Photo courtesy of finetrack
Did you wash the clothes that played a big role during the season and put them away? Wear is something that is dirty or damaged because it is used habitually. However, there are many cases where aftercare is not provided. We often hear comments such as, "Do I need to wash clothes?", "Cleaning is expensive...", and "How should I wash it?". So let's think about washing snowwear. Get ready for winter while it's off season.
Do snowwear need to be washed?
Does snowwear need to be washed? The answer is YES. The reason is…
●Clothes that have been worn multiple times during the season have a lot of sweat and sebum stains on them.
If the wear is left in that state, the functions such as water repellency and sweat absorption of the wear may deteriorate. ●If the surface is left with stains such as dirt or oil, the waterproofness may be lost or the fabric may be damaged and discolored.
●If you store your skiwear in a damp or damp place without washing it, mold and bacteria will grow, giving off an odor and causing deterioration of your skiwear.
In other words, if you leave your clothes unwashed, the various functions of your clothes will deteriorate. This can make it difficult to stay comfortable on snowy mountains, adversely affect gliding performance, and in some cases even threaten safety. Keeping the wear clean will maintain the functions of the wear and lead to long-lasting use.
Can clothes be washed? Check the washing label
Some snowwear can be washed by yourself, and some must be sent to the dry cleaners. First, check the label on the garment to see if it can be washed at home.
If there is a "laundry tub mark" or "hand wash mark", you can wash it at home, but if there is a mark with a circle of alphabets such as "Do not wash" and "P, F, W", you have no choice but to send it to the dry cleaners. . The number inside the washing tub mark indicates the maximum temperature for washing. The lines under the washing tub indicate the strength of the water flow, and the more lines there are, the weaker the water flow is recommended.
[Mark display example]
1.Liquid temperature is limited to 40°C, and
can
a
washing machine. dry cleaned with perchlorethylene and petroleum solvents
6. Can be weakly dry cleaned with petroleum solvents
7. Can be wet cleaned with very weak operation
2 ways to wash
There are two ways to wash snowwear at home: hand washing and machine washing. Many people say that washing clothes by hand gives them a sense of security and makes them feel more attached than putting them in the washing machine. On the other hand, if you think about time and effort, the washing machine is still convenient because it is easy and saves time. It's up to you which one you prefer.
However, whether you wash by hand or use a washing machine, detergent is the key. Is it okay to wash snow wear with special materials and functions to withstand harsh natural conditions with the same detergent as everyday clothes worn in the city? The answer is "NO".
We have outdoor cleaners! How is it different from regular detergent?
Did you know that there is a special detergent for washing outdoor wear? It is produced by several outdoor manufacturers such as Caravan, Mochizuki, and Evernew.
What is the difference between these dedicated detergents recommended for outdoor wear maintenance and general detergents?
When it comes to detergents for washing the clothes you wear and the fabrics you use in your daily life, it is said that the most important points for consumers are "detergency" and "deodorization power." In addition, many detergents contain fabric softeners and air fresheners to make the skin feel soft and smell good, and bleaches to make the whiteness stand out. Recently, there is a demand for "antibacterial effect", and the number of detergents containing antibacterial ingredients is increasing.
These ingredients, which work well in everyday clothing, often hinder the maintenance of the important functions of snowwear, such as water repellency, sweat absorption, and moisture permeability. When a film is put on the surface of the fiber, it blocks the ability of the moisture-permeable material to breathe, and when washing, the bleach and cleaning ingredients are not thoroughly rinsed off and remain on the fiber, which may lead to a decrease in functionality. Noda.
The water repellency and moisture permeability of snow wear is a non-negotiable part that is directly linked to safety on snowy mountains. If you risk losing it, using a special detergent would be a smart choice.
Detergents suitable for washing snow wear
Let's take a look at the various special detergents and what each one has.
