Can You Tumble Dry Ski Jackets? (is it safe or will it damage it)
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question because it depends on the materials used to make the ski jacket.
You will need to check the wash care label that will be found on your ski jacket. The wash care label will have all the relevant symbols that indicate how to care for your specific ski jacket.
Some ski jackets recommend tumble drying to reactivate the DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating.
Others should never be tumble dried as the material used to make them could melt under high heats.
Others are dry clean only which means all wash and dry care is taken out of your hands completely.
Can You Tumble Dry Ski Jackets
Most of the popular ski jackets should never be tumble dried, as can be seen below.
This chart is only for information purposes and shows general drying care instructions for the 5 most popular types of ski jackets.
It should only be used as a general guide, for more specific information, check the wash care label in your ski jacket.
Recommended Methods Of Drying The Most Popular Ski Jackets
| Type Of Ski Jacket | Air Dry | Tumble Dry |
|---|---|---|
| Synthetic Ski Jacket | Yes | No |
| Pertex Ski jacket | Yes | No |
| Gore-Tex Jacket | Yes | No |
| Wool Ski Jacket | Yes | No |
| Down Ski Jacket | Not Recommended | Yes On Low Heat |
Most types of ski jacket should be air dried and not tumble dried with the exception of down filled ski jackets.
Down filled ski jackets should be tumble dried along with a couple of clean tennis balls to help remove any clumps of feathers. Using the low heat setting until completely dry.
This is because the down filling could rot if it is not dried completely.
What The Tumble Dryer Symbols Mean On Ski Jackets
Most ski jackets will only have the do not tumble dry symbol (Square With White Circle And A Black X On Top).
But as there are many variations in the materials used in the manufacture of ski jackets, we have included all of the symbols that relate to tumble drying found on UK wash care labels.
- Square With White Circle And A Black X On Top: This is the most likely symbol to be found on your ski jacket. This is the “Do Not Tumble Dry” symbol.
- Square With White Circle: This symbol is used to signify that the item can be tumble dried. It is possible to find this symbol on some ski jackets.
- Square With Black Circle: This symbol is used to indicate that the item can be tumble dried using no heat. It is possible to find this on your ski jacket.
- Square With White Circle, One Black Dot In Circle: This indicates that you can dry on a low heat setting. It is possible to find this symbol on some ski jackets.
- Square With White Circle, Two Black Dots In Circle: This indicates you can dry on a medium heat setting. It would be unusual to find this on a ski jacket.
- Square With White Circle, Three Black Dots In Circle: You can dry on a high heat setting. It is highly unlikely that you’ll find this symbol on your ski jacket.
How To Dry A Ski Jacket Without A Tumble Dryer
Many ski jackets (with the exception of down filled ski jackets) should not be tumble dried. Which means you’ll need to find an alternative way to dry them.
Below we have listed the best ways to dry your ski jackets without using a tumble dryer.
Using A Washing Line To Air Dry Your Ski Jacket
Weather permitting, air drying your ski jacket on a washing line, rotary line or retractable clothesline is a great way to get them dry.
Simply place your ski jacket on a coat hanger and then secure the hanger to the washing line and allow the jacket to dry on the breeze.
Some ski jackets will need to be dried in the shade to avoid any damage from the sun.
SEE ALSO: The Best Retractable Washing Lines For UK Homes
Using A Clothes Horse (Airer) To Air Dry Your Ski Jacket
There are various types of clothes horses available but they all are capable of air drying ski jackets.
You can either lay the jacket flat on one of the racks on the airer or put the jacket on a coat hanger and hang the coat hanger from one of the bars on the airer.
Airers can be used indoors or out in the fresh air.
Ways To Reduce Indoor Drying Times
There are a couple of ways to reduce indoor drying times of your ski jacket. Which are;
- Using an electric fan
All you need to do is place the fan in such a way as to allow the air from the fan to be directed towards the ski jacket as it dries. This will be more efficient if you have a window open in the same room to allow free airflow. For recommendations on bladeless fans, check out our page here. - Using a dehumidifier
Place the dehumidifier in the same room as the drying ski jacket to remove excess moisture. This will allow the jacket to release moisture at a faster rate. For recommendations on dehumidifiers, check out our page here.
Why You Should Always Read The Wash Care Label On A Ski Jacket
We know it’s a pain always having to check the symbols on that little care label. But if you don’t you can expect;
Your Ski Jacket To Let Water In
If certain types of ski jacket are exposed to high temperatures, the DWR coating can be removed.
This would make your ski jacket no longer waterproof.
Your Ski Jacket Could Shrink
Depending on the material your ski jacket is made from it could shrink if tumble dried.
In many cases the rate of shrinkage could mean your ski jacket loses upwards of 5% of its original size.
Your Ski Jacket Could Melt
There are some materials that will melt if they are subjected to high temperatures.
If your ski jacket is made from one of these materials, it could melt if exposed to high heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
You’ll need to check the care label because some ski jackets can be tumble dried whereas others will become damaged in a tumble dryer.
Check the wash care label for washing and drying instructions. If indicated, the ski jacket can be tumble dried on a low/medium heat setting. This will be the fastest way of drying a ski jacket.
The best way to dry a ski jacket without a tumble dryer is to air dry it on a washing line or clothes horse.
Some ski jackets can shrink if subjected to high temperatures in the washing or drying process.
Tumble drying a down filled ski jacket is the recommended way to dry it. You should add a couple of clean tennis balls in the dryer with the jacket to help to prevent the feathers from clumping together. You should use the low heat setting and tumble until completely dry.
