How to Care for Ski Gear So It Lasts Longer
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Time to read 3 min
Your ski gear is an investment—one that deserves care if you want it to keep you warm, dry, and looking stylish season after season. With the right cleaning techniques, storage habits, and occasional re-waterproofing, your gear can perform for years without losing its edge.
Let’s walk through how to properly care for your jackets, pants, and base layers so you can stay fresh on and off the mountain.
Why Ski Gear Maintenance Matters
Ski wear is made with high-performance technical fabrics designed to repel water, breathe, and insulate. Over time, sweat, dirt, and oils can clog those materials—making them less waterproof and less breathable.
- Maintain waterproofing and breathability
- Prevent fabric breakdown
- Keep colors and materials looking fresh
- Extend the life of eco-friendly, sustainably made gear
How to Wash Ski Jackets and Pants
Step 1: Check the Label
Always read your garment’s care instructions first. Most Halfdays pieces—like the Aston Jacket and Carson Bib Pant—can be machine-washed gently.
Step 2: Use the Right Detergent
Skip the regular detergent—it can damage waterproof coatings. Instead, use a cleaner made for technical outerwear like NikWax Tech Wash. It cleans effectively while preserving your gear’s durable water-repellent (DWR) finish.
Step 3: Gentle Cycle, Cold Water
Machine wash on cold with all zippers closed. Avoid fabric softeners or bleach, as they break down waterproof membranes.
Step 4: Air Dry or Tumble on Low
High heat can harm fabrics, so air dry your gear or tumble dry on low to help reactivate the DWR coating.
Pro tip: After washing, apply NikWax TX.Direct (Wash-In or Spray-On) to refresh waterproofing.
Suggested image: Ski jacket in washer — alt: “washing women’s ski jacket with NikWax detergent”.
How to Clean Base Layers and Midlayers
Your base and midlayers—like the Pieper Fleece or Georgie Puffer Jacket—need regular cleaning too.
- Wash after every few wears, especially after sweaty days.
- Use mild detergent (no softeners or bleach).
- Wash in cold or warm water on gentle.
- Air dry to prevent shrinking or pilling.
If you wear Merino wool, choose a wool-safe detergent and avoid high heat to keep fibers soft and strong.
Suggested image: Pieper Fleece folded on table — alt: “folding Pieper Fleece for ski season storage”.
Proper Ski Gear Storage Between Seasons
End-of-season storage can make or break the lifespan of your gear.
- Wash everything first. Dirt and oils degrade fabric over time.
- Dry completely to prevent mildew.
- Loosely hang jackets and pants instead of folding them to preserve shape and seams.
- Keep gear in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
- Store gloves and accessories together for easy grab-and-go next season.
Suggested image: Closet with Halfdays gear — alt: “storing Halfdays ski jackets and bibs for off-season”.
How to Re-Waterproof Your Gear
Even high-quality outerwear loses its water repellency over time. You’ll notice water no longer beads on the surface—that’s your cue.
- Wash with NikWax Tech Wash, then apply NikWax TX.Direct.
- Follow product instructions for wash-in or spray-on application.
- Air or tumble dry on low to help activate the coating.
You’ll restore that “just like new” protection without damaging your gear—or the planet.
Suggested image: NikWax bottles beside jacket — alt: “NikWax Tech Wash and TX.Direct waterproofing products”.
Caring for Accessories (Gloves, Helmets, Goggles)
Gloves: Spot clean with mild soap and water, and let them air dry. Never toss leather gloves in the wash—use a leather-safe cleaner instead.
Helmets: Wipe inside and out with a damp cloth. Avoid harsh cleaners that can weaken foam padding.
Goggles: Use a microfiber cloth and avoid touching the inside of the lens, which has an anti-fog coating.
Sustainable Ski Gear Care Tips
- Repair small damages instead of replacing.
- Donate or recycle older items responsibly.
- Wash less often—spot clean when possible.
- Use eco-friendly cleaners like NikWax, which are biodegradable and PFC-free.
Keep Your Gear Adventure-Ready
With just a little care, your Halfdays ski gear can perform season after season—on the slopes, at après, and everywhere in between.
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FAQs
- How often should I wash my ski jacket?
- Wash your ski jacket once or twice a season—more often if you ski frequently or notice buildup from sweat and dirt.
- Can I use regular laundry detergent on ski gear?
- No. Regular detergent can strip waterproof coatings. Use a cleaner made for technical gear like NikWax Tech Wash instead.
- How do I know if my jacket needs re-waterproofing?
- If water stops beading and starts soaking into the fabric, it’s time to reapply a waterproofing treatment like NikWax TX.Direct.
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