Your ski jackets and other waterproof clothing will be waterproof to a certain level (usually between 2000-5000mm). The fabric is made waterproof by "Durable Water Repellency (DWR)" which is an invisible water-repellent finish applied to the outer fabric of most outdoor clothing and equipment. It prevents the fabric from absorbing water by making water bead up on the surface and roll off. Maintenance of the DWR is vital to allow the fabric to breathe and ensure the longevity of ski clothing.
Normal detergents will leave a water-attracting residue on your outdoor clothing, therefore we always recommend the use of Nikwax cleaners (Tech Wash) to clean your outdoor wear. Nikwax cleaners gently lift dirt and contaminants without harming the manufacturer's original DWR (Durable Water Repellency).
If your clothing is very dirty, has oil marks (etc) then you can use a detergent to remove the stains but you must then remove the detergent residue on the fabric with Tech Wash and re-waterproof with the appropriate Nikwax waterproofer to add the water-repellency.
If you wash your clothing in normal detergents you will see the following effects:
Condensation: during heavy activity, when relative humidity and temperature are high inside the garment, condensation will form on the inside face of the membrane. This can produce enough water inside the garment to convince the wearer that the membrane or coating is leaking.
Reduced breathability: water in the fabric next to the membrane / coating significantly reduces the rate at which body moisture is able to pass through the membrane to the outside air.
Increased garment weight: saturated outer fabrics adds weight to the garment. Condensation within the garment contributes to a noticeable weight gain, especially in garments that have wicking linings.
Nikwax treatments are highly effective and long lasting. We recommend if you have already washed your gear with detergents that you wash the ski clothing again using the Nixwax Tech Wash then treat with an appropriate Nikwax re-waterproofer (such as Nikwax TX.Direct wash in or spray on). From then on, the garments will withstand 4 to 6 washes using Tech Wash and then will need re-waterproofing again. For an average use of outdoor clothing we recommend that you wash and re-proof your gear at least once a year.
Both my children wear their ski jackets as school coats and get absolutely filthy as they regulary have mud from football matches and den raids usually on the cuffs and sleeves but with regular use of the Nikwax Tech wash and the reproofing using the Nixwax Tx Spray has meant that the jackets were in tip top condition for skiing and I get my moneys worth from the jackets by using them all year round, not just for skiing.
You can buy Nikwax in our accessories section. All come with a Nikwax dosing ball.
