How to Wash and Store Snow Pants So They Last for Years

By Volcom® | Skate, Surf & Swimwear, Snowboarding Clothes ... | Published: 2026-10-14

Category: Tips & Care

A practical snow pants care guide: wash waterproof pants correctly, refresh DWR, and store them so they stay dry and ready for years of riding.

Quick answer

Wash your snow pants in a front-loading machine with a technical cleaner, no fabric softener or bleach, then tumble dry on low to reactivate the DWR. Store them clean, dry, and loosely folded or hung away from dampness and direct sun. This routine keeps waterproof snow pants and snowboarding pants performing for years.

Why snow pants need a different wash routine

Snow pants are not just thick trousers. They rely on a face fabric, a waterproof membrane, and a durable water repellent (DWR) finish to keep you dry. Regular detergent leaves behind residues that attract water and block breathability, while fabric softener coats the fibers and can permanently reduce wicking. Heat that is too high can also damage the membrane or delaminate seam tape. The goal is to remove dirt, sweat, and oils without stripping the finishes that make the pants work.

How often should you wash snow pants?

Wash them when they look dirty, feel clammy, or start wetting out—when water stops beading and the fabric darkens. For a typical resort rider, that is every 10 to 20 days on snow. If you ride in wet coastal snow or wear them against bare skin, wash more often. Overwashing is less of a problem than under-washing, because grime and body oils are what kill DWR performance. Always check the care tag first; some pants have specific limits.

How to store snow pants in the off-season

Never store snow pants dirty or damp. Even a small amount of sweat or snowmelt can encourage mildew and break down the membrane over months. Clean and dry them fully first, then hang them by the waist or fold them loosely in a breathable cotton bag or pillowcase. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which degrades fabrics, and away from mice or damp basements. Avoid vacuum-sealing or tight plastic bins that trap moisture. If you have a snow suit, store the jacket and pants together so you can find them next season.

Step-by-step snow pants care

1. Prep the pants: Close all zippers and hook-and-loop closures, empty pockets, and brush off loose snow, dirt, or salt. Check the care tag for any temperature limits. Common mistake: leaving zippers open, which can snag the fabric or damage the zipper coils in the wash.
2. Pre-treat stains and oily areas: Apply a small amount of technical cleaner or mild liquid soap directly to cuffs, knees, and the seat. Rub gently with a soft brush or cloth. Do not use bleach or fabric softener. Checkpoint: if the stain is grease-based, a drop of dish soap can help, but rinse it thoroughly before the main wash.
3. Wash in a front-loading machine: Use a technical wash or a mild, residue-free detergent. Choose a gentle cycle with cold or warm water (max 30°C/86°F) and an extra rinse. If you only have a top-loader, use a gentle cycle with low agitation or hand wash. Common mistake: using too much detergent. Excess suds leave residue that attracts water and dulls DWR.
4. Dry to reactivate the DWR: Tumble dry on low heat for 20–30 minutes. The heat helps redistribute the DWR finish. If the care tag says no tumble dry, hang to dry away from direct heat. Never iron or dry clean unless the tag explicitly allows it. Checkpoint: after drying, sprinkle a few drops of water on the fabric. If it beads and rolls off, DWR is working. If it soaks in, proceed to step 5.
5. Refresh DWR if needed: If water no longer beads, spray a DWR refresher evenly over the clean, damp pants, then tumble dry on low to set it. Follow the product instructions for drying time and temperature. Common mistake: applying DWR to dirty pants. Always wash first, or the spray will not bond evenly.
6. Store clean and dry: Hang pants by the waist or fold loosely. Keep them in a cool, dry, dark place. Avoid plastic bags, damp basements, and direct sunlight. For a snow suit, store jacket and pants together. Checkpoint: before storing, double-check that pockets, cuffs, and seams are completely dry. Any lingering moisture can cause mildew over the off-season.

Product facts

Women's Bolt Insulated Jacket: Women's Bolt Insulated Jacket: 80/60g recycled warmth, V-Science 2-Layer protection with 10K/10K, PFAS-free DWR, Zip Tech® jacket-to-pant, adjustable powder skirt, cinch hood and cuffs, critically taped seams. A PFAS-free DWR and taped seams mean you should wash with a technical cleaner and avoid high heat to preserve the finish and seam tape. Zip Tech® lets you connect to compatible pants, reducing snow entry and keeping your layering system sealed.
Women's Saltie Stones Pants: Women's Saltie Stones Pants: cozy poly-acrylic-wool blend sweater pants with bold geometric stripes, relaxed flare-leg silhouette, elastic waistband, subtle metal badge. These are loungewear, not technical snow pants, so they need a gentler wash—hand wash or delicate cycle in cold water, lay flat to dry—to protect the wool blend and metal badge. Do not treat them with DWR or high heat.