NIKWAX _
NIKWAX is a water-soluble water-repellent polymer that can also be used for moisture-permeable and waterproof fabrics. Due to its elasticity, each fiber is entangled in a lattice pattern, and the water-repellent component is difficult to break, so the water-repellent effect lasts for a long time. It is Luorocarbon (PFC)-free and does not use any chemical substances such as fluorine and fluorine compounds that are harmful to humans and nature, so it is safe and environmentally friendly.
tech wash
Laundry detergent for water-repellent fabrics. Unlike ordinary detergents, it does not damage the water-repellent coating applied to the surface of the wear, and can firmly remove only the dirt adhering to the wear. It is an excellent product that restores the water repellent effect while ensuring the breathability (moisture permeability) of the material.
Capacity: 300ml
Target products: Snow wear (hard and soft shell), fleece, cotton and polycotton products, rain wear, tents, etc.
¥1,320
 | NIKWAX TECHWASH 300ml Laundry detergent for water-repellent fabrics TECHWASH Detergent for clothes Price: 1,320 yen |
down wash direct
Detergent for down products. Suitable for both water-repellent snow wear down and regular down for town use. With its powerful cleaning power, it removes dirt from the outer fabric while leaving the oil necessary for the feathers.
Capacity: 300ml
Target products: Down jackets, sleeping bags, etc.
¥1,540
◆ Official HP / https://www.evernew.co.jp/outdoor/nikwax/
 | Nikwax Down Wash Direct (Detergent) BE1K1 Price: 1,540 yen |
finetrack
Finetrack, an outdoor apparel maker, started with the idea of "creating completely new things that cannot be found anywhere else." Since its founding in 2004, it has created many new materials and wear products. Knowing all about Japan's topography and climate, he proposes a variety of products that match the mountainous areas and activities. Dedicated detergents are part of that.
all wash
A laundry detergent that specializes in removing stains without impairing its water-repellent and sweat-absorbing functions. All unnecessary ingredients such as softener and bleach are removed, and each ingredient is carefully selected.
Not only can it be used for snow wear, but it can also remove odors from base layers, socks, and sebum that sticks to cuffs and collars. 14 times of washing is possible when the amount of washing water is 30L. Also compatible with drum-type washing machines.
Contents: 420g (bottle)
Applicable products: For cotton, linen, synthetic fibers, all finetrack wear, etc.
¥ 1,375
◆ Official HP / https://www.finetrack.com/products/carefine/allwash/
 | Price: 1,375 yen |
GRANGERS _
Grangers' water repellent uses a unique water repellent ingredient "acrylic polymer" that does not contain fluorine carbon, which was born from years of research and development. While providing water repellency, durability, and moisture permeability that could only be achieved with water repellents containing fluorocarbon, we have realized the creation of more environmentally friendly products. (Excluding some water repellents)
PERFORMANCE WASH CONCENTRATE 300ml
Washes without impairing the moisture permeability function of the waterproof and moisture permeable material and the water repellency of the outer material.
It does not contain any unnecessary ingredients such as fragrances, so it is environmentally friendly. A water-based cleaner that can be put directly into the washing machine. Compatible with all washable clothing and can also be used with GORE-TEX materials.
Contents: 300ml
Target materials: Fleece, base layer, soft shell, batting, waterproof/windproof materials
¥1,375
 | Granger's Performance Wash Concentrate 300ml 1500005 Price: 1,230 yen |
2 in 1 Wash & Repel 300ml
A water-based cleaner and water repellent, one bottle has a 2-way function.
At the same time as washing, water repellent processing is applied to the fabric that has lost its water repellency. Also available for GORE-TEX material. Drying with heat is necessary to evaporate the cleaning ingredients.
Contents: 300ml
Target materials: Fleece, soft shell, batting, waterproof/windproof materials
¥2,200
 | Granger's 2 in 1 Wash & Repel 300ml 1500006 Price: 2,200 yen |
monbell
Monbell is a global comprehensive brand that has a wide range of products related to outdoor sports, from mountain climbing to skis, bicycles, canoes, camping and fishing. We also have a lineup of dedicated detergents for maintaining wear that is used in all outdoor scenes. There is also a multi-use type and a type dedicated to down. It is recommended to be used in conjunction with a water repellent.
OD Maintenance Multi Cleaner 400mL
Suitable for washing general textile products such as waterproof breathable materials and water-repellent clothing.
