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How to Remove a Mold Stain From a Ski Coat

How to Remove a Mold Stain From a Ski Coat
Ski coats are subject to brutal weather and conditions, and can quickly become dirty with repeated falls. Mold can also build up on the jackets since they are used in a moist environment. But most coats are made with a waterproof yet breathable fabric that depends on a durable water repellent, or DWR, coating that assists in shedding water. DWRs wear off over time, though. Cleaning your ski jacket properly can restore its function, in addition to making it look shiny and new again.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:
  • Rubber gloves
  • Brush
  • Hydrogen peroxide solution (1 percent hydrogen peroxide to water)
  • Gentle detergent
  • Wash-in DWR (Nikwax or similar, see resources)

Cleaning

Step 1
Check the tag on the inside of the coat for any specific cleaning instructions for the garment.
Step 2
Place the jacket in sunlight, spread out, on a chair or on a flat surface, and allow it to sit in the sun till dry.
Step 3
Put on rubber gloves and use a stiff brush to brush off any loose mold.
Step 4
Rub non-detergent soap like Nikwax Tech Wash on the stains to remove them. Fill the washing machine on a cold cycle with Nikwax Tech Wash and let the jacket soak for 30 minutes.
Step 5
Run the cold cycle to wash the jacket and clean it.
Step 6
Remove the jacket and check the stains; if there are still stains, let the jacket dry in the sun once more and use the brush on it again.
Step 7
Rub a damp cloth over the stained area and spray hydrogen peroxide solution on the stain, letting it soak in for a few minutes, then scrubbing with a sponge to remove the stain.
Step 8
Wipe the remaining solution off the jacket with a damp cloth.
Step 9
Run the jacket through another cold cycle with the Nikwax Tech Wash.
Step 10
Run the jacket on another cold wash cycle using a wash-in DWR like Nikwax TX.Direct to restore the DWR coating on the jacket.
Step 11
Run the jacket through a tumble dryer at low heat setting.

Tips & Warnings

 
Standard detergents can damage the DWR on the jacket, so make sure to use gentle detergents or non-detergent soaps.
 
Harsh detergents, bleach, and hydrogen peroxide can discolor fabrics. Try the solution on a very small area of the coat before applying to a large section.
 
Mold spores can be hazardous; you may want to wear a breathing mask while working on the mold stains.

Resources

Article Written By Candace Horgan

Candace Horgan has worked as a freelance journalist for more than 12 years. Her work has appeared in various print and online publications, including the "Denver Post" and "Mix." Horgan holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and history.

Write for Trails.com

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