Are there clothes that won't make you sweat or get wet in the rain? Even 20 years ago the answer would have been negative. Today, with the development of modern technologies, the clothes we wear every day are becoming better and more functional, thanks to such innovative technology like a membrane. It allows the skin to breathe and will not get wet even in pouring rain. More recently, such clothes could only be worn by athletes or those whose work involves constant exposure to the street, but now modern technologies are increasingly included in daily life everyone. What is the advantage of this material? How to care for such clothes, how to wash a jacket with a membrane? We will answer all these questions in order, because first you need to understand the operating principle of this unique fabric.
Membrane Features
Membrane clothing can be safely called unique. It is based on thin synthetic fibers, each of which is enveloped by a polymer protective film invisible to the eye. It contains pores that give the material special qualities:
- The membrane releases moisture that has formed under it, but at the same time prevents it from getting inside.
Important! This kind of air conditioning system not only prevents the body from freezing, but also helps it cool down.
- The membrane, due to the fact that it does not let air in, is very comfortable. This jacket will keep you warm even in strong winds.
- Another positive characteristic is its lightness. Such clothes do not need additional layers of fluff or padding polyester. The heat that your body generates will be quite enough, because it is under the reliable protection of the membrane and does not escape outside.
- Special impregnation of the porous structure of the material makes the fabric impervious to moisture; drops simply roll off such clothing.
However, when wearing clothes, it is important to follow some rules:
- Membrane fabric goes perfectly with thermal underwear. Special properties These materials only complement and enhance the protective functions.
Important! If you still don’t have one, be sure to read about it and buy it. This is not a whim, but a real necessity for your own comfort. At the same time, cotton T-shirts worn under the membrane will have the opposite effect. After all, cotton cannot boast of the ability to regulate the microclimate.
- If you are going for a long time winter walk, then you should wear a warm, preferably a fleece sweatshirt over your thermal underwear.
- If the frosts are not so severe, then thermal underwear in combination with membrane clothing will be enough.
Membrane clothing, like any other, gets dirty when worn constantly. And this is quite natural. To preserve its original protective properties, you need to know how to wash a membrane jacket.
Wash
Many consumers believe that membrane clothing cannot be washed. But this was only at the beginning of mass production. At that time, technology was not yet so advanced. Thanks to modernization, now such things are not only possible, but also necessary to be washed. The main thing is to know how to do it correctly.
Selection of detergents
First, let's look at the most important question: how to wash membrane clothes. Why is he in charge? Because by violating the recommendations, you deprive the fabric of the most important, unique properties:
- To wash membrane fabric, we use formulations that do not contain even a hint of chlorine, because it tends to expand the pores, the fabric begins to let moisture through and gets wet from the rain. Your unique clothes become the most common ones.
- Some housewives, when asked how to wash membrane clothes, answer simply: regular powder. And completely in vain. The membrane becomes clogged with small particles, loses its breathability and ceases to be any different from rubberized clothing.
Washing membrane clothing in a washing machine should only be done with the addition of special soft detergents that do not contain chlorine or abrasive small particles. The best choice would be a gel for washing membrane clothes. Today in stores household chemicals You can find many products that are suitable for this type of fabric. Here are just a few of them:
- DOMAL Sport Fein Fashion is a balm designed for washing sportswear. Designed for the care of thin synthetic fabrics such as polyester. It is also suitable for membranes. Even after many washes, the unique qualities of the fabric will remain unchanged.
- Denkmit Fresh Sensation. This budget composition is also suitable for solving the question of how to wash a jacket with a membrane. It copes well with dirt, but it does not contain special water-repellent additives.
- Perwoll is a sportswear laundry detergent that is popular with consumers. Suitable for removing dirt from membrane clothing and light sports shoes.
- Nikwax Tech Wash is the best answer to the question of how to wash membrane clothes. This gel not only cleans clothes, but also, thanks to special additives, preserves the water-repellent and breathable properties of the fabric. And even restores them. If you have already made a mistake and washed the membrane with regular powder, then this product will help you eliminate the consequences and remove particles of aggressive powder.
