How do I wash my ski clothes?

Thoroughly cleaning your ski suit is an important step in preserving its performance. The materials used are generally waterproof membranes, breathable fabrics and thermal linings. They all require special treatment. Above all, remember to reading labels. Every piece of equipment has its own special features!

Remove all removable parts (furs, protective covers) and close all zippers. Then choose a mild detergent, without fabric softener or bleach. Wash at low temperatures, with a gentle spin.

Each component of the ski outfits must be properly cleaned.

Ski pants generally contain a waterproof-breathable membrane that can withstand high temperatures. Before washing, turn the pants inside out, close the zips and fastenings, then place them in a washing net. Use a gentle program at 30°C maximum without fabric softener. You can also buy a special detergent for technical textiles.

A light spin is recommended to avoid damaging the membrane. Avoid tumble-drying at high temperatures. Instead, air-dry or tumble-dry on a low-temperature synthetic program.

Ski jackets often feature a water-repellent, breathable membrane. As with pants, turn them inside out, close all zips, empty all pockets and use a detergent without softeners. Wash at 30°C on a low spin cycle, using a special detergent for technical garments.

Tumble-dry at low temperature to reactivate the water-repellent treatment. Otherwise, dry flat or on a hanger, away from direct heat.

Ski gloves should be washed with care, especially if they are made of leather or contain a waterproof membrane. Check the label first, as some models are not machine-washable. If they are, wash them at 30°C without spinning and in a protective net.

For non-machine-washable gloves, use a damp cloth and mild soap. Never dry them on a radiator, preferring to dry them in the open air, fingers up, to retain their shape.

Underlays such as thermal T-shirts, merino wool leggings and technical fabrics deserve special care. Wash them separately to avoid snags. Use a gentle program at 30°C maximum with a special wool or sports detergent.

Absolutely avoid fabric softener, which reduces the thermal and breathability performance of the fibers. A moderate spin is sufficient. Dry them flat in the open air, avoiding any source of direct heat that could damage the fibers.

Ski masks and helmets are not suitable for the washing machine! For the mask, gently clean the screen with a microfiber cloth and lukewarm water. Avoid rubbing the interior, as the anti-fog treatment is fragile. For the frame and strap, use a damp cloth and mild soap.

The helmet can be cleaned with a slightly soapy sponge. If the foams are removable, remove them and wash by hand in lukewarm water. Leave to dry in the open air, never near a heat source.

After washing, drying is an equally important stage in preserving the longevity of your skiwear! Improper drying can damage fibers, alter the shape of garments or reduce their thermal efficiency. Each type of material requires special attention. Here's how to properly dry your equipment according to its composition.

Synthetic garments such as polyester and nylon dry relatively quickly, but cannot withstand high temperatures. So avoid overheating the dryer, which can damage the fibers or shrink the fabric. Prefer a low-temperature delicate cycle if you're using a tumble dryer, or better still, a flat dryer in the open air, in the shade.

Don't hang up clothes that are still wet, as this may distort them. A wide hanger may be suitable if the fabric is well drained. Avoid direct heat sources.

Down requires special drying to prevent ball formation and maintain its loft. Tumble-drying is recommended here, provided you use a gentle, low-temperature program.

Place one or two tennis balls own in the drum to help "break up" the feather clusters and promote even distribution. This process can take several hours. Regularly check that the down is thoroughly dry to avoid mildew.

Gore-Tex is designed to withstand the elements, but is sensitive to inappropriate drying. Ideally, garments should be air-dried on a hanger at room temperature. However, a tumble-dry at low temperature may be useful to reactivate the water-repellent membrane.

Always follow label instructions. Avoid ironing or any source of direct heat, which could alter the technical properties of the fabric.