End of winter: how to prepare jackets, trousers, and gloves for storage

Winter clothing is used in harsh conditions: moisture, frost, and salt on pavements gradually affect its properties. The end of the season is the time to take care of your clothes so that they are ready to wear again next year without losing functionality.

Cleaning winter clothes according to labels

The first step is always to check the manufacturer's recommendations. The label specifies the washing temperature, the appropriate program, and permissible detergents.

• Jackets and trousers made of synthetic materials should be washed at around 30°C, on a delicate program.
• For membrane clothing, use detergents designed for technical fabrics — regular detergents can clog the material structure and impair ventilation.
• Down clothing should be washed at a low temperature, using special down detergents. Avoid intense spinning, which can damage the filling structure.

Gloves require a separate approach:

• textile – can be washed gently,
• leather – clean with a leather product and, after drying, protect with a cream or nourishing fat.

Avoid bleaches and fabric softeners — they weaken fibers and destroy protective coatings.

Removing dirt and impregnant residue

Before storing your clothes for several months, remove all dirt. Salt, sweat, and mud accelerate material degradation and can lead to permanent damage.

Pay special attention to:

• cuff and collar areas,
• underarm areas,
• lower parts of trousers.

If the material is sticky or absorbs water unevenly, it may indicate an accumulation of old impregnant. In such a situation, it is worth performing an additional rinse or using a cleaning agent to remove DWR residue.

Safe drying – a crucial stage

Moisture is the biggest enemy of stored clothing. Even a small amount can lead to mold or an unpleasant odor.

Key rules to follow:

• dry in a well-ventilated area,
• avoid heaters and high temperatures,
• hang clothes loosely or dry them flat.

Down jackets can be tumble dried on a low temperature, preferably with dryer balls to break up clumps of down. After drying, gently fluff them. Gloves, on the other hand, should be dried flat, and if necessary, partially turned inside out so that the interior also dries.

Before storing, make sure the clothing is completely dry.

Refreshing DWR impregnation

If water no longer beads on the surface of the material, the hydrophobic coating needs to be renewed. This is a natural process — DWR wears out during use, washing, or contact with dirt. When the fabric starts to absorb water, not only wearing comfort but also ventilation decreases, as a damp outer layer hinders vapor wicking.

You have two options:

• spray — spot application, especially good for membranes and areas most prone to getting wet (shoulders, hood, or knees),
• wash-in impregnation — even coating of the entire garment, a convenient option for a larger number of items.

Always apply the product to clean and dry fabric. For spray, spread the product evenly from a distance of about 20–30 cm and gently rub it into the material (e.g., with a soft cloth). If you chose the wash-in method, strictly follow the manufacturer's instructions — too much product will not improve the effect and may worsen ventilation.

After applying the impregnant, thermal activation is often necessary, i.e., short drying at a low temperature or using heat (if the label allows). This helps "bond" the coating to the fibers.

Finally, check the effect: pour water on the material. If drops form and run off, the impregnation is working correctly. If the fabric still absorbs moisture, the process needs to be repeated.

Regular DWR renewal:

• reduces material saturation,
• improves ventilation,
• actually extends the life of technical clothing.

Protection against moisture and moths

The storage place for clothing should be:

• dry,
• cool,
• well-ventilated.

Optimal conditions are around 10–18°C and humidity 40–60%. This is the range in which technical materials, down, and leather age slowest and do not lose their properties.

Do not pack clothes in bags (e.g., garbage bags). If you must remove them from your apartment, use containers, to which you should add:

• moisture absorbers (e.g., silica gel),
• natural moth repellents (lavender, cedar).

It is good practice to avoid tightly "sealing" clothing without air access. If you use plastic containers, make sure the clothes are completely dry and a moisture absorber is inside. For fabric covers, ensure they are not overstuffed – air must be able to circulate.

Always avoid basements and places with high humidity – even well-packed clothing can be damaged there. In such conditions, the risk of mold increases very quickly, and the musty smell can permanently penetrate fabrics.

Packing winter clothing

The packing method directly affects the condition of clothing after several months.

Key rules:

• store jackets loosely, preferably flat,
• fold trousers without strong crushing,
• keep gloves in pairs to maintain their shape.

Avoid vacuum bags for down. This is important because prolonged compression destroys its structure and reduces insulation.

How to fold clothing so that it does not lose its properties?

The folding method matters for the durability of materials. To reduce the risk of quality loss:

• zip and velcro fasteners,
• lay clothes flat,
• avoid sharp creases.

You can lightly stuff gloves with paper to help them retain their shape. Always leave small gaps between items – regardless of whether it's ski accessories or ski suits – this improves air circulation and reduces the risk of dampness.

Summary

Preparing winter clothing for storage is a process that consists of several simple but important steps. The most important are thorough cleaning and complete drying. Renewing the impregnation and storing in appropriate conditions are also crucial.

Well-protected clothing retains its properties and is ready for use in the next season. This is a small effort that genuinely extends its lifespan and avoids costly replacements.