Since it is neutral, it does not damage the fibers, and the excellent cleaning ingredients remove stains even with normal temperature water. Effective when used in conjunction with the OD maintenance series water repellent.
Capacity: 400ml
Applicable products: Alpine wear including snow wear, rain wear, underwear, tents, backpacks, etc.
¥1,100
OD Maintenance Down Cleaner 200mL
Detergent that is ideal for washing gear and clothing containing down and synthetic cotton.
Since it is neutral, it does not damage the fibers, and the excellent cleaning ingredients remove stains even with normal temperature water. It is more effective when used in conjunction with the water repellent of the OD maintenance series.
Capacity: 200ml (for 13 typical down wear) Applicable products: Down, synthetic cotton wear, down/synthetic cotton sleeping bag, etc.
¥770
STORM
A cleaning and water repellent kit for hard shells that restores the original functions of the garment while saving time and water, and prolongs the life of the garment, using a one-wash cycle that can be washed with detergent and water repellent at once. We do not use PFCs (perfluorinated compounds) that cause environmental pollution, and we use aluminum bottles in consideration of microplastic pollution. Environmentally friendly detergent.
apparel care kit
A kit with a lightweight cap that includes a wash and proofer. Each 225ml can wash 6 adult clothes.
apparel wash
Cleaner that can be used for all outdoor wear.
Reliably removes stubborn sebum and dirt. Capacity: 225ml Suitable
materials: hard shell, soft shell, fleece, synthetic cotton jacket, etc.
Cannot be used on down products. ¥770
A water repellent agent that restores the water repellency of
proofer It also helps restore moisture permeability. Capacity: 225ml Suitable
materials: hard shell, soft shell, synthetic cotton jacket, etc.
Cannot be used on down products. ￥1,320
◆ Official HP / https://www.e-mot.co.jp/naturalspirit/product.asp?id=468
 | Price: 1,870 yen |
how to wash
When washing in a washing machine
1.
Check the washing tag on the garment to see if it can be washed, and close all zippers, buttons, etc. 2. If you are wearing 1 or 2 clothes, fill the water with about 20 liters as a guide, and put the clothes in the washing machine.
3.
Put in detergent. Follow the instructions on how to use the detergent. 4. Make sure that the detergent is completely removed, and if not, rinse again.
Watch the video to see how laundry is done with special detergent.
▼When washing in a washing machine using Nikwax
▼When washed in a washing machine using Grangers
▼When washed in a washing machine using the STORM apparel care kit
For down products
Many people wear down as a mid layer. Down is something that requires nerves to handle. Detergents specially designed for down products are also available, so it is safe to use them. Watch a video about washing in a washing machine.
For hand washing
1.
As a preparation in advance, close the zipper and button of the wear. 2.
Fill a large container with water, add detergent, and wash. It is good to wash the dirty parts by applying detergent intensively or by changing the water several times. Warm water may damage the wear, so it is safer to use water. 2.
Rinse gently in water to push out the detergent. If detergent remains, it may lead to deterioration of the wear, so please rinse carefully and thoroughly. Rinse with running water at the end. 3. After rinsing, lightly squeeze the water, wrap it in a large cloth such as a bath towel, and pat it lightly to drain. If you hit it too hard, the wear will be damaged, so just hit it lightly.
How to dry and manage after washing
How to dry after washing
How you handle washed clothes is also important. Even if you use a dedicated detergent, improper drying and storage methods can result in damage to your wear.
Do not leave wet clothes after washing, but hang them to dry immediately. If it remains damp, mold will grow, it will smell, and it will cause damage. Open all the zippers, and if the inside is difficult to dry, turn it inside out to dry. If the laundry label says "dry in the shade", don't forget to dry it out of direct sunlight.
How to store after drying
Storage after drying, but the point is to avoid a hot and humid environment first. If you store it in a place where air is trapped, mold may grow, so it is better to store it in a well-ventilated place or a closet that you open and close frequently. When putting it away, it is recommended to hang it on a hanger instead of folding it so that it will not lose its shape and the silhouette of the wear will be maintained for a long time.