Important! By the way, don’t be surprised, but this unique fabric can be washed with the most common laundry soap. Experienced housewives they claim that it copes with contaminants no worse than special compounds, without causing harm to the material. And it doesn’t matter here whether you use bar soap or its liquid analogue.
Regardless of how to wash membrane clothes - by hand or in a machine, there are general recommendations that you should adhere to:
- There is no need to soak these clothes for a long time. A large number of water and staying in it for a long time in the best possible way will affect the properties of the fabric.
- To remove excess water from clothing, do not wring or twist the fabric under any circumstances. This will damage the pore structure.
- To dry a membrane jacket or trousers, simply wrap them in a cotton or terry towel. They perfectly absorb excess moisture.
Important! Many people believe that the simplest solution to the question of how to wash membrane clothes is to take them to the dry cleaner. However, this method of removing dirt is considered quite aggressive and greatly wears out the fabric. You should not resort to this method too often, especially if there is not so much contamination.
Wash by hand
How to wash clothes made from membrane? Of course, the most best option- manually, because in a washing machine there is no complete control over the process, and even at minimum speed the thin polymer protective film on the fibers can deteriorate. Therefore, if it's time to wash special clothes, then there is no better manual way to do this.
Follow these rules during the process:
- Before washing membrane clothing, be sure to check the contents of the pockets and remove all items. Even a forgotten coin can damage the fabric.
- All snaps, zippers and buttons must be closed and latched. This will also help avoid mechanical damage.
- If you are very worried that uncovered fasteners may scratch the membrane, then cover them with tape.
- The false fur, if any, must be unfastened.
Important! When collecting water into a container, make sure that its temperature does not exceed 40 degrees. Never immerse clothing in boiling water. Dilute the gel for washing membrane clothes strictly in the proportion indicated on the package. An insufficient amount of product may lead to the fact that not all contaminants are removed; excess gel will have to be rinsed for a long time. Laundry soap should be grated directly into a container of water.
- Immerse the clothes in water slowly and wash them with gentle movements; there is no need to apply physical effort here.
- There is also no need to delay the process. Prolonged contact with water, as we have already said, worsens the protective properties of the membrane film.
Important! Many people wonder how to wash a membrane jacket if it has heavy pollution? Manufacturers of such clothing claim that this can be done with a brush, but only with soft bristles.
- After removing all dirt, rinse clothing thoroughly in cool water. It is better to do this several times to completely remove the membrane clothing washing gel.
- To remove excess water, simply let it drain and then wrap it in a towel.
So in a simple way You can clean all your membrane fabric items from dirt. You shouldn’t wash everything at once to reduce their time in the water.
Machine washable
If the fabric of your “breathable” jacket is strong enough, then the manufacturer must indicate this on the label. If there is a designation that washing membrane clothing in a washing machine is allowed, then this greatly simplifies the process. The rules for using not powder, but gel for washing membrane clothes have not been canceled:
- If your jacket or trousers have very dirty areas, you can pre-moisten them with dishwashing liquid, but not for long.
- When washing membrane clothes in a washing machine, do not allow heavy loads. This will increase the friction of the membrane against other things. It is best to wash a membrane jacket in a half-empty drum.
- During the spin process, especially at high speeds, there is strong friction between the clothes and the machine drum. And, as we said above, the membrane will not be able to withstand such intense exposure.
- When washing membrane jacket or trousers, it is better to put the conditioner aside. The fabric doesn't need this. Don't forget this.
Many new owners of such clothes spend a long time pondering the question: what mode should they use to wash a membrane jacket? If you are one of them, then have your answers ready:
- It is better to wash membrane clothes in a washing machine on.
- It would be ideal to select the “Silk” or “Hand Wash” mode.
Important! The spin should be turned off immediately; we have already explained why. Don't forget to make sure that the water temperature is no higher than 30 degrees.
Drying
Once you have successfully solved the question of how to wash membrane clothes and removed excess moisture with towels, you should not relax. Capricious material also requires special conditions for drying:
- There should be a draft in the room where clothes will dry.
- The membrane must not be dried on or near heating appliances.
- Also, the material should not be hung in the sun. After such exposure, stains from fading will remain on the fabric, which cannot be removed.
