Get your equipment ready for summer rest
Winter is over and it's time to put away the skis and ski clothes and get out the bike and running shoes. Before you put your winter gear in the back of your closet, there are a few things you can do to extend the life of your gear and make sure it's nice and fresh when you next use it.
Water-repellent garments
Water-repellent garments, such as ski jackets, ski trousers and synthetic gloves, benefit from regular washing. Choose a detergent for functional fabrics and keep in mind that garments with membranes usually need heat in the form of tumble dryers or drying cabinets to fully reactivate their water-repellent properties.
Wool garments
Wool garments are known for not needing to be washed very often. But once in a while can be nice. When washing garments made of wool, it is best to use a wool detergent.
Clothes with down
Down-filled garments are best left unwashed, and are best aired. However, if you have an accident with a cup of hot chocolate or goulash, it may need to be washed. Use a down detergent to optimise the loft of the feathers and preserve the insulating properties of the material. And don't forget to follow the washing instructions on the garment's care label.
Leather gloves
Leather gloves retain their softness and lustre and become water-repellent by being greased. Hestra has a special leather conditioner that is designed to re-grease your gloves so they retain their long life. The conditioner is applied with a polishing cloth and rubbed in until the leather is saturated. Light coloured leather may darken slightly.
Take care of your skis and snowboard
Apply summer wax to your skis and snowboard to avoid dry surfaces that cause poor gliding. Summer wax moisturises the base during the summer and is easy to remove when winter comes. To apply wax you need a waxing tool and to remove it you need a pick and a brush.