Are your ski gloves looking pretty worn and smelling a bit unpleasant? Then throw them in the washing machine – right? Better not! Read our tips first and you'll soon be waving to your friends on the slopes with sparkling clean gloves.
INTERSPORT Rent has teamed up with the experts at Reusch to summarise the best way to wash and care for your ski gloves or mittens. If you follow these simple tricks, you can significantly extend the life of your gloves and get the most out of them!
After a long, eventful skiing holiday or at the end of the season, your ski gloves may look a little worn. If you want to clean your gloves, always remember: less is more!
High-quality ski gloves are made from high-tech materials and state-of-the-art technologies which ensure important features such as durability, waterproofness, breathability and thermal insulation. However, excessive cleaning can damage these characteristics and is therefore often counterproductive.
So wash your gloves or mittens only when superficial cleaning or airing no longer works!
The manufacturer's care label is particularly important. It contains information about the fabrics used in the outer layer, membrane and insulation of your gloves. The surface of most ski gloves is made of synthetic materials or leather. In some cases, however, it is a combination of both. These determine the correct care for your ski gloves.
Important: Regardless of what materials your ski gloves are made of, you should never treat them with harsh chemicals, aggressive cleaning agents or fabric softener.
For most gloves, gentle hand washing is the best and safest cleaning method, as they could be damaged in the spin cycle of a washing machine.
So how do you wash your ski gloves properly? Here are our best tips – step by step:
Synthetic gloves often have reinforced palms, fingers or thumbs. Many gloves and mittens have removable inner linings that can be washed separately from the outer layer.
Drying is just as important as washing. It determines whether your gloves retain their shape and function.
Once your gloves are completely dry, you can apply a waterproofing agent. But make sure that the product is suitable for the material of your gloves are made of, whether they are synthetic, leather or a mix of materials. This will quickly and effectively restore the water-repellent characteristics of your ski gloves and get them ready for the slopes.
How it works:
Pro tip: Place a drop of water on the surface of your gloves. If it beads up, the impregnation is still effective. If it is absorbed, it is time to reapply it.
Not sure which product is best for waterproofing your ski gloves? Ask our RENTertainers in the shops for advice on the best waterproofing agent for your needs!
Full leather gloves need a little more care. Leather is a natural material and therefore behaves differently to synthetic fabrics. Therefore, their appearance will change over time. However, this does not affect the functionality of your gloves – and with the right care, you will enjoy them for many years to come!
Please always remember: leather gloves or models with leather parts should never be completely immersed in water!
Many synthetic ski gloves can be washed in the washing machine – provided that the care label allows it! We recommend the following procedure:
Proper everyday care is the key to long-lasting ski gloves – and it saves you from having to wash them frequently! With a few simple habits after every day of skiing, you can keep your gloves fresh and functional. Before you even think about washing, you should follow these care tips:
If you want to store your ski gloves between ski days or at the end of the season, do so in a cool, dark and dry place. This will save you unpleasant surprises when you take them out next time.
And that's it! As you can see, it doesn't take much to keep your gloves and mittens clean. Proper washing and a little care will ensure that your ski gloves stay in top condition for a long time. Enjoy permanently warm and dry hands on your winter adventures!
Ski gloves should be washed as infrequently as possible – ideally only once per season or when heavily soiled. Frequent washing can damage the functional materials and shorten the lifespan. Regular airing and proper everyday care are often sufficient to keep gloves fresh.
Gore-Tex gloves should preferably be washed by hand. Use lukewarm water, a mild liquid detergent or special cleaning agents for functional materials. If the care label allows machine washing, select the gentle cycle at a maximum temperature of 30°C. After washing, be sure to re-impregnate the gloves to maintain their functionality.
If your gloves are labelled "do not wash" or "do not dry clean", you must decide for yourself whether cleaning is necessary at your own risk. Consider whether the smell or dirt is really unacceptable. If you do decide to clean them, choose the gentlest hand wash with lukewarm water and a very mild detergent.
Do your hands get cold quickly when skiing, or are you often out and about in freezing temperatures and extreme environments? Special heated ski gloves ensure cosy warmth all day long. If you would like to try one of these comfortable models, simply visit one of our numerous shops in Europe or Canada. Our RENTertainers will get you ready for the cold in no time!