Photo courtesy of finetrack
Many people have finished their snow season with the Golden Week holidays in May, so what are you planning to do with the clothes you used so well during the season? Your snowwear will likely be dirty and damaged as you've used it. If you want to extend the life of your precious snowwear, it's best to store it in a well-maintained condition as soon as possible, rather than leaving it abandoned. We often hear questions like, "What should I do after I'm done using it?", "Dry cleaning is expensive..." and "Can I wash it myself?" So, let's think about washing snowwear
Does snowwear need to be washed?
Do you need to wash your snow gear? The answer is yes. Here's why..
●Clothing worn multiple times during the season accumulates a lot of sweat and sebum. Leaving clothing in this condition can reduce its water-repellent and sweat-wicking properties.
●Leaving mud, oil, or other stains on the surface can reduce its waterproofing and damage the fabric, causing discoloration.
●Storing ski wear in damp or humid places without washing can lead to mold growth, bacterial growth, odor, and deterioration of the ski wear.
In other words, if you leave your clothing without washing it, the various functions that it has will deteriorate. This can make it difficult to stay comfortable on the snowy mountains, negatively affect your skiing performance, and in some cases even jeopardize your safety, so it's a big problem. Keeping your clothing clean will help maintain its functionality and allow you to enjoy it for a long time
Can you wash your clothing? Check the washing instructions
Some snowwear can be washed yourself, while others must be sent to the dry cleaners. First, check the tag on the snowwear to see if it can be washed at home
If the item has a "washing tub mark" or a "hand wash mark," it can be washed at home, but if it has a mark with "Do not wash" or a circled letter such as "P, F, W," you will have to take it to the dry cleaners. The number inside the washing tub mark indicates the maximum temperature for washing. The lines below the washing tub indicate the strength of the water flow, and the more lines there are, the weaker the water flow is recommended
[Examples of symbols]
1. Machine washable at a maximum water temperature of 40°C.
2. Machine wash on a very gentle cycle at a maximum water temperature of 30°C.
3. Hand washable.
4. Do not wash at home.
5. Dry cleanable with perchloroethylene and petroleum-based solvents.
6. Gentle dry cleanable with petroleum-based solvents.
7. Very gentle wet cleanable.
There are two ways to wash
When washing snowwear at home, there are two ways to do it: by hand or in a washing machine. Many people feel that carefully washing their snowwear by hand gives them a sense of security and makes them feel more attached to it than putting it in a washing machine. However, when you consider the time and effort involved, washing in a washing machine is still easier, saves time, and is more convenient. Which is better is up to your preference
However, whether washing by hand or in a washing machine, detergent is an important consideration. Snowwear is made of special materials and has special features to withstand harsh natural conditions, so can it be washed with the same detergent as everyday clothes worn around town? The answer is "no."
There are detergents specifically for outdoor use! What's the difference between them and regular detergents?
Did you know that there are detergents specifically designed for washing outdoor clothing? Several outdoor manufacturers, including Caravan, Mochizuki, and Evernew, offer these
What makes these specialized detergents recommended for maintaining outdoor clothing different from regular detergents?
When it comes to detergents for washing the clothes and fabric products we wear in our daily lives, the overwhelming majority of consumers place importance on "cleaning power" and "deodorizing power." In addition, many detergents contain fabric softeners and air fresheners to make the clothes feel soft and smell nice, and bleach to enhance the whiteness of clothes. Recently, there has also been a demand for "antibacterial effects," and the number of detergents containing antibacterial ingredients is on the rise
These ingredients work well in everyday clothing, but they often interfere with maintaining the important functions of snowwear, such as water repellency, sweat absorption, and breathability. They can form a film on the surface of the fibers, blocking the breathable function of breathable materials, or they can cause a decrease in functionality if bleach or detergent agents are not rinsed out properly during washing and remain in the fibers
Water repellency and breathability are essential for snowwear, as they are directly linked to safety on snowy mountains. If there is a risk of losing these qualities, it would be wise to use special detergents
Special detergents suitable for washing snowwear
Let's take a look at the various specialized detergents available and what their respective features are
NIKWAX
NIKWAX is a water-soluble, water-repellent polymer that can also be used in breathable, waterproof fabrics. Its elasticity allows it to intertwine with each fiber in a lattice pattern, making the water-repellent components less likely to break down, resulting in long-lasting water-repellent properties. It is also PFC-free, meaning it does not contain any chemicals, such as fluorine or fluorine compounds, that are harmful to people and the environment, making it safe and environmentally friendly
Tech Wash
This laundry detergent is specifically designed for water-repellent fabrics. Unlike regular detergents, it thoroughly removes dirt from clothing without damaging the water-repellent coating on the surface. It's a great product that restores the water-repellent properties while maintaining the breathability (breathability) of the fabric
Capacity: 300ml
Suitable for: Snow wear (hard & soft shell), fleece, cotton and polycotton products, rainwear, tents, etc.
