Cleaning Winter Sports Gear is Snow Joke!

Preparing for the holidays can be an expensive and time consuming task. For some, it means an exciting trip to the mountains for a spot of skiing or snowboarding. If you’re one of the lucky few going on a winter holiday, don’t forget to keep your ski and snowboard apparel in tiptop condition before you take off for the hills.

Winter sports clothing is made to protect you from the cold, keeping you warm, dry and protected whilst repelling moisture. Ski jackets and snowsuits are designed to pull sweat away from the body, enabling perspiration to evaporate quickly. Be careful though, as washing machines can damage the special construction of these garments, while strong fabric conditioners and washing powders can wear them down, reducing their general effectiveness and their useful life. There are however, specialist alternatives designed for the routine care and maintenance of ski and snowboarding apparel - but they can be costly. This isn't’t a great option if you’re already paying for a holiday!

Dri-Pak’s Liquid Soap Flakes are a gentler, more cost-effective solution. They can be used on the micro-fibres of specialist outdoor clothing without damaging the protective sealants that help you stay warm and dry. This makes Liquid Soap Flakes a good choice when it comes to washing athletic and sports apparel. Plus, when using Liquid Soap Flakes, the clothes can be washed in cold water, meaning less energy is consumed. Simply add one or two capfuls to your detergent drawer and wash according to the garment’s label instructions. Alternatively, if you prefer a more traditional method, Liquid Soap Flakes are ideal for hand washing. 

Ski and snowboard boots provide additional protection in extreme conditions. With a bit of preventive care and some simple steps, you can keep them working at their best. First, remove the boot liners and dry them out completely. Once they’re dry, place them back in the boots and fasten the clips on a loose setting. Use a pair of clean socks and fill them with two tablespoons of Bicarbonate of Soda. Tie up the ends of the socks, place them in the boots and leave them there overnight. The Bicarbonate of Soda will work effectively to deodorise the boots without the use of any overpowering chemicals - it doesn’t need much effort but it certainly provides brilliant results. You can also use a few drops of essential oil with the Bicarbonate of Soda to leave the boots smelling clean and fresh.

And now, you’re all ready for your session on the slopes. Have fun freestyling!

HyperSmash

Top tips for Skiers and Snowboarders!

Whether you are a seasoned skier or a snowboarding beginner, you will rely heavily on your boots and ski clothes to keep you warm and protected.  Keep them fresh and protected using out top tips and your ski clothes and boots will look, and smell, like new for your next winter wonderland getaway!

First let’s tackle the boots!  At the end of any trip and before you store your boots away, remove the inner boots and allow them to dry completely.  Once they’re dry, replace them and fasten the clips on a loose setting. Deodorise them by pouring a few tablespoons of Bicarbonate of Soda into two clean socks, tying them at the top and placing one in each boot.  You can also add a couple of drops of an essential oil, such as lemongrass, to give your boots a pleasant citrus fragrance.  Any smells will be absorbed by the Bicarbonate of Soda and will disappear without the need for artificial perfumes or expensive sprays.  

Most winter sports clothing is made from specialist materials that work to repel moisture and protect you from the wind, whilst also being “breathable”, releasing unwanted sweat and moisture. By washing these clothes in a washing machine you risk damaging their special fabrics. Normal washing powders and fabric conditioners can also cause a build up of detergent which damages the coating of a garment, reducing its long term performance and usefulness.

There are a number of expensive “specialist” products on the market that can help protect your ski and snowboarding clothes.  However, when it comes to washing them simple and economical Liquid Soap Flakes will clean the delicate micro-fibre fabrics without removing any protective sealants on the fabrics. 

Your skiing gear is now ready to be stored away, smell-free, until your next holiday.  Just remember to remove the Bicarbonate of Soda from your boots before next you wear them!