How to Clean & Re-waterproof your Ski Jacket -

Over time, ski jackets can lose their water-repellency.

Waterproofing doesn’t last forever.

Whether from rubbing against a dirty car while straining to reach the ski rack, or spilled apres-drinks, a dirty jacket will stop repelling water. Luckily, it’s easy to clean and re-waterproof your ski jacket so you can get back to schralping pow.

The trick is to clean your jacket first.

Most times, it’s dirt, body oils, and even smoke that are covering the water-repellent coating, making your jacket soak up water. Nasty! However, cleaning with household detergents isn’t the answer. They too can leave behind residues that attract water. Not great for waterproof performance. That’s why it’s key to use a technical cleaner like Nikwax Tech Wash. Tech Wash cleans away the crud while maintaining the water-repellency and breathability of your jacket.

Let’s get into it!

Here’s how to clean.

1. Check the pockets. Washing a tube of lip balm into your jacket is cause for tears, trust us.
2. Place jacket(s) in washing machine. If you only have one jacket, maybe ask a friend if they want a clean jacket too. They can owe you.
3. Add Nikwax Tech Wash. In a top-loading machine, add three full caps (150ml) for 1-3 garments or five full caps (250ml) for 4-6 garments. In a front loader, it’s best to add no more than two garments with two capfuls (100ml) of Tech Wash. Special note: If you live in an area with hard water, toss in an extra capful of Tech Wash. 
4. Sit back with a good book and a glass of wine/beer/hot cocoa as the machine runs its course.
5. More often than not, this single cycle will be enough to have revitalized your jacket.

But my ski jacket still isn’t waterproof!
That’s ok. Don’t panic. Over time the water-repellent finish can wear off. When that happens, it’s time to add more waterproofing.

Here’s how to waterproof.

1. Clean first. Always clean first. Use Tech Wash like before. Then…
2. If you have a top-loading machine, let the machine fill, then add a maximum of 3 garments and 300ml of TX.Direct Wash-In. Run a heavy/warm cycle.
3. If you have a front-loading machine, add a maximum of 2 garments and 200ml of TX.Direct.
4. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions as to whether your garment should be line or tumble dried. Nikwax does not require heat for activation, so you’re good to go either way.
5. Put your jacket on and admire your waterproofed duds in the mirror.

A question we get a lot is “But how often should I be doing all this?!“. Easy. When you notice your jacket looks dirty (don’t be gross- keep it clean!) or when you notice it’s soaking up water.

There you have it!

Now you’re ready to hit the slopes again and laugh at the soggy fools clustered around the fire pit.

Or, maybe you can tell them about taking care of their ski jackets and spread the dryness.