¥1,430
Downwash Direct
This detergent is specifically designed for down products. It is suitable for both water-repellent down such as snow wear and regular down for everyday use. Its powerful cleaning power removes dirt from the outer fabric while leaving the necessary oils in the feathers
Capacity: 300ml
Applicable products: Down jackets, sleeping bags, etc.
¥1,650
◆Official Website:https://www.evernew.co.jp/outdoor/nikwax/
finetrack
Finetrack is an outdoor apparel manufacturer that was started with the idea of "creating something completely new that can't be found anywhere else." Since its founding in 2004, the company has produced a variety of new materials and clothing products. Knowing Japan's topography and climate inside and out, the company offers a wide variety of products tailored to the mountain areas and activities. This specialized detergent is one example of this
All Wash
This laundry detergent is specialized for removing stains without compromising water-repellent and sweat-absorbing properties. All unnecessary ingredients such as fabric softener and bleach have been removed, and each ingredient has been carefully selected
It can thoroughly remove odors from snowwear, base layers, socks, and sebum stuck to cuffs and collars. One bottle can wash 14 loads of clothes in 30L of water. It is also compatible with drum-type washing machines
Contents: 420g (bottle)
Suitable for: Cotton, linen, synthetic fibers, and all finetrack apparel.
Bottle: ¥1,375
Refill pack: ¥990
◆Official Website:https://www.finetrack.com/products/carefine/allwash/
GRANGERS
Grangers' water repellent uses a unique water repellent ingredient called "acrylic polymer" that does not contain fluorocarbon, and was developed through many years of research and development. This allows us to create a more environmentally friendly product while still providing the water repellency, durability, and breathability that were previously only possible with water repellents containing fluorocarbon (excluding some water repellents)
Performance Wash Concentrate 300ml
It cleans waterproof and breathable materials without damaging their breathability or the water-repellent properties of the outer fabric. It is also environmentally friendly as it contains no unnecessary ingredients such as fragrances. This water-based cleaner is designed to be added directly to the washing machine.
It is suitable for all washable garments, including GORE-TEX materials.
Volume: 300ml
Suitable for: Fleece, base layers, softshells, insulated clothing, and all waterproof and windproof materials.
¥1,980
◆Official Website:https://www.caravan-web.com/brand_grangers/
2-in-1 Wash & Repel 300ml
This product functions as both a water-based cleaner and a water-repellent agent, offering two-in-one functionality. It cleans while simultaneously applying a water-repellent finish to fabrics that have lost their water resistance.
It can also be used on GORE-TEX materials. However, it requires drying with heat to evaporate the cleaning components.
Volume: 300ml
Suitable for: Fleece, softshell, padded fabrics, and all waterproof and windproof materials
¥2,420
monbell
Montbell is a global brand that offers a wide range of products related to outdoor sports, from mountain climbing to skiing, cycling, canoeing, camping, and fishing. They also offer a lineup of specialized detergents for maintaining clothing used in all kinds of outdoor activities. There are multi-use types and types specifically for down jackets. They recommend using them in conjunction with a water repellent
OD Maintenance Multi-Cleaner 400mL
Suitable for washing all types of textile products, including waterproof and breathable materials and water-repellent garments. Being neutral, it won't damage fibers, and its excellent cleaning agents effectively remove dirt even with room temperature water. For
best results, use in conjunction with the OD Maintenance series water-repellent agents.
Capacity: 400ml
Applicable products: Alpine wear including snow wear, rainwear, underwear, tents, backpacks, etc.
