How to Wash and Care for a Kids Winter Jacket: SNOW DAYS JKT KIDS
By Outdoor Apparel, Footwear & Equipment | JACK WOLFSKIN | Published: 2026-10-31
Category: Tips & Care
Keep your child's winter jacket warm and waterproof with this simple wash-and-care routine, using the SNOW DAYS JKT KIDS as a practical example.
Quick answer
Wash your child's winter jacket only when it's visibly dirty or starts to lose water repellency, using a gentle cycle with a technical wash and no fabric softener. Then tumble dry on low to reactivate the water-repellent finish.
Why over-washing does more harm than good
Frequent washing breaks down the durable water-repellent (DWR) finish and can clump synthetic insulation, reducing warmth. Spot-clean small marks and air the jacket between wears instead of washing after every use.
Check the care label inside your child's jacket for the manufacturer's specific temperature and drying instructions. The steps below are general guidance for synthetic insulated jackets like the SNOW DAYS JKT KIDS, but always follow the label if it differs.
When to re-waterproof instead of just washing
If water no longer beads on the fabric and instead soaks in, the DWR needs renewing. A proper wash can restore some repellency, but a dedicated spray-on or wash-in waterproofing treatment may be needed after several seasons. Apply it only after washing and while the jacket is still damp, then tumble dry to set it.
Step-by-step care routine
- Prepare the jacket: Empty all pockets, close zips and hook-and-loop fasteners, and remove any detachable hood or faux-fur trim if the care label allows. Check for sharp objects that could damage the fabric. A missed tissue in a pocket can turn into lint pills all over the jacket.
- Pre-treat stains: Apply a small amount of liquid detergent or a dedicated stain remover directly to cuffs, collar, and any visible marks. Gently rub with a soft brush or cloth and let it sit for five minutes. Don't scrub hard, which can abrade the water-repellent finish.
- Wash on a gentle cycle: Use a front-loading machine on a gentle or technical cycle at 30°C (86°F) with a mild, non-biological detergent. Avoid powder detergent, fabric softener, and bleach. Fabric softener leaves a residue that attracts water and reduces breathability.
- Rinse thoroughly: Run an extra rinse cycle if your machine allows, to remove all detergent residue. Residue can prevent the DWR from working properly. Skipping the extra rinse can leave a sticky film that traps dirt.
- Dry on low heat: Tumble dry on low heat for 20–30 minutes, then check the jacket. The heat helps reactivate the DWR finish. If the label forbids tumble drying, hang the jacket in a well-ventilated area instead. High heat can melt synthetic insulation and damage the fabric.
- Re-waterproof if needed: After drying, test water repellency by sprinkling a few drops of water on the fabric. If they don't bead up, apply a spray-on DWR treatment according to the product instructions, then tumble dry again on low. Reapply DWR outdoors or in a well-ventilated space to avoid inhaling fumes.
Product facts
- SNOW DAYS JKT KIDS: TEXAPORE CORE face fabric provides complete weather protection. This waterproof shell benefits from regular cleaning to maintain breathability and repellency.
SNOW DAYS JKT KIDS - SNOW DAYS JKT KIDS: TEXATHERM CORE insulation keeps kids warm all day. Gentle washing and low-heat drying help preserve the loft of the synthetic insulation.
- SNOW DAYS JKT KIDS: FLEECE 200 lining feels cosy over a base layer. Avoid fabric softener, which can coat the fleece and reduce its softness and wicking.
