be preserved, such products need gentle washing using special products.

Rules for caring for ski jackets

Winter sportswear is a matter of painstaking work and advanced manufacturing technologies. The ski jacket must be warm, because, despite active movements, you need to spend the whole day outside. Light, because in the mountains you feel every extra kilo. Permeable to steam to prevent sweating or freezing. Water-repellent - for protection from wet snow. Meeting all these criteria became possible with the invention of a membrane - a thin fabric with micro-holes through which evaporation from the body escapes, but moisture from the outside does not penetrate.

However, the membrane can be different, and you need to care for your ski jacket in accordance with its type.

1. Hydrophilic non-porous membranes (one of the most expensive) can be machine washed on a delicate cycle. If it weren't for the paint on the jacket, it could even be ironed.
2. Membranes made of microporous material They are also machine washable, but you need to choose the detergent very carefully - it must be liquid or thoroughly diluted in water, and not contain bleaches, chlorine, conditioners and rinse aids.
3. Combined microporous and non-porous membranes with Teflon coating. These are the models of ski jackets that make up the majority. The top layer resembles rubber, which improves water-repellent properties and increases wear resistance. Unfortunately, it is very easy to damage the coating during washing (it falls off in the washing machine). It is better to simply wipe the product with a damp cloth, and if it is heavily soiled, wash it by hand, turning it inside out, using a special product.

Ski jackets are also available without Teflon coating, but then they are treated with DWR (Durable Water Repellency) impregnation. It repels drops of water, and they roll off without penetrating into the fabric.

What are the consequences of not following the rules for caring for your ski jacket?

• If the Teflon coating or impregnation rolls off or fades (the latter can be restored), the jacket will lose its water-repellent properties.
• The membrane will be damaged and the heat-saving properties will disappear - such a jacket will become useless for sports.

Special detergents

Often special gels and sprays for membrane care are sold in the same store as ski clothing. But you can also find them in the regular household chemicals department. Unlike conventional detergents, they do not clog the pores of the membrane and maintain and restore its breathable properties. Often sold in sets are a detergent and a spray to renew the impregnation.

Popular manufacturers:

• Toko;
• Grangers;
• Nikwax;
• Perwoll Advanced Sport;
• Triumph Sports;
• Sodasan Active Sport.

Many housewives use Ariel, Laska gel or liquid powders for children's clothes to wash membrane jackets. They are considered less aggressive.It is recommended to reduce the dosage by half so that the product is better rinsed and the pores are not clogged with chemical residues.

How to wash in a washing machine?

First, look at the label and make sure that the manufacturer allows machine washing.

Then proceed like this:

1. Fasten all zippers and buttons, turn the product inside out.
2. If you have a delicates bag, be sure to use it.
3. Pour in gel for washing sports items. Quantity - according to the instructions on the package.
4. Select the “Delicate Wash” program or a temperature of 30-40 degrees without spinning and drying.
5. Add an extra rinse.
6. Gently wring out the clean jacket without twisting it and hang it to dry in a ventilated room.

It is better not to dry membrane items on a radiator, with a hairdryer, or near heating devices.

Handwash

The safest way to clean your jacket is to hand wash it. This will take some time, but the procedure itself is simple:

1. Fill the basin with warm water (30-40 degrees).
2. Dissolve the detergent in it according to the dosage on the package or half as much (if the jacket is not very dirty).
3. Place the jacket in the soapy solution and leave for 15-20 minutes for better cleaning.
4. Use massage and patting movements to move over the fabric. Particularly dirty areas can be rubbed with a soft brush or cloth.
5. Now the jacket needs to be thoroughly rinsed in warm, clean water. It is recommended to change it at least 3 times.

Despite the existence of safe washing methods, it is recommended that ski jackets be wiped with a soft cloth or cleaning wipe whenever possible. Preventative cleaning is inappropriate here. Membrane clothing is intended for sports and high-quality body protection, and the neat appearance of the jacket comes in second place.