How to care for your ski clothing, boots and gear – so they last season after season
Winter holidays, sub-zero temperatures, layering on layers – and that sweat odor that never quite seems to go away.
Whether you ski cross-country, alpine, snowboard or tour in the backcountry, one thing unites us: we want to be outside. Not stuck at home doing laundry.
Most ski clothing and gear don’t wear out from being used – they wear out from being washed too often. That’s why there’s so much to gain from thinking smarter mid-season – for your clothes, for the environment, and for all the time you’d rather spend on the trail, the slopes, or in the mountains.
How do you remove odor from ski clothing mid-season?
Short answer:
Often, it’s enough to air out, spot-treat and freshen up your ski clothing between uses instead of washing it.
Odor in ski clothing mainly comes from sweat and moisture, not dirt. When garments are allowed to dry properly and bacteria don’t get a foothold, odors often never have the chance to settle in.
Always start by airing things out
When you come in after a session, hang your clothes up immediately. Airy, with zippers open, preferably in a cool place – on a balcony, in the hallway, or anywhere with good airflow.
Cold temperatures and proper air circulation slow down odor development and help garments dry quickly. Often, this step alone is enough. The washing machine doesn’t need to be the first option.
It’s usually odor, not dirt
Ski clothing rarely gets dirty in the same way everyday clothes do. The real issue is sweat odor and organic residues that start to smell when they’re trapped in damp textiles.
So it’s worth asking the question:
Is it really dirt – or is it just odor?
In many cases, it’s odor that can be removed by breaking it down within the textile itself, without washing the garment.
Unnecessary washing of performance wear wears down materials, fit and membranes, significantly shortening their lifespan.
Shell garments and membranes – when do they need washing?
Some shell jackets and pants benefit from being washed occasionally. When grease and sweat clog the membrane, the garment can lose its breathability – even if it looks clean and doesn’t necessarily smell.
Learn about the material and follow the manufacturer’s care instructions. Wash when performance declines, not out of habit. Balance is key.
Freshen up ski clothing between sessions
When airing out isn’t enough to remove odor, but washing feels excessive, there’s an important middle ground: breaking down odor and freshening up instead of washing.
A biologically active odor-removing textile spray breaks down the substances that cause odor, without water and without mechanical wear. It’s mainly used on the inside of garments where sweat builds up, but also in ski boots, helmets and gloves.
Spray lightly, let it work for a few hours or overnight, and both garments and gear are ready to be used again.
This is invaluable during ski trips and winter holidays.
Less washing. Less odor. More skiing.
Layering – every layer counts
It’s easy to focus on outer layers, but odor in ski clothing often sits in base layers, mid-layers, hats, neck warmers and gloves.
By caring for all layers regularly, you can often postpone washing the entire system – without having clothes start to smell before your next outing.
How do you remove stains from ski clothing?
Stains happen. The trick is to act quickly.
Wipe away what you can while the stain is fresh, spray the area lightly and let it work. Often, that’s enough – without washing the entire garment – saving both the material and the rest of your day.
Don’t forget ski boots and gear
Ski boots, helmets, backpacks and gloves are heavily used but rarely washed. Yet this is often where bad odors build up the fastest.
Remove the liners from your boots and let them dry separately. Spray the inside of boots, helmets and gloves, and allow them to dry thoroughly between uses. It makes a big difference – both for comfort and for how long your gear lasts.
When it’s actually time to wash
When washing really is necessary, do it with care. Follow the care instructions, avoid unnecessarily high temperatures, and wash performance garments separately. Reproof when needed – not out of habit.
Many base layers are made of wool and need washing very infrequently. When you do wash them, use a wool detergent, a gentle cycle and low spin speed.
The goal isn’t to never wash.
The goal is to wash smarter, to avoid unnecessary odor.
Less washing, more winter life
Caring for ski clothing and gear isn’t about perfection – it’s about smart in-betweens. When you keep odor at bay between washes, clothes and gear last longer, and you get more time where you want to be.
On the trail. In the mountains. On the slopes. Not in the laundry room.
If you’d like to freshen up ski clothing, boots and gear between sessions, you can read more about Pure Effect Textile Spray here.
Frequently asked questions about odor in ski clothing and gear
How do you remove odor from ski clothing without washing?
Often, it’s enough to air garments thoroughly and let them dry in a well-ventilated space. If odor remains, it can be broken down through spot treatment instead of washing, reducing wear on performance materials.
Why do ski clothes smell even after washing?
Odor is often caused by bacteria that remain in the textile, especially in performance materials. Washing doesn’t always remove them, which is why odor can return when the garment becomes damp again.
How often should ski clothing be washed?
Much less often than everyday clothes. Wash only when performance declines or when odor can no longer be removed through airing or spot treatment.
How do you remove bad odor from ski boots?
Remove the liners and let them dry separately after each use. To remove odor, spray the inside with Pure Effect Textile Spray. Spray, wait, and let the bacteria combat the odor.
Can you freshen up ski clothing mid-season?
Yes. By airing out garments, letting them dry properly, and spot-treating odor between uses, you can keep ski clothing fresh all season without unnecessary washing.
Is it bad to wash performance garments too often?
Yes. Frequent washing wears down materials, fit and membranes, and can reduce performance over time.
