How to wash and dry your ski suit
It is quite common to think that the best way to clean a ski suit at the end of the season is through industrial laundry services or dry cleaning. This common belief is not always accurate and, in some cases, can even be harmful to the suit.
What are the risks of incorrect washing?
An improper wash using harsh products or chemical treatments could irreparably damage the suit’s waterproofing, making it ineffective when in use.
Always read the maintenance label
The manufacturer of your ski suit has likely carried out dozens of tests on the fabric, Velcro fastenings, zippers, and buttons. A qualified technical department has identified the optimal washing and drying conditions and included them on a label that, by law, must be sewn inside the garment. If we follow the instructions, it is unlikely we’ll make a mistake, and our ski suit will last a long time while maintaining its original features and performance.
Different types of suits, different treatments.
Not all ski suits are the same. Materials, fabric compositions, and paddings vary. We can classify ski suits into broad categories:
· Synthetic ski suits
· Ski suits padded with goose down
· Waterproof ski suits
How to wash your synthetic suits
Ski suits made of synthetic materials can easily be washed at home, unless otherwise indicated on the care label. Most modern washing machines have a specific program for sportswear. If not, just follow a few simple rules:
- Always carefully close all the zippers (and check the pockets to remove your ski pass or anything that could damage the suit during the wash).
- Wash your ski suit on its own or at most with a half-full load.
- Never exceed 30°C, using a neutral detergent, and never use fabric softener or aggressive cleaning agents.
How to Wash Down-Filled Ski Suits
How to wash a ski suit made of waterproof material
New-generation ski suits, made with breathable and waterproof materials, require the utmost care during washing. First of all, it’s important to remember that these garments should be wash as little as possible. Frequent washing, even if done following the care label instructions, may damage the treatments or the fabrics themselves. Wash the garment at the end of the season so it can be stored clean and ready for the next. Always remember that a waterproof garment needs more water to be properly cleaned, using cold water and a neutral detergent.
Be careful while drying
Very often, using a dryer is not recommended. If the season or the location allows, it’s always preferable to hang the ski suit on a hanger in a well-ventilated area, but not in direct sunlight. This will allow for more natural drying. If you must use a dryer, choose the most delicate program available and halve the drying time to remove excess water, then let the garment finish drying as described above.
IT MAY SEEM OBVIOUS, BUT THE BEST CHOICE IS TO INVEST IN QUALITY
Since an adult ski suit is a garment that will last for many years, choosing a high-quality product will ensure comfort, waterproofness, and breathability even after many washes. That’s why we recommend browsing our ski category, where you’ll surely find the product best suited to your needs.
Especially for children, it’s quite common to have a ski suit filled with down. In this case, the washing rules are very similar to those for synthetic material suits. A simple trick can help restore your garment to its original condition: place a new tennis ball inside the washing drum. This will help keep the down evenly distributed and prevent it from clumping together.