- After washing membrane clothing in the washing machine is completed, the jacket or pants should be placed on a horizontal plane to smooth out all the wrinkles, and then hung on hangers. It is better to dry the hood separately.
Important! Neither after washing membrane clothing in a washing machine, nor before, should it be ironed. Neither with steam nor through thin fabric.
Care and storage
After washing membrane clothes in a washing machine, right moment for processing the material with special impregnations, because the initial treatment layer tends to wash out. Determining that this happened is quite simple:
- If raindrops stop rolling off the surface of the jacket or pants and it begins to get wet;
- If you often wear such clothes in the sun;
- If the jacket has abrasions;
- If you have washed membrane clothing in a washing machine several times already.
Protection
In many household chemicals or specialized clothing stores you can find special water-repellent impregnations intended exclusively for membranes. These can be either sprays or aerosols. Fluoride must be added to their composition.
By using this product, you can restore the water-repellent properties of the item. Also, such sprays prevent excess dirt from entering the pores of the material and become an excellent prevention against negative impact ultraviolet.
Important! For different types materials there are various special means. Grangers Extreme Wash-in impregnations are designed to impart water-repellent and windproof properties to clothing. And Grangers Extreme Wash-in impregnations will help increase the resistance of trousers or jackets to dirt.
Impregnation after washing membrane clothing in a washing machine is carried out according to the instructions on the product packaging. There are two possible options that will give the same effect:
- Spray the mixture over the surface of your jacket or pants and leave them until completely dry.
- Soak the clothes in a clean mixture without adding water, let it sit for a while and then dry the items.
Important! Treatment with special means should be carried out only after washing membrane clothing in a washing machine. IN otherwise- the composition will simply be washed off along with the dirt particles.
Storage
Membrane clothing requires not only careful washing, but also compliance with certain storage conditions:
- rooms with high humidity are contraindicated for membrane clothing; the fabric will not only actively absorb moisture, but also dust;
- This special fabric tends to absorb strong odors, so you should avoid storing it in such places.
Video material
You need to find out how to wash a jacket with a membrane when purchasing clothes. Otherwise, trying to get rid of dirt, you can ruin such an interesting fabric consisting of pores. They protect you from bad weather conditions, but they themselves need protection - from prolonged contact with water and aggressive cleaning agents. Remember that when washing by hand or by machine, you should always use only gel for washing membrane clothes. And after the jacket or trousers have dried, it is worth treating them with special compounds.
How to wash membrane clothes is not the only question that worries potential buyers. The average person does not understand why the membrane has its own characteristics: lightness, water-repellent properties and at the same time the ability to retain heat.
The answers lie in the uniqueness of such fabric.
Due to perforation (micro size), excess warm air escapes from inside the clothing, and the path for cold air is closed, because the holes open only with sufficient pressure of warm air from the body. There simply cannot be such pressure from the outside, so cold air does not penetrate inside the clothes.
There is another possible reason for the waterproofness of membrane clothing: a special hydrophilic film is glued to the outer layer of the fabric (under the influence of high temperature). It is waterproof on the outside, and on the inside, due to free chemical bonds, it transfers vapor molecules outward from one layer to another.
The reason for the waterproofness of the fabric on the outside is its impregnation with special water-repellent compounds in the manufacturing plant.
In order for clothes to retain their properties, you need to follow some rules for wearing them:
- The first layer of clothing (underwear) should be thermal underwear (use cotton fabrics This is not possible - it will worsen the microclimate near the body).
- It is better to wear a wool or fleece sweater as a second layer of clothing.
- The third layer will be the membrane outerwear itself.
If the weather conditions are not too cold, then it is possible to wear only two layers of clothing: the first and third.
The advantages of the fabric are undeniable, especially for children, athletes and tourists, but the question of caring for modern clothes from a membrane.
Features of washing things made of membrane fabric
Membrane items need to be washed a little more often than regular outerwear, because over time their pores become clogged with both dirt from the outside and sweat from the inside.
You cannot wash things with a membrane using ordinary means. A simple powder can clog the pores of a jacket or other item of clothing, causing the fabric to lose its properties. If you use regular conditioners or bleaches, this can also damage the properties of the fabric.
