Over time, ski jackets can lose their water-repellency.

Waterproofing doesn’t last forever.

Whether from rolling around in the snow or spilled drinks a dirty jacket will stop repelling water. Luckily, it’s easy to clean and re-waterproof your kiddo’s ski jacket.

The trick is to clean the jacket first.

Most times, it’s dirt, body oils, and even campfire smoke that are covering the water-repellent coating, making the jacket soak up water. Nasty! However, cleaning with household detergents isn’t the answer. They too can leave behind residues that attract water. Not great for waterproof performance. That’s why it’s key to use a technical cleaner like Nikwax Tech Wash. Tech Wash cleans away the crud while maintaining the water-repellency and breathability of your child’s jacket.

Let’s get into it!

a clean and waterproof ski jacket is a happy ski jacket

Here’s how to clean.

  1. Check the pockets. Washing a tube of lip balm into your jacket is cause for tears, trust us.
  2. Place jacket(s) in washing machine. While washing your child’s jacket why not toss your own in there too? The whole family deserves clean and waterproofed jackets.
  3. Add Nikwax Tech Wash. In a top-loading machine, add three full caps (150ml) for 1-3 garments or five full caps (250ml) for 4-6 garments. In a front loader, it’s best to add no more than two garments with two capfuls (100ml) of Tech Wash. Special note: If you live in an area with hard water, toss in an extra capful of Tech Wash. 
  4. Sit back with a good book and a glass of wine/beer/hot cocoa as the machine runs its course.
  5. More often than not, this single cycle will be enough to have revitalized your kiddo’s jacket.

But my ski jacket still isn’t waterproof!


That’s ok. Don’t panic. Over time the water-repellent finish can wear off. When that happens, it’s time to add more waterproofing.

Here’s how to waterproof.

  1. Clean first. Always clean first. Use Tech Wash like before. Then…
  2. If you have a top-loading machine, let the machine fill, then add a maximum of 3 garments and 300ml of TX.Direct Wash-In. Run a heavy/warm cycle.
  3. If you have a front-loading machine, add a maximum of 2 garments and 200ml of TX.Direct.
  4. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions as to whether your garment should be line or tumble dried. Nikwax does not require heat for activation, so you’re good to go either way.
  5. Put your jacket on and admire your waterproofed duds in the mirror.

A question we get a lot is “But how often should I be doing all this?!“. Easy. When you notice your child’s jacket looks dirty or when you notice it’s soaking up water.

There you have it!

Now your kiddos are ready to hit the slopes, make snow angels, and build snowmen with cleaned and waterproofed ski jackets that will keep them warm and dry.

And maybe one day you can teach your kids about how to take care of their ski jackets.

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