Tips for Keeping Winter Sportswear Clean and Fresh

Proper winter sportswear care is crucial for its functionality and appearance. High-performance fabrics depend on waterproof, breathable, and thermal insulation properties for comfort and protection during extreme outdoor events. This ensures your gear lasts longer and performs at its best. 

Winter sportswear often faces challenges, including salt stains from icy roads, mud from outdoor adventures, and lots of washing due to sweat and being outside. ByNext provides an expert cleaning service suitable for winter sportswear care, maintaining the technical features of the gear and keeping it fresh for the next adventure. 

Keep reading these amazing tips for keeping your sportswear clean and fresh this winter. 

Assessing Your Sportswear’s Material and Care Labels

Assessing care labels is crucial for winter sportswear care. This helps avoid shrinkage, fading, or loss of performance characteristics, ensuring long-lasting and functional use of your sportswear. 

• Machine Washing Symbol: A plain bucket can be machine washed, and the numbers indicate the maximum temperature (30°C for polyester).  
• Do not Tumble Dry: A crossed square with a circle indicates that you must dry in the air, as this is most damaging to fleece or down items.  
• Bleach allowed: A triangle means that bleach is permitted, but delicate fabrics such as fleece should usually be treated with non-chlorine.  
• Gentle Cycle: A bucket with two lines underneath recommends delicate washing.

Pre-Treatment Tips for Tough Stains

Pre-treatment tips for tough stains and how to care for thermal wear:

• Mud: Let it dry and brush off the dirt. Then, wash it with mild dish soap, water, or a detergent like Nikwax Tech Wash. 
• Salt: To remove salt stains, use a solution of white vinegar and water. Apply the solution with a sponge and wash well.  
• Sweat: Dab it with a baking soda paste or a less aggressive stain remover before treating it with a stain remover.

If you want to learn how to wash your swimsuits, take a few minutes to read our blog.

DIY Stain Removal Solutions

Homemade stain remover for winter sportswear care:

• Baking Soda Paste: Combine two tablespoons of baking soda with one tablespoon of water. Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then, rinse it off with cool water.  
• White Vinegar Solution: Mix one tablespoon of white vinegar with two tablespoons of water. Dab the solution onto the stained area with a soft cloth or sponge, then rinse.  
• Mild Dish Soap Mixture: Combine one teaspoon of mild dish soap with two cups of lukewarm water. Blot the stain with a cloth soaked in the solution, then rinse.   
• Salt and Lemon Juice:  Sprinkle salt on the stain and squeeze fresh lemon juice.  Place it in indirect sunlight for about 10-15 minutes and rinse that area with cool water.  
• Bleach: Opt for bleach or vinegar during the wash cycle to keep towels white. 

Choosing the Right Detergent and Washing Settings

These specialized detergents remove sweat, odors, and oils while protecting sportswear’s properties, such as moisture-wicking, waterproofing, and care for thermal wear. 

• Use a gentle or delicate cycle on your washing machine to minimize fabric stress and avoid high-speed spins that can distort or damage high-performance fabrics.  
• Wash in cold or lukewarm water to maintain the material’s elasticity and coatings, preventing shrinkage or destruction.  
• Don’t use fabric softeners, as they can reduce the effectiveness of moisture-wicking and breathability features. 

Detergents for Sensitive Fabrics

Top detergents for waterproof or breathable winter sports gear cleaning:  

• Nikwax Tech Wash is a detergent specially designed for waterproof and breathable fabrics. It cleans them without compromising the water-repellent coating.
• Granger’s Performance Wash cleans dirt and grime without compromising waterproofing or breathability.
• The Laundress Sport detergent is suitable for waterproof clothing care.

Machine Washing vs. Hand Washing Techniques

Washing machine cleaning vs hand washing for winter sportswear care: 

Washing Machine 

• Best for handling oversized items like winter sportswear jackets and pants.
• It is faster and more comfortable. 
• Modern machines with delicate cycles

Hand Washing

• Best for handling delicate items gently, like sportswear gear. 
• Control over water temp and agitation. 
• It requires time and effort but doesn’t compromise quality. 