If you wash things with chlorine-containing products, excessive perforation of the membrane layer will occur, which will lead to the loss of the water-repellent property of the jacket or other outerwear.
How to wash membrane clothes? Only special ones by delicate means. If you don’t dig potatoes in such uniform, then you won’t need potent compounds and alternative option can serve as household or baby soap. Soap solutions will help remove stubborn stains and will come in handy for preventative washing.
If, due to ignorance or some other reason, you managed to wash membrane clothing using conventional ingredients, then you should not despair and run out to buy a new jacket. Impregnating compounds specially created for the membrane will help restore lost properties and free pores from blockages.
The membrane does not need to be soaked, and there is no need to wring it out after hand washing. To remove excess moisture from membrane fabric, wrap it in a terry towel (or bathrobe). The water will be absorbed, and the expensive item will repay you with a long service life.
Membrane clothes can only be washed manually. If you decide to wash an expensive item in a washing machine, you can say goodbye to all of it. unique properties. You just need to squeeze it a little in a basin with a soapy solution, and then bathe it in clean water (you need to change the water several times). It is better to wash clothes in cold water, or slightly warmed (30-40 degrees will be enough).
Membrane fabrics are also afraid of ironing. Exposure to high temperatures can destroy something dear to your heart. If you washed the fabric correctly, you will not need to smooth out the creases.
How to properly dry clothes after washing
After washing, you need to straighten the membrane jacket or pants on a horizontal plane and smooth out all the wrinkles. The room should have sufficient air exchange and not very high temperatures. The immediate drying area must be kept away from heating radiators.
The membrane cannot be hung outside in direct sunlight - after such a procedure, whitish spots from fading may remain on the fabric, which cannot be revived under any circumstances.
On sale you can find special impregnations with moisture-repellent properties for the membrane. They come in the form of sprays or liquids, the main ingredient of which is fluoride. By using this product, you can not only restore the water-repellent properties of the item, but also prevent the penetration of contaminants deep into the material and the negative effects of sunlight (ultraviolet spectrum).
When is it time to use impregnation? When water has stopped rolling off the surface of the membrane jacket or pants. If you feel like the fabric is starting to get wet, it’s time to use the resuscitator. Under production conditions, the fabric is treated with a special composition, which gives it the ability to repel moisture. Over time, clothes are affected various factors: washing, friction against objects and parts of the body (backpack straps, hands in places around pockets) - all this contributes to the thinning of the protective layer. In order for clothing to be used for its intended purpose for a long time, it is necessary to treat it with such compounds.
Impregnation is carried out according to the instructions on the product packaging. There are 2 options possible:
- Spray the composition onto a membrane jacket or pants and leave until completely dry when using the composition as a spray.
- Soak the membrane items in the composition (without dilution or adding water) for a while if using a liquid product.
Equally good effect both types of impregnation will have.
Membrane clothes must be washed before impregnation. If you wash it afterward, you will have to repeat the procedure for restoring water-repellent properties. It is important to maintain the correct dosage of the composition - if you overdo it, you will lose the properties of air exchange with the environment.
How to store membrane clothes
Membrane clothing must be washed according to the rules; there are also rules for storing such items. You cannot twist or fold such clothes; the ideal option would be to hang them on hangers and place them in a cover (can be made of fabric or cellophane). Before storing clothes, it is recommended to wash them and soak them in restorative compounds.
If you wear your clothes correctly, wash them in a timely manner and impregnate them with water-repellent compounds, your clothes will last you for many years.
Today, all types of clothing are made from membrane fabric: from children's to professional sportswear. The review will talk about washing such fabric by hand and in a washing machine. You will learn which product to choose for cleaning and caring for your favorite clothes.
To understand why traditional washing is not suitable, it is worth knowing the characteristics of the fabric. The membrane is a thin mesh permeated with small pores through which wind, cold and water do not pass. Among the properties of membrane tissues special attention deserve these:
- Water repellent effect. Water does not pass through the fabric, so it is impossible to get wet in the rain in a membrane jacket.
