Your winter gear goes through a lot during the season, from the base layers that keep you toasty warm to the waterproof shell that keeps you dry through every snow day or unexpected tumble on the slopes. Before you stash it all away, take some time to give each piece a little extra TLC to make sure it’s ready for every winter hike, powder day and bluebird morning to come.
Taking care of waterproof shells, insulated jackets, base layers, and ski gear isn’t complicated, but a little know-how goes a long way. Follow these easy steps to clean, protect and prep your gear so it’s dialed in and ready for your next cold-weather adventure.
Waterproof jackets
How to wash a winter jacket
Taking care of your waterproof jacket is easy with the right approach. First, start by checking the care label on your jacket before swapping out your regular detergent for a biodegradable technical wash that maintains the water-repellent membrane. Then zip up the pockets, fasten any Velcro and turn your jacket inside out before tossing it into the washing machine on a gentle cycle with cold or warm water. Put it through a good second rinse cycle to make sure there’s no leftover soap, then hang dry (ideally in the winter sunshine).
How to re-waterproof a jacket
If water isn’t beading on your waterproof jacket anymore then it’s time for a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) refresh. After washing your shell, reach for a bottle of wash-in waterproof treatment and add it in for a second run through your washing machine. Another great option is waterproof spray, which you can use to spray your damp jacket all over while making sure to pay extra attention to seams and pockets before wiping off any excess. Then, after whichever method you choose, tumble dry your jacket on low heat to help reactivate the water-repellent coating.
How to store your shell jackets
Once your shell jacket is clean and dry, proper storage will keep it in great shape for winters to come. First, make sure it’s completely dry since any leftover moisture can cause mildew or funky smells. Skip the stuff sack or tight folds since long-term compression might damage the fabric. Instead, hang it up in a cool, dry closet on a sturdy hanger to help keep its shape. If space is tight, a loose fold is completely fine.
Insulated jackets
How to clean a down jacket
Cleaning a down jacket is surprisingly easy, and regular care keeps it warm and fluffy. Start by checking your jacket’s care label for any special instructions, then use a down-specific detergent that helps your down keep you insulated through the elements. Zip up all the pockets, turn your jacket inside out and wash it on a gentle cycle with cold water. After a thorough rinse, toss it in the dryer on low heat with a few tennis balls or dryer balls to break up clumps and bring back that lofty warmth.
How to clean a synthetic insulated jacket
Before getting started, check your jacket’s care label for any specific instructions. Grab a bottle of high-performance wash, which is made for cleaning synthetic fabrics, then zip up your jacket, turn it inside out and wash it on a gentle cycle with cold water. After washing, run an extra rinse to make sure no detergent is left on your jacket. Then you can tumble dry on low heat with a couple of dryer balls or let it air dry completely before you put it away.
How to store insulated jackets
Storing your insulated jacket the right way extends the life of your gear into the next winter season and beyond. First, make sure it’s clean and fully dry before hanging it in a cool, dry place on a wide hanger to help keep its shape. If you’re low on space, you can fold it loosely then put it on a shelf or store it in a breathable bag to help prevent any moisture building up in your jacket.
Base layers
How to wash base layers
Start with a gentle detergent that’s made to protect active fabrics. For synthetic base layers, a cold, gentle wash and a low tumble dry or air dry keeps them in great shape. Merino wool base layers love a wool-specific detergent, a cold wash and laying flat to dry — skipping the tumble dryer will help maintain the softness, fit and breathability of the natural fibers.
How to store base layers
Storing your base layers properly helps them last longer so, once they’re clean and dry, fold them and put them in a drawer or storage bin where air can flow. Merino wool needs extra love, so store yours in a sealed bag with cedar blocks or lavender to prevent moth damage. Giving your base layers their own space makes them easy to find when you need to layer up next.
Winter gloves
Start by brushing off dirt and wiping your winter gloves down with a damp cloth. Most gloves won’t need frequent washing, but if they do, use a gentle detergent then follow up with a fresh DWR treatment at the end of the season to restore their waterproofing. To reapply DWR, spray your gloves evenly while they’re still damp, then tumble dry on low heat or gently warm them with a hairdryer to help the coating bond to the fabric. Once your gloves are clean and fully dry, stash them in a cool, dry place. Keep them clipped together so they’re easy to find when the temperature drops again.
How to take care of your skis
After a day on the slopes, wipe your skis down to clear off snow and prevent rust on the edges. Regular waxing keeps your skis gliding smoothly down runs, while edge tuning enhances your control. At the end of the season, apply a warm-weather wax to protect the base and edges then store your skis in a cool, dry place — ideally upright or lying flat with minimal pressure on the camber.
How to take care of your ski accessories
Start with your ski boots. Take out the liners to let them dry completely and wipe down the shells. Give your liners a quick refresh with an odor-eliminating spray or a sprinkle of baking soda before putting them back in. Once they’re dry, pop them back into your boots before storing them with the buckles lightly fastened to keep their shape. For ski goggles, keep your lenses scratch-free by letting them air dry for a day or so before storing them in a soft cover. Protect the glue on your climbing skins by sticking them to their backing or folding them glue-to-glue to keep them tacky. During the off-season, stash them in a cool, dark place like the back of a closet or even your freezer. Avalanche safety gear needs regular checks, too. Store your transceiver with the batteries removed for the off-season, check your probe and shovel for damage and keep everything in an easy-to-grab spot like your touring backpack.
A little TLC now will make a big difference when the temperatures start to drop again. A good wash, proper storage, and a quick re-waterproofing refresh will keep your gear in great shape and ready to make the most of your next outdoor adventure.
