Winter Gear Maintenance 101: Cleaning and Storing Your Equipment

As winter winds down and the snow begins to melt, it's time to prepare your winter gear for storage. Properly cleaning and storing your equipment not only ensures its longevity but also ensures that you're ready to hit the slopes as soon as the snow returns. In this article, we'll delve into the intricacies of cleaning and storing various winter gear, including skis, snowboards, snowshoes, cross-country skis, and more. Whether you're a seasoned snow sports enthusiast or a novice, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to care for your gear like a pro.

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The Importance of Cleaning and Storing Winter Gear

Before we dive into the specifics of cleaning and storing individual pieces of winter gear, let's first understand why this process is crucial. Properly cleaning and storing your winter gear offers several benefits.

Prolongs the lifespan of your equipment

Winter gear is often exposed to harsh conditions, including snow, ice, and salt. Without proper care, this can lead to deterioration and damage over time. Cleaning and storing your gear effectively can help mitigate these risks and extend its lifespan.

Ensures optimal performance

Clean and well-maintained gear performs better on the slopes. Dirt, grime, and wax buildup can negatively impact the performance of skis, snowboards, and other equipment. By keeping your gear clean and properly stored, you'll maintain its performance and enjoy a smoother ride.

Investing in high-quality winter gear can be expensive. By taking care of your equipment, you'll reduce the need for frequent replacements and repairs, ultimately saving you money in the long run.

Cleaning and Storing Skis and Snowboards

Now that the snow is melting and you’ve enjoyed a good Pond Skim, it’s time to clean and store your equipment until next season to maximize their lifespan and performance.

Begin by removing any excess snow and debris from the surface of the skis or snowboard using a damp cloth or soft brush. This will prevent dirt and grime from being pushed into the base during cleaning. Inspect the bindings for any signs of damage, such as cracks or rust. Clean them thoroughly to ensure proper functionality and longevity.
For ski and snowboard edge maintenance, start by gently running a gummy stone along all four edges to eliminate rust and burrs. If the gummy stone isn't sufficient for removing burrs, consider using a fine diamond file. When using a diamond file, ensure you use a file guide that matches your ski's side edge bevel to avoid damaging it.
For stubborn dirt or wax buildup, consider using a specialized ski and snowboard cleaner. These products are designed to effectively remove tough stains and residues without damaging the ski's surface.
Applying wax to your skis or snowboard before storing them for the off-season is essential for keeping the base hydrated and protected during the summer months. Regardless of the type of wax you choose, consider making the eco-friendly choice and ensure it's free of fluorocarbons. If you’re not familiar with how to wax your skis, but are interested in learning, we recommend visiting your local ski and snowboard shop and consulting with a certified ski or snowboard technician. They can provide expert guidance and ensure you do it safely and accurately.
Don’t forget your boots! Wipe down your boots, and ensure that the footbeds and liners are thoroughly dry before storing. Buckle the shell snugly, but avoid over tightening to preserve the structural integrity of the plastic during storage.

Storing Skis and Snowboards

Store skis and snowboards in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent warping and damage to the materials. Your garage is NOT a great place to store them, as the temperature there will likely get too hot during the summer, potentially compromising the structural integrity of your skis and snowboard, and they could warp. A closet in your home would be ideal.
Keep skis and snowboards in an upright position, preferably using a rack or wall mount, to prevent deformation of the ski or snowboard’s shape.
If you know how to, loosen the bindings to relieve tension on the springs and prevent them from compressing over time. This will help maintain the elasticity of the bindings for optimal performance. Only do this if you are very familiar with it, as improper adjustments can result in binding malfunctions and serious injuries.
For those familiar with DIN settings and their adjustment process, lower the settings to their minimum on both the toe and heel pieces for summer storage. Just remember to reset the DIN settings before your first ski day next season.
If you're unsure about adjusting your DIN settings but are interested in learning, we recommend visiting your local ski shop and consulting with a certified ski or snowboard technician. They can provide expert guidance and ensure your bindings are adjusted safely and accurately.
If you have skis, secure your skis together near the tip and tail using padded ski straps. Position the straps where your edges last make contact with each other. These padded straps create a slight separation between your skis' edges, providing protection during storage.
To prevent dust accumulation and deter critters from nesting in your boots, consider investing in a bag for storage. This one is great for skis and boots and this one for snowboards.