- Breathability. Among waterproof fabrics, this is one of the few that can “breathe”. The fumes do not linger on the body, but exit through the pores. That's why they sew from membrane sportswear– they don’t sweat in it.
- Doesn't allow the wind to pass through. Comfort and warmth in any weather.
- Keeps you warm at light weight. Does not require additional insulation - the body heats itself, since cold air is retained by the membrane. Have you ever wondered why people in light jackets don’t freeze in winter? Most likely, their clothes are made of membrane.
The issue of washing is acute because of the risk of losing all the properties described above. Considering the considerable cost of such clothes, it’s not worth the risk. But this does not mean that washing is completely prohibited - you need to act by following the rules.
There are two ways to wash: by hand and in a machine. Users are especially concerned about whether things can be washed in SM and what needs to be taken into account so as not to spoil them. 
Washing by hand is easy:
- Rub clothes with a special detergent.
- Rinse under running water.
- Repeat steps for heavy contamination.
- Do not twist.
- Dry clothes away from heat sources in a well-ventilated place.
To properly wash clothes in SMA, you need to know in what mode and at what temperature to wash a suit, overalls or children's clothes. Washing instructions are on the label. What if the tag is missing or the tag says machine washable? Follow these washing rules to avoid damaging the fabric:
- Place the clothes in the drum, separating the membrane items into batches. Wash your shoes strictly separately on a special cycle and in a cover.
- Select a delicate cycle (“Sports”, “Manual”, “Delicate”, “Wool”). If your SMA has a special cycle, feel free to press the button.
- Select low temperature mode (maximum 30 degrees).
- Turn off spin.
- Start the wash.
- Wait until the program ends.
- When washing, leave large items in the drum for a while and allow excess water to drain.
- Take out the clothes and dry them away from fan heaters and radiators on hangers or unfolded (if it is a jacket or down jacket).
- After washing, lightly wring out the clothes with your hands, pressing them in different places.
- Use a terry towel - wrap your jacket or other clothing in it so that excess moisture is absorbed into the towel.
- Choose a suitable surface for drying - a table, ironing board or dryer.
- Make sure that things are not exposed to direct rays of light.
- Ensure optimal ventilation of the room.
- Dry until completely dry.
- Don't iron!
- If necessary, treat with a special impregnation. About how to choose suitable remedy, read the article “How to wash a tent in a washing machine.”
- Store clothes horizontally or in special bags.
What can you wash with?
Before washing such clothes, figure out what you will be doing it with. The use of ordinary powder is strictly prohibited. If you ask a consultant at a household chemicals store what kind of laundry detergent to use, most likely they will advise you on a specialized product. This must be a special “shampoo”. There is plenty to choose from:
- DOMALSportFeinfashion– balm in liquid form for polyester or membrane. Can be used for frequent washing, retains the protective characteristics of the fibers.
- – this product perfectly fights difficult stains and impregnates the membrane with components that preserve the protective properties of the fabric. To wash regular powder out of your pores, use this product.
The technological process is moving forward at an imperceptible pace. It would seem that just five years ago, few people knew about the existence of membrane clothing. Today, mothers of babies, athletes and just ordinary people who want to feel warm, despite the weather, cannot do without it. The question of how to wash membrane clothes in a washing machine worries many people, because they want to preserve their practical properties for as long as possible.
Features and types of membrane clothing
Despite the fact that the membrane began to be used everywhere not so long ago, its history takes us back to 1969. It was then that Bill and Robert Gore were able to produce a unique fabric called Gore-Tex. More than six years passed before the material appeared in the first line of clothing. The membrane is a thin film with micropores made of foamed polytetrafluoroethylene. Its main advantages are:
- Ease;
- 100% moisture impermeability;
- Removal of moisture from the inside.
- The material “breathes”.
The fabric contains 2, 3 or 2.5 layers. In each case, the membrane film is attached to the underside of the base and requires additional lining. In the three-layer version, the lining is a fine mesh of knitted fiber. In the version with 2.5 layers, small foam knitted pimples are sprayed onto the main layers.
It is worth noting that the outer fabric is also not left untreated and is coated with a special DWR compound, which has additional water-repellent properties.
