How to Wash Your Ski Pants

When was the last time you washed any of your ski pants? If you’re having trouble remembering, then it probably means it’s time to wash them, especially if you’re someone who’s hitting the slopes fairly frequently! 

Do I really need to wash my ski pants?

Yes! Even if your ski pants don’t necessarily look dirty, there’s a good chance they could benefit from a wash after you’ve worn them out several times. Dirt, grime, and other elements can actually compromise the fabric’s waterproofing and breathability levels, which can lead to you getting damp, overheating, etc. Taking good care of your ski or snowboard pants by cleaning them will help to ensure that they stay in good shape to last you many years of use. 

How often do I need to wash my ski pants?

You may be relieved to know that you don’t need to wash ski pants after every trip to the slopes! It’s recommended that you only wash them once or twice per season to keep them fresh. 

What do I need?

To wash ski pants, you will need:

• A washing machine or a bucket filled with water
• A drying rack or clothesline
• Gentle liquid detergent
• Stain remover or liquid dish soap (if your pants have any stains)

But before tossing your ski pants in the washing machine, check the tag to be sure that they are machine washable. Most ski pants are, but you don’t want to risk ruining your favorite pair because you forgot to look at the instructions. If for some reason they are not machine washable or you are not comfortable putting them in your washing machine, hand washing them is another good option.

Some fabrics, such as GORE-TEX, have specific instructions regarding the water temperatures and cycle setting. GORE-TEX and other ski pants that are waterproof are coated in DWR, which can wear off after a while. If this happens, you may want to purchase a waterproofing solution. There are many different types of waterproofing solutions available—some of them are used in the wash while others are sprayed onto the clothing after it has dried. Check out this post to read more specifics about cleaning and drying GORE-TEX outerwear. 

How to Wash Ski Pants in the Washing Machine

Step 1 – Check the pockets

Before you wash ski pants, you should always be sure that you didn’t leave anything in the pockets from skiing, such as lip balm, money, tissues, etc. You also will want to remove any lift passes and tickets you have attached onto your ski pants as well. 

Step 2 – Secure everything

Zip up any zippers and secure any Velcro and fastens on your ski pants. You don’t want them to catch or snag on anything and cause damage while they are in the wash. 

Step 3 – Any stains? 

Check your ski pants for any stains. Use stain remover or liquid dish soap along with a soft bristle brush (such as a toothbrush) to clean any of the stained spots before sticking your ski pants in the wash. 

Step 4 – Wash

Put your ski pants in the wash with similar fabrics or with nothing else. Turn the setting to “delicate” and the temperature to “cool.” 

How to Wash Ski Pants by Hand

Step 1: Follow steps 1 – 3 above

Just like with machine washing, you’ll want to check the pockets, zip up and secure any clasps, and treat any stains before you wash your ski pants.

Step 2: Fill a bucket with water and detergent

Again, like using the washing machine, you will want to use a gentle, liquid detergent with cool water when hand washing.

Step 3: Wash and Rinse 

Put your ski pants into the bucket and gently wash them. Rinse them out with cool water a few times until you see the water running clear without any suds. Squeeze (don’t ring) out your pants before drying them.

What about drying?

In most cases, you will want to air dry your ski pants to prevent any damage that could be caused from the dryer. Hang them from a clothing line or a drying rack if you have one. Otherwise, hang them up in your closet and let them dry in a space where they won’t be in direct sunlight. 

Other Notes:

• Do not use warm water and/or high speeds when using the washing machine. This has the potential to damage the material of your ski pants.

• Do not use laundry detergent that includes fabric softener, whiteners, or fragrances.

• If you do decide to put your ski pants in the dryer (again, be sure you check the tag first!) do not use softener sheets. These will essentially clog up the fabric, making it less breathable.

Hopefully this has been a helpful guide on how to wash ski pants! Different styles and brands will often suggest different ways of cleaning your ski pants, so be sure to follow the instructions on the tag. This way, you can ensure that your pants will be in great shape for plenty of ski seasons to come!