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Step-by-Step Guide to Hand Washing

A step-by-step guide to winter sportswear cleaning and washing delicate items: 

1. Preparing the Water: To prevent damage to the fabric, fill a basin with lukewarm water and add a gentle detergent specifically designed for delicate fabrics. 
2. Submerge the Garment: Place the delicate item in the water and allow it to be completely submerged. 
3. Soak and Gently Agitate: Leave to soak for 5-10 minutes to soften the dirt, and gently agitate the water with a finger. 
4. Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the garment until all detergent is removed. Do not wring it to prevent stretching.
5. Dry Carefully: Lay the item flat on a clean, dry towel or drying rack, and avoid hanging delicate materials that may stretch or distort them. 
6. Avoid Sunlight or Heat: To keep the garment’s color and integrity intact, dry it in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Do not expose it to direct heat or sunlight.

That’s how you do winter sports gear cleaning step-by-step. 

Drying and Storage Solutions

Best drying practices for winter sportswear care:

• Keep the space well-ventilated, and don’t dry in direct sunlight to avoid shrinkage or damage to the fabric. 
• Lay it flat or hang it using wide hangers to maintain its shape. 
• Gently squeeze out excessive moisture and don't wring.  
• Store in a breathable garment bag in a dry location to prevent odor and mold. 

Tips for Air Drying Sportswear

Tips & tricks to take care of your jeans and drying sportswear:

• Squeeze Out Water: Wring out or press the clothes gently to remove extra moisture. 
• Lay Flat to Dry: Place on a clean, dry towel in a well-ventilated area to prevent shrinkage and maintain shapes. 
• Avoid Direct Heat: Avoid sunlight or heaters, causing stiffness or damage to the fabric. 
• Hang Properly: Use padded or wide hangers for jackets and air drying for pants. 

Maintaining Waterproof and Water-Resistant Properties

Some guidelines to care for thermal wear, restoring the waterproofing properties of winter sportswear:  

• Routine Wash-Up: Clean the waterproof fabric with a mild detergent to remove dirt and oils, which can compromise its water resistance. 
• Performance Checking: After washing, spray water on the fabric to check if the waterproof layer still works. If the water is not forming beads, it is time to treat.  
• Drying Properly: Once DWR is applied, tumble dry at low heat (if it is safe for the fabric) to reactivate the water-repellent coating. 
• Storage Tips: Store it in cool, dry places and avoid sunlight exposure. 

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Seasonal Maintenance Routine

The seasonal maintenance routine for winter sportswear care is: 

• Pre-Season Check: Check for damage, and loose seams, and repair them if needed. 
• During the Season: Wash regularly using the appropriate method to remove sweat and dirt and store in dry, well-ventilated areas.
• Post-Season Care: Professionally clean and condition gear to maintain its technical properties before storage. 
• Storage Prep: Fold or hang in a breathable garment bag, avoiding compression to preserve shape and outdoor gear maintenance. 

Professional Care Options

When and why you should hire ByNext professional cleaners:  

• After your sportswear has endured heavy wear, sweat, and dirt accumulated, regular washing is not effective. 
• Stubborn stains require professional treatment without damaging the fabric. 
• The cleaning techniques of professional services protect fabrics’ moisture-wicking, waterproof, or insulating qualities.  
• Professional handling ensures its performance and keeps it well-protected. 

Moreover, one of the tips for looking for a dry cleaner is checking their reviews and testimonials online, which are also essential to understand the service quality.

FAQs - Winter Sportswear Care

How to keep winter coats smelling fresh?

Use natural deodorizer and store your clothes with a fresh spray, dryer sheets, and essential oil. 

How to wash winter gear?

Liquid detergent is used for winter sports care cleaning. It draws water into the fabric, reducing its surface tension. 

What detergent to use for a waterproof jacket?

Use ordinary liquid detergent to clean a waterproof jacket. Do not use fabric softener or bleach, which may damage the fabric’s integrity. 

How do you keep clothes from smelling musty in the winter?

Ensure the clothes are completely dry before storing them. Use a dehumidifier, baking soda, or moisture absorbers, and regularly clean your washing machine to keep them from smelling musty in the winter. 

Wrap Up!

Winter sportswear care ensures its durability and performance against salt stains, mud, and heavy wear and tear. Proper winter sports gear cleaning and services by ByNext help ensure your equipment is ready for action before every winter adventure. Join us now to enjoy this winter with professional cleaning!