Needless to say, such a multi-layered and thoughtful fabric does not know the word “get wet.” Even if the DWR coating on the upper fabric is abraded, the fabric, thanks to the membrane, will never allow moisture to pass through to the body. In addition, all seams in the models are taped, providing an even greater degree of protection. Today there are several types of membrane:
- Hydrophilic. The hydrophilic membrane has moved away from key concept membrane and the presence of pores. In this type, there are no pores, and therefore condensation from body evaporation during physical activity settles on the inner surface. Further, according to the principle of moisture diffusion, sweat particles come to the outer surface;
- Porous. Porous Gore-Tex also does not get wet, although it has pores. The secret here is their minimum size, which a drop of rain exceeds tens of times. Internal moisture freely escapes through the pores, leaving the body dry. Compared to the first type, the porous variety should be treated as carefully as possible when washing;
- Combined type combines the advantages of hydrophilic and porous material. The membrane here is covered with a polyurethane hydrophilic film, which significantly affects the cost of the product.
Types of membrane clothing depending on purpose:
- Casual;
- Professional;
- For active sports.
Each type has its own requirements. Thus, an everyday membrane differs from others in its greater weight and amount of filler. This type includes suits, jackets and trousers for walking, as well as overalls for children from birth. The professional series is suitable for climbers and skiers. The third, the lightest and most weightless, belongs to clothing for runners and is called Gore-Tex Active.
Can I wash it with regular powder?
The membrane is a complex material, and therefore its care must also be delicate. Only then can a jacket or overalls last a long time without losing its water-repellent properties. Before you understand whether the membrane can be washed with ordinary powder, you should find out all the compounds that negatively affect the fabric. So, the material does not tolerate phosphates and sulfates, which means washing with regular or liquid powder even the most best quality prohibited. Do not expose the membrane to bleaches or stain removers., because manufacturers also cannot do without sulfates in them.
It is worth noting one more procedure that should not be done. So, having chosen machine washable, it is important to abandon the “spin” mode, since the film should not be subjected to aggressive twisting. It is possible that drying the product in this option will take much longer, but the result, which is safe for the structure, is worth it. In addition, the very property of the membrane makes it possible to remove contaminants from it immediately and plain water, and therefore washing in a machine is an infrequent procedure.
Necessary laundry products
By ordinary means You cannot wash a microporous surface, but there is one common detergent that can be used for the membrane. Natural laundry soap without fragrances and other additions, made in accordance with GOST, perfectly cleanses any dirt, just like hundreds of years ago.
To clean with it, it is not at all necessary to rub the product with it. A large grater will help make soap shavings that can be stored and used at the right time by adding to the drum of the washing machine.
Another product that helps with washing is mild shampoo without the use of sulfates. Washing membrane clothes is not only safe, but also pleasant. The light aroma of shampoo will always be more pleasant than the smell of laundry soap. Here, however, it is a matter of taste preferences.
You can also use liquid soap in the washing machine. It must also be of high quality and not contain harmful substances.
If you want to approach the issue of washing professionally, it is better to trust the specialists and purchase a special gel concentrate for membrane. It can be called differently, but it always has a liquid consistency. Any sports store is ready to offer several options for such products, and therefore there are no problems with the search.
Unfortunately, out of ignorance, people often make mistakes. So, having washed your jacket once with regular powder, you shouldn’t get upset and resign yourself to the thought of its hopelessness. 1-2 washes cannot significantly affect the membrane, however, further manipulations should be carried out using proven means.
If a loss of functional qualities is nevertheless detected, experts recommend using a water-repellent aerosol product.
Preparing clothes
Many, when faced with the peculiarities of washing for the first time, decide to avoid it, removing dirt daily with a damp cloth. This solution is partly correct, but still hand or machine washing must be present. The fact is that the membrane not only does not allow water to pass through, but also actively attracts dust. Clogging of the pores leads to disruption of the “breathing” of the fabric, and therefore to the loss of the entire meaning of the fabric’s properties. Experts recommend washing outerwear 2-3 times per season.