Cleaning and Storing Snowshoes

Snowshoes are essential for navigating deep snow and rugged terrain, and proper care is essential to ensure their longevity and performance. To clean them, start with the following:

Remove any snow and debris from the snowshoes using a brush or by tapping them against a hard surface.
Use a damp cloth to wipe down the bindings and frames, removing dirt, salt residue, and moisture.
Inspect the crampons for any signs of damage and clean them thoroughly to maintain traction.

Storing Snowshoes

Store snowshoes in a cool, dry area to prevent rusting and damage.
Hang them vertically or lay them flat to avoid deformation of the frame and bindings.
Loosen the bindings to maintain their elasticity and prevent them from losing their shape.
Consider storing them in a breathable bag to prevent moisture buildup and mildew.

Cleaning and Storing Cross-Country Skis

Cross-country skiing offers a fantastic way to explore winter landscapes, and proper maintenance is essential to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience on the trails.

Start by using a soft brush to remove any snow and dirt from the skis, paying particular attention to the grip and glide zones.
Wipe down the base with a damp cloth to remove dirt, grime, and wax residue.
Clean the bindings with a damp cloth to remove any debris and ensure proper functionality.

Storing Cross-Country Skis

Store cross-country skis in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent warping and damage.
Keep them in an upright position, preferably using a ski rack or wall mount, to maintain their shape.
If you know how to, loosen the bindings to relieve tension and prevent them from losing elasticity over time. If you’re uncertain of how to do this, visit your local ski shop and talk to a certified ski technician.
Consider applying a coat of wax to the base to protect it during storage and maintain optimal glide performance. Again, visit your local ski shop if you’re not sure how to do this properly.

Cleaning and Storing Winter Clothing and Accessories

In addition to your equipment, it's essential to properly clean and store your winter clothing and accessories to ensure they're ready for the next season's adventures.

Cleaning Winter Clothing

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for washing your winter clothing, including jackets, pants, gloves, and hats. Each one can be different, so read the tags carefully.
Use a gentle detergent and avoid fabric softeners, as they can reduce the effectiveness of waterproofing.
For an extra layer of protection and care for your winter clothing, consider using the Nikwax Outwear Care Kit. This comprehensive kit is specially formulated to clean and maintain the waterproofing and breathability of your outdoor garments. Here's how to use it effectively:

Start by washing your winter clothing with Nikwax Tech Wash. This gentle detergent effectively removes dirt, oils, and other residues without compromising the garment's waterproofing or breathability. Follow the instructions on the Nikwax packaging for proper usage.
After washing, use Nikwax TX.Direct to restore the DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating on your outerwear. This treatment ensures that water beads off the fabric's surface, keeping you dry in wet conditions. Apply the TX.Direct treatment according to the instructions provided.

Once you've washed and treated your clothing, ensure they are thoroughly dry before storing them. Hang your garments in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight to prevent mildew and odors.

Storing Winter Clothing

Store winter clothing in a clean, dry area away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and damage.
Hang jackets and pants on padded hangers to maintain their shape and prevent wrinkles.
Store gloves, hats, and other accessories in breathable containers to prevent moisture buildup and mold growth.
Avoid cramming clothing into tight spaces to ensure proper airflow and prevent damage to delicate fabrics.

Ready for the Next Season

Properly cleaning and storing your winter gear is essential for maintaining its performance and longevity. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your skis, snowboards, snowshoes, cross-country skis, and other equipment remain in top condition season after season. So bid farewell to winter with confidence, knowing that your gear will be ready and waiting for your next snowy adventure.

About the Author

Shannon is a passionate winter sports enthusiast with a love for skiing, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and exploring snowy landscapes. With years of experience hitting the slopes and caring for winter gear, Shannon is dedicated to helping fellow snow enthusiasts understand the importance of proper gear maintenance and make the most of their winter adventure gear for years to come.