Winter is a time for skiing and hiking and being outside. Unfortunately, it’s also a time when our clothing can start looking a little bit grimy from all the snow and mud. There are several ways to clean a ski jacket of course, but it’s important to know which method is most effective for your jacket style and type of skiing so that you can be sure that you’re making the right choice for the job. Here are some of the most common methods along with what makes them special. You can find more information about each individual method by doing an internet search on “how to clean” followed by the name of the product or type of garment.
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Wash
This is by far the most straightforward and basic method of cleaning a ski jacket and can be used for most types of garments. Just like when washing your clothes, you want to make sure that the water is fresh and clean. Throwing away clean water is both wasteful and poses a threat to the environment. Always use cold water and detergents without phosphates. You can also hand wash your jacket in the sink with some mild detergents and cool water. You should use a laundry detergent specifically designed for synthetics like polyester or acrylic. Never put your wet jacket in the dryer as this could cause damage to the fiberglass insulation as well as the outer shell of the jacket. Too high of a dryer setting could even cause the jacket to melt or catch fire.
Scotchguard/Dryclean
This is a great way to clean your ski jacket if you’re a hardcore skier or frequent resort visits are a regular occurrence for you. For those who live in the city and don’t ride the slopes often, this option is a bit excessive as it requires you to pay for an additional cleaning service every few weeks.
Scotchguard is a great product that combines soil repellency with water-repellency. When applied to your jacket, it will repel the mud and snow from your skiing experience and keep it from permanently staining your clothes. The best thing about this option is that it’s completely reusable so you won’t have to buy a new jacket every season. Just reapply it whenever you get dirty or wet during the winter months.
Shower/Wash/Dryclean
This is a great combination for people who like to clean their garments in the bathtub. It’s quick and easy and dries your clothes perfectly so you don’t have to worry about any of them getting wet. The only downside is that this method is more effective for lighter-weight garments and is not recommended if your attire is considered “dry clean only”. Showers are also great for thoroughly cleaning and de-tingifying your ski jacket before or after you ski. The water will help loosen and remove those stubborn stains that the wash might not be able to take out. Never put your wet jacket in the dryer as this will cause damage.
Dryclean Only
This is for people who like to keep their ski jackets pristine and don’t want to risk ruining their style by exposing it to water or detergents. You can use any type of detergent you want, but be sure to choose one that’s been specifically designed for use on synthetic materials like polyester or acrylic. These types of fabrics are less likely to break down and deteriorate like natural fibers such as wool or silk, and therefore require more frequent cleanings.
If you feel that your ski jacket is getting a bit grubby even after trying out all of these different methods, then it’s time for an upgrade! If you can afford it, there are several different types of materials that you can use to make your next ski jacket more water-repellent. If that’s not an option, then there are several different types of cleaners that you can use to give your jacket that extra sheen and make it look like you just jumped off the slopes. It’s all about what you prefer and what works best for your needs. If you want to keep your jacket looking as good as new, then make sure that you follow the proper cleaning methods so that your jacket can serve its purpose for years of hard outdoor activity.