So, if laundry is already planned, it is important to prepare your clothes. To do this, fasten the jacket, winter suit or overalls with all the zippers, after checking the pockets first. In addition to this, unfasten the hood or, if not possible, the fur. Fragile fittings that are prone to scratches are sealed with tape, which allows you to preserve their original appearance.
Ski and snowboard clothing is prepared in the same way. In some tips you can see the idea that you need to turn the suit inside out. In reality, you shouldn't do this. Snowboard clothing is buttoned up and pre-soaked in a special solution in a basin for half an hour. After this, difficult contaminants are removed with a soft brush. Children's clothing in the presence of complex stubborn stains is also treated in advance with a brush with special means or laundry soap.
Select mode and temperature
To properly wash clothes made of membrane fabric, it is important to choose not only a special cleaning agent, but also the desired mode and temperature. Thus, modern cars have long been equipped with a “membrane” mode, where the available speed and temperature are accurately determined. However, not everyone has such a mode, which means you will have to experiment.
In each machine menu you can find delicate modes, be it silk, wool or handwash. Their temperature is usually does not exceed 30-40 degrees, which does not contradict the rules for caring for membrane clothing. Spin in such modes is at the position 300-500 rpm, which is also quite acceptable, although experts recommend not squeezing membrane items at all.
How to dry?
When the washing procedure is completed and the washing machine has given the final signal, the wet jacket or suit is laid on thick terry towels. Their material should be selected taking into account high moisture absorption. It should be noted that you will need a lot of them. So, the clothes are laid out on a horizontal surface on towels and begin to straighten, smoothing out all the folds and thereby removing moisture. As the towels get wet, they are replaced with new ones. The clothes are left in this position until completely dry.
It's important to remember that Drying the membrane on heaters is strictly prohibited, and therefore it is important to allow clothes to dry slowly but on their own in a room with proper air circulation. To do this, you can open the window and ventilate the drying area well. In addition, the membrane is afraid not only of heaters, but also of direct sunlight, even if washing occurs in the cold season.
Needless to say, washing and drying the membrane is not an easy task, but only in this case can everything be preserved beneficial features this unique material.
To make cleaning the products as simple and straightforward as possible, and to ensure that the results coincide with the desired ones, There are a few tips you should use in your home practice:
- First of all, a quality item always has detailed instructions for washing the product. It is necessary and important to read it, because the manufacturer knows better and more accurately.
- Experts advise adhering to the correct frequency of washing and not loading washing machine when a spot suddenly appears. Wise housewives remove small stains with detergents, such as Fairy, by soaking a cotton pad in it and applying it to the product. Later the material is rinsed. Also in the fight against stains is Antipyatin soap, which requires high-quality rinsing after use.
Membrane clothing is popular among fans of outdoor activities and skiing due to its functionality and ability to retain heat. The meaning of this technology is to apply synthetic fabric special mesh film. Its pores are designed in such a way that the film is waterproof from the outside, but from the inside the fabric retains conductivity and does not interfere with thermoregulation human body. No matter how correctly you try to use it, it is necessary to wash membrane clothing periodically. In this case, it is important to take into account the properties of the membrane - unfortunately, its advantages do not include the increased resistance of the hydrophilic film to detergents and heat. Improper care entails a rapid loss of the regulatory properties of multilayer tissue. What and how can you wash membrane clothes so as not to harm them?
Is it possible to wash membrane clothes with regular powder?
Jacket fabric with a water-repellent film cannot be exposed to aggressive influences washing powder, no matter how high quality it is. Phosphates and sulfates in its composition erode the film, causing it to lose its protective properties. The powder to which bleach is added additionally stretches the pores of the fabric, finally deforming the hydrophilic layer. Therefore, any powder products whose manufacturer assures you that they are universally suitable for washing any fabric should not be used in the process of washing the membrane.
If you have already made the mistake of washing with powder, buy a special impregnation for the membrane to at least partially restore its properties. This method will give desired results only provided that you have not washed your clothes with powder more than 2-3 times.
How to wash membrane clothes in a washing machine?
The simplest and most suitable method for washing is with the ability to regulate the temperature.
- Instead of washing powder, add liquid soap or laundry gel concentrate to the special compartment.
- Choose the appropriate