Care
What took a beating?
Pick your item. You’ll see right away what it needs and what to leave alone.
Photo: RabDown jacketShiny collar, dark cuffsFlat after the wash? Not damaged yet.
Damp down clumps together. It only regains its loft once it is fully dry and loosened up.
- WashOn its own, with a down wash, rinsed thoroughly. Temperature from the label.
- DryTumble dryer only if the label allows it: low heat, dryer balls, feel every chamber.
- ReproofDecide after cleaning, and only with a product made for down.
- StoreNever put it away damp.
Don’tMore heat to speed things up. Fabric softener and bleach.
Photo: MarmotRain jacketShoulders stay dark and wetDark shoulders don’t mean a new jacket.
Dirt can impair water repellency. A new product only comes into question if the clean jacket keeps taking on water.
- WashZips closed, drawer clean, programme from the label. Rinse well, spin gently.
- DryCheck the dryer symbol. Heat only if the instructions allow it.
- CheckA little water on it: do the drops run off again?
- ReproofSpray or wash-in: Nikwax chooses by the inner lining.
Don’tFabric softener. Stain removers, Gore advises against them.
Photo: SmithSki gogglesFogging up on the insideNever rub the inside.
According to uvex, the anti-fog coating sits on the inside. Oakley prohibits rubbing when wet, uvex only allows careful dabbing.
- InsideShake out the snow, keep the vents clear, dab only if your model allows it.
- OutsideDepending on the maker: water only or a soft, slightly damp microfibre cloth.
- StoreAir dry with it open first, then into the bag.
Don’tGloves, sleeves and paper. The dashboard as a shelf.
Photo: FischerSki bootsDry outside, maybe not insideDry outside doesn’t mean dry inside.
Salomon names moisture as the main problem in long-term storage and recommends drying after every ski day.
- DryTake out liner and insole as instructed and dry them separately.
- CleanShell with a clean cloth, check buckles and sole as you go.
- StoreReassemble dry, close the buckles lightly, keep in a dry and ventilated spot.
Don’tStrong direct heat. Washing the liner without approval. Grinding the sole yourself.
Photo: MarmotSoftshellDusty outside, dark collar insideIf water runs off, you don’t need any product.
Clean first, then check the clean surface. There is no need to apply anything as a precaution.
- WashCleaner for technical fabrics. Method and temperature from the label, rinse well.
- DryRead its own dryer symbol, don’t copy a rule from your rain jacket.
- ReproofNikwax decides between spray and wash-in by the inner lining.
Don’tProofing spray as a stain remover.
Photo: MAUL SportMerinoSmells of the last tourHand washing isn’t automatically gentler.
Ortovox recommends the permitted machine wash for its merino clothing, because hand washing can put a lot of strain on it. The label decides.
- WashInside out, wool cycle, mild wool wash.
- DryLay knitwear flat and reshape it, not on a hanger.
- StoreClean and fully dry, check it during longer breaks.
Don’tFabric softener, bleach, wringing.
Photo: JanpaulHiking bootsSoaking up water at the flex pointFirst the upper, then the product.
Leather, suede and synthetics need different things. A membrane logo alone tells you nothing.
- CleanLaces loose, insole out; LOWA names a brush and warm water.
- ReproofOn clean boots, test on a hidden spot first. At LOWA leather needs wax care, fully synthetic uppers don’t.
- DryIn a well-ventilated room.
- StoreDry and airy, in a bag or box.
Don’tRadiators, sun, a hot car. Cooking oil instead of care.
Photo: MarmotSleeping bagJust back from the tourUnpack after every tour. Even without rain.
Moisture from the night can sit inside. You only need to wash it when the dirt calls for it.
- AirSpread it out. Tackle smells with airing first.
- WashOnly if the model’s label allows it, product to match down or synthetic fill.
- DryLay it flat, no radiator heat, until the fill is completely dry.
- StoreDry and loose. The small compression sack is for transport.
Don’tFabric softener and bleach.
Your item’s care label always comes first, even before this page.