How to wash your waterproofs and what I pack for a ski trip
Welcome to the first blog post of 2023 and the beginning of my twice-weekly uploads!
Every Tuesday I’ll be releasing one of my ‘How-To’ instructional videos, followed by a Vlog on Fridays so you can come and live the English country lifestyle with me!
This week we’re starting in the laundry room, so I can show you how I wash our waterproofs to maintain their function and protect them from damage. Then I’ll be taking you through what I pack for a ski holiday and showing you how I put it all away neatly ready for the next adventure!
Lastly, I’ll share both my own packing list and my top tips for skiing with children. Scroll down to sign up for my mailing list now and receive them straight to your inbox.
Washing waterproofs:
This is relevant for all waterproof items, and I’ve used these products for well over 20 years - so they’re very much tried and true!
Shop Nikwax Tech Wash and TX Direct Twin Pack:
(AD | Affiliate Link)
Shop Nikwax Down Proof Easy Use Wash In Waterproofing For Down Filled Gear Twin Pack:
(AD | Affiliate Link)
First things first, don’t wash too many things at once or you’ll dilute the effect. I do two garments at once to ensure the waterproofing treats the items properly.
Check the pockets are empty, then zip them up.
Open up your washing machine’s soap drawer and make sure there’s no backlog of remaining product.
Give the first bottle of Nikwax a good shake.
Use the product in the main soap drawer - I use 3 capfuls as we have hard water.
Put it on a normal wash as per the garment’s own label - if there are no instructions, pop it on at 30 degrees.
Once the cycle has finished, open up the soap drawer, shake the bottle and pour in the second product as per the instructions.
Start the machine again using the same settings as before, but use a low spin. You don’t want to spin out all of the waterproofing product!
It will still be quite wet when it comes out, but that’s not a bad thing! Hang them up, preferably with a towel underneath if drying indoors to catch any drips.
Allow the garments to air dry naturally.
You can tumble on low setting if the label allows - I just don’t like to do that when items are sopping wet.
My ski gear & how I pack it away:
I swear by Lakeland’s vacuum tote bags - they are quite expensive but you can fit masses into them, they’re robust and last for years! Plus they have windows to view their contents and double zips for ease of access when packed away.
Shop Lakeland’s Storage Bags:
I put mine and Coco’s into one tote, then Simons and the boy’s into another. I use an old retired suitcase for bulkier items such as ski boots and helmets and pack them away into the loft to stay safe and out of the way.
Think carefully whilst you’re packing things away, will you need anything throughout the rest of the year? Are they easily accessible?
Download my printable ski holiday packing list here:
https://mailchi.mp/8760add75d44/rwzqnp90ar
Download my top tips for skiing with Children here:
https://mailchi.mp/0c3d32732b3a/w5s7z3cfxk
Watch my previous video on packing for children’s ski holidays here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTo6pjdLGok
Do you have any top tips for packing for a ski holiday? Are you off to the mountains this year? I’d love to know where your favourite destinations are!
Love, Charlie x