Base Layer Care Guide:
Wash, Dry & Store for Long LifeBase Layer Care Guide: Love Them Longer
Wash cool (30°C), skip fabric softener, air dry. Turn inside out, use a delicates/microfibre bag, and store clean and dry. Do this and your layers stay soft, fresh, and ready for every adventure.
Why this matters
Your base layer does the heavy lifting: wicks sweat, keeps you comfy, and makes the rest of your kit work better. A little care allows for a lot more seasons of cosy.
Quick answers (save/screenshot)
• How often to wash? After sweaty days; otherwise every 2 - 4 wears. Our fabrics are odour-resistant, so you can space out washes when activity is light.
• Water temp? Cold or 30°C gentle cycle.
• Detergent? Mild sports/technical wash.
• Fabric softener? Nope. It clogs the wicking fibres.
• Dryer? Air dry is best; no high heat.
• Storage? Clean, fully dry, cool place, folded, out of direct sun.
Your easy wash routine
Turn inside out. Protects the surface; helps deodorise.
• Bag it. Use a delicates or microfibre-capture bag (like Guppyfriend) to be kinder to your fabrics and the planet.
• Wash cool (30°C). Gentle cycle, similar colours.
•Use a mild sports detergent. Enzyme-based is fine; no bleach, no softener.
• Air dry. On a rack, away from direct heat/sun. Good news: Arctic Eco-Sno dries fast, usually within hours.
Why skip softener? It leaves a coating that blocks moisture-wicking and breathability. Keep the fibres free so they can do their thing.
Dealing with odour & stains
• Post-big-day odour: Add a sports wash or pre-soak 20 - 30 mins in cool water with a little technical detergent.
• Mud: Let dry, brush off, then cold rinse and wash.
• Sunscreen/oils: Dab a tiny bit of mild liquid soap on the spot, rinse cold, then wash as normal.
• Avoid: bleach, harsh stain removers, and hot water.
How many wears between washes?
It depends on effort and conditions:
• High sweat (warm spring laps, cardio hikes): wash after each big day.
• Light effort (chill days, layering for travel): every 2 - 4 wears is usually fine thanks to odour resistance.
Drying & storage (keep them feeling new)
• Air dry flat or on a hanger; avoid radiators and direct sun.
• No long-term compression (don’t leave them crushed in a pack).
• Store clean + dry in a cool space so fibres stay fresh.
Planet-kind care (that actually helps)
• Wash cool and full loads to save energy and reduce fibre shedding.
• Microfibre bags (e.g., Guppyfriend) catch tiny fibres before they reach waterways. Small change, big impact.
• Buy once, care well for longer life, fewer replacements.
Why Arctic Eco-Sno is easy to love
(and care for)Our community wanted base layers that actually felt good to wear. Buttery-soft, itch-free, and quick to dry between adventures. So we made them.
Should I use fabric softener?
No. It coats fibres and blocks wicking.
Can I tumble dry?
We do not recommend tumble drying your base layers. Air dry is best.
Do I need a special detergent?
Use a mild sports/technical wash. Avoid bleach and heavy fragrances.
Do I wash before first wear?
Optional. If you do, wash cool (30°C), no softener, air dry.
Can I iron base layers?
No need as heat can damage performance fibres.