The key to washing your North Face ski pants properly involves pre-treating stains, washing them gently, and restoring their water repellency. Here's a detailed guide:
1. Preparation is Key
- Check the Care Label: Always start by reading the care label on your North Face ski pants. This label provides specific instructions from the manufacturer.
- Empty Pockets: Ensure all pockets are empty.
- Close Zippers and Fastenings: Close all zippers, snaps, and Velcro closures to prevent damage during washing.
- Pre-Treat Stains: Address any stains before washing. Use a mild stain remover or a solution of mild detergent and water. Gently rub the stain and let it sit for a few minutes before washing.
2. Washing Instructions
- Choose the Right Detergent: Use a mild, powdered detergent specifically designed for delicate fabrics or technical outerwear. Avoid detergents with bleach, fabric softeners, or enzymes, as these can damage the waterproof coating. Nikwax Tech Wash is a popular choice.
- Select a Gentle Cycle: Wash your ski pants in cold water on a gentle or delicate cycle.
- Wash with Similar Items: Wash with other similar items, such as other technical fabrics or outerwear, to prevent abrasion. Avoid washing with heavy items like jeans or towels.
- Avoid Overloading: Don't overload the washing machine. This ensures the pants are properly cleaned and rinsed.
3. Drying
- Never Machine Dry: Never put your North Face ski pants in the dryer. The high heat can damage the waterproof coating and melt the fabric.
- Air Dry: Hang your pants to air dry in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heat. You can also lay them flat on a clean surface to dry.
- Drip Dry: Alternatively, drip-dry your pants on a hanger.
4. Restoring Water Repellency (DWR)
- Water Repellent Treatment: After washing and drying, you may need to restore the Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish. You can do this by using a spray-on or wash-in DWR treatment, such as Nikwax TX.Direct Wash-In or Grangers Performance Repel.
- Follow Product Instructions: Carefully follow the instructions on the DWR product for best results. Some spray-on treatments may require heat activation from a dryer (check product label), but only if explicitly instructed and using the lowest heat setting for a short time. Otherwise, avoid the dryer.
Summary
Washing North Face ski pants requires a gentle approach to maintain their waterproof properties and overall quality. Always pre-treat stains, use a mild detergent, wash in cold water on a delicate cycle, air dry, and reapply a DWR treatment as needed.
