Snowsuits are essential for winter sports and activities, but they can also get dirty and smelly after a few uses.
Whether you have a ski jacket and pants combo or men’s one piece snowsuits, you need to know how to wash them properly to keep them in good shape.
Washing a snowsuit is not as hard as you might think, but it does require some special care and attention.
In this article, we will show you how to wash men’s one piece snowsuits without ruining it, and how to restore its water-repellency and breathability.
Why You Should Wash Your Snowsuit
You might be tempted to skip washing your snowsuit and just hang it in the closet until next season, but that would be a mistake.
Dirt, sweat, oil, and bacteria can build up on your snowsuit over time, clogging the pores of the fabric and affecting its performance.
A dirty snowsuit will not only look and smell bad, but it will also lose its waterproofing and breathability, making you wet and cold on the slopes.
Washing your snowsuit at least twice a season will help remove the dirt and grime that can damage the fabric and compromise its functionality.
Washing will also revitalize the durable water-repellent (DWR) coating that prevents water from soaking into the outer layer of your snowsuit.
A clean snowsuit will keep you dry, warm, and comfortable for many winters to come.
How to Wash Your Snowsuit?
Before you wash your snowsuit, you need to check the care label for any specific instructions from the manufacturer.
Some snowsuits may have different requirements depending on the type of fabric, insulation, or waterproofing they have.
Always follow the care label guidelines to avoid damaging your snowsuit.
Here are some general steps on how to wash your snowsuit:
Step 1: Prepare Your Snowsuit for Washing
Empty all the pockets and remove any lift tickets or passes.
Zip up all the zippers, snap all the snaps, and close all the Velcro fasteners to prevent snagging or tearing during washing.
Remove any detachable parts such as hoods, liners, or fur trims.
Pre-treat any stains with a stain remover or a mild detergent.
Step 2: Choose the Right Detergent and Settings
Use a gentle detergent that is suitable for synthetic fabrics. Avoid regular detergents, fabric softeners, or bleach as they can leave residues that can harm the waterproofing and breathability of your snowsuit.
Some examples of gentle detergents are Hex Performance, Woolite, or Nikwax Down Wash Direct (for down-filled snowsuits).
You can also use a special detergent that is designed for waterproof gear, such as Nikwax Tech Wash or Granger’s Performance Wash. These detergents will not only clean your snowsuit but also enhance its water-repellency.
Set your washing machine to a cold water cycle on a gentle or delicate setting. Do not use hot water as it can damage the fabric or shrink your snowsuit.
Do not overload your washing machine. Wash your snowsuit separately or with similar items.
Step 3: Dry Your Snowsuit Properly
Do not machine-dry your snowsuit as it can cause shrinkage or damage the fabric. Instead, hang it on a clothesline or a drying rack in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
You can also tumble-dry your snowsuit on a low heat setting with some clean tennis balls or socks to help fluff up the insulation and break up any clumps of down or synthetic fill.
Once your snowsuit is dry, you can tumble-dry it again for 20 minutes on a warm setting to reactivate the DWR coating on the outer layer of your snowsuit. The heat will help restore the water-repellency of your snowsuit by making the water droplets bead up and roll off.
How to Restore the Water-Repellency of Your Snowsuit?
If you notice that your snowsuit is no longer repelling water as well as it used to, you may need to apply a new water-repellent treatment to restore its performance.
The DWR coating on your snowsuit can wear off over time due to abrasion, washing, or exposure to dirt and oils.
You can use a spray-on or wash-in water-repellent product that is compatible with your snowsuit’s fabric.
How to Store Your Snowsuit?
After washing and drying your snowsuit, you need to store it properly to keep it in good condition for the next season.
Here are some tips on how to store your snowsuit:
Do not store your snowsuit in a plastic bag or a vacuum-sealed bag as this can trap moisture and cause mold or mildew growth. Instead, use a breathable storage bag or a cotton pillowcase to allow some air circulation.
Do not compress your snowsuit as this can damage the insulation and reduce its loft and warmth. Store your snowsuit loosely folded or hung up in a cool, dry, and dark place away from sunlight, heat, or insects.
You can also add some cedar balls or lavender sachets to your storage bag to prevent moths or other pests from eating your snowsuit.
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