¥1,320
OD Maintenance Down Cleaner 300mL
This detergent is ideal for washing down and synthetic-filled clothing and gear. Being neutral, it won't damage fibers, and its superior cleaning agents effectively remove dirt even with room temperature water. For even
better results, use it in conjunction with the OD Maintenance series water repellent.
Volume: 300ml (enough for approximately 13 down garments) Suitable for: Down and synthetic-filled clothing, down and synthetic-filled sleeping bags, etc.
¥1,430
OD Maintenance Water Repellent (Liquid Spray) 200mL
This water repellent can be sprayed onto the surface of clothing to impart a water-repellent effect. It is effective when you want to apply a water-repellent treatment only to the outer fabric, avoiding the water-absorbent lining. Water-repellent properties can be achieved simply and conveniently by applying heat treatment in a dryer or hairdryer. It uses an environmentally friendly, non-fluorine-containing water repellent
Capacity: 200ml (enough for 2-3 typical garments), also available in 300ml.
Suitable for: Down and synthetic fiber clothing, down and synthetic fiber sleeping bags, etc.
¥1,430
◆Official Website:https://webshop.montbell.jp/goods/list.php?category=5000
STORM
This cleaning and water repellent kit for hard shells uses a one-wash cycle that allows you to add detergent and water repellent at the same time, saving time and water while restoring the original functionality of your clothing and extending its life. It uses no PFCs (perfluorinated compounds), which cause environmental pollution, and the container is an aluminum bottle to prevent microplastic pollution. This environmentally friendly detergent is gentle
Down Care Kit
This downwear cleaning and water-repellent kit allows you to wash downwear in one wash. Its convenient one-wash cycle allows you to process everything from detergent to water-repellent treatment with just one press of the washing machine's start button. It saves time, water, and detergent while restoring and extending the life of your downwear. Each 225ml is enough to wash six adult-sized garments
Down Care Kit ¥3,850
Down Wash(left)
A detergent for down wear that allows you to wash down garments with detergent and water repellent all at once.
Capacity: 225ml
Suitable for: All down products
Down Proofer(right)
A water repellent for down products that restores the water repellency of garments. It also helps to restore breathability.
Capacity: 225ml
Suitable for: All down products, including sleeping bags.
◆Official Website:https://www.e-mot.co.jp/naturalspirit/product.asp?id=468
How do I wash it?
When washing in a washing machine
1. Check the garment's care label to see if it's machine washable, and close all zippers and buttons.
2. For 1-2 garments, fill the washing machine with approximately 20 liters of water and place the garments inside.
3. Add detergent. Use the amount indicated on the detergent's instructions.
4. Check that the detergent has been completely rinsed out, and rinse again if necessary.
Check out the video to see how laundry is done using special detergent
▼When washed 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 can be tricky to handle. There are also detergents specifically designed for down products, so using them is safe. Check out this video on washing in a washing machine
When washing by hand
1. As preparation, close any zippers or buttons on your garment.
2. Fill a large container with water, add detergent, and gently hand wash the garment. Focus on applying detergent to heavily soiled areas and change the water several times. It is safer to use cold water as hot water can damage the garment.
2. Rinse gently in the water, pressing out the detergent. Make sure to rinse thoroughly, as any remaining detergent can lead to deterioration of the garment. Finally, rinse under running water.
3. After rinsing, lightly squeeze out the water, wrap in a large cloth such as a bath towel, and gently pat to remove excess water. Do not pat too hard, as this can damage the garment.
How to dry and care for your clothes after washing
How to dry after washing
How you handle your washed clothes is also important. Even if you use special detergent, if you don't dry or store your clothes properly, you could end up damaging them
After washing, do not leave damp clothing as it is, but hang it out to dry immediately. If moisture remains, it can cause mold to grow, odors to develop, and damage. Open all zippers, and if the inside is difficult to dry, turn it inside out and dry it. If the washing instructions say to "dry in the shade," don't forget to dry it in a place out of direct sunlight
How to store after drying
When storing them after they have dried, it is important to avoid high temperature and humidity. Storing them in a stagnant place can lead to mold growth, so it is best to store them in a well-ventilated place or in a closet that is opened and closed frequently. When storing them, we recommend hanging them on a hanger rather than folding them, as this will help them retain their shape and help the silhouette of the garment last longer