How to Waterproof Your Ski Kit After Your Ski Holiday

Back from a ski holiday and about to throw your ski kit in the washing machine with everything else? Hold fire! After a week (or season) of skiing, your waterproof gear has worked hard and may no longer be keeping you as dry and warm as it should.

Snow, sweat, dirt and wear compromise waterproofing over time. Proper care will extend the life of expensive ski gear significantly and mean that it will be fresh and ready to wear when you unpack it ready for your next ski trip. This guide covers jackets, ski pants, gloves and when professional help is needed.

• Water no longer beads on the surface (it soaks in instead)
• Fabric feels "wet" even when dry
• You're getting cold and damp on the slopes
• Visible dirt and grime on high-wear areas

• Body oils and sweat breaking down DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating
• Dirt and grime blocking fabric pores
• Friction and wear from backpack straps, lift chairs, falls
• Improper storage (stuffed in bags vs. hung properly)

Essential Supplies:

• Technical wash (Nikwax Tech Wash, Grangers Performance Wash or similar)
• Waterproofing treatment (Nikwax TX.Direct, Grangers Performance Repel or spray-on options)
• Clean washing machine
• Tumble dryer OR iron and clean cloth
• Soft brush (for pre-cleaning stubborn marks)

• Regular detergent (leaves residue that blocks waterproofing)
• Fabric softener (absolutely ruins waterproofing)
• Bleach or harsh chemicals
• Biological washing powder

Step 1: Pre-Clean

• Close all zips and Velcro
• Empty pockets completely
• Brush off any dried mud or debris
• Spot-treat stubborn stains with technical cleaner

• Use technical wash (follow product instructions)
• Wash on gentle cycle, 30°C maximum
• Use minimal spin cycle
• Run an extra rinse cycle if possible
• NEVER use fabric softener

Option A: Wash-In Treatment (easiest, most thorough)

Option B: Spray-On Treatment (targeted areas)

• Tumble dry on LOW heat for 20-30 minutes OR
• Iron on low heat with cloth between iron and fabric
• Heat reactivates the water-repellent coating
• Test: water should bead and roll off surface

Step 1: Add 100ml of a specialist product such as NikWax Down Wash (can also be used for down sleeping bags) to the clean detergent dispenser

Step 2: Run a 30°C synthetic cycle on a slow spin, with an extra rinse if possible

Step 3: Add 150ml of specialist waterproofing product such as NikWax Down Proof to the washing machine dispenser

Step 4: Run another low temperature cycle and slow spin. After washing, run a few spin cycles, increasing the speed each time to remove excess water

Step 5: Tumble dry on a low setting, adding a few clean tennis balls to the tumble dryer to redistribute the down evenly within the channels (as demonstrated in the video below)

(Instructions for handwashing and re-waterproofing down jackets can be found here.)

Leather Gloves:

• Wipe clean with damp cloth
• Use specialised leather conditioner like this Hestra beeswax and lanolin leather balm (£13)
• Avoid soaking or machine washing
• Air dry away from direct heat

• Hand wash in technical cleaner
• Rinse thoroughly
• Squeeze (don't wring) excess water
• Air dry, reshape while damp
• Consider spray-on waterproofing for outer shell

Base Layers:

Your (non-merino) base layers can be cleaned in a regular wash with your normal detergent. Avoid fabric softener (reduces wicking properties) and air dry when possible.

For merino base layers, according to Louise at British-made merino ski wear specialists, Snow Finel, “Our merino wool DOES NOT LIKE heat or spinning around in a washing machine. When you do need to wash it we recommend a mild non-biological liquid in cool water, quick rinse by hand, gentle squeeze out of the water and then dry flat layout on a large towel and let dry naturally or you can roll the towel up, jelly-roll style, with the merino wool item in the middle.”

Mid-Layers (Fleece, Softshell):

Your mid-layers can be washed on a gentle cycle. No waterproofing treatment is needed for fleece but softshells may benefit from DWR spray.

Ski Socks:

• Merino wool: gentle wash, air dry
• Synthetic: normal sports wash

Drying:

• Never use high heat
• Avoid radiators and direct sunlight
• Hang on broad hangers (not wire - causes creases)
• Ensure completely dry before storage (prevents mildew)

• Hang jackets and ski pants/salopettes on broad hangers in a cool, dry place
• Don't compress or stuff in bags long-term
• Avoid damp garages or hot attics
• Keep away from direct sunlight (fades colours, degrades fabric)

• Clean and waterproof BEFORE storing
• Hang or lay flat (don't compress)
• Use breathable garment bags if needed
• Check periodically for moisture/mildew

Consider Professional Cleaning if your ski gear is extremely expensive or delicate, you're unsure about fabric type or care instructions or you have stains that won’t come out with home treatment.

What Professionals Can Do:

• Specialised cleaning for technical fabrics
• Seam sealing repair
• Zip replacement
• Patch repairs
• Commercial-grade waterproofing

• Using regular detergent or fabric softener
• Washing on a hot cycle (damages membranes)
• Skipping the heat-activation step
• Over-washing (strips DWR faster)
• Storing damp gear (mildew risk)
• Ignoring care labels
• Using harsh stain removers
• Drying on high heat

General Guidelines:

• After every 10-20 days of skiing (heavy use)
• Once per season for occasional skiers
• When you notice water no longer beading
• After particularly muddy/dirty trips
• Before storage for off-season

• Stiff, crunchy fabric
• Reduced breathability
• Build-up of product

• Nikwax (UK-based, environmentally friendly, easy to use)
• Grangers (popular with outdoor enthusiasts)
• ReviveX (McNett, good for repairs too)

Proper care of your ski gear isn't just about extending its life, it's about ensuring it performs when you need it most. A well-maintained jacket keeps you dry and warm on the mountain, making every ski day more enjoyable.

Invest an hour or two after your ski holiday to clean, waterproof and store your gear properly. Your future self (and your wallet) will thank you when your kit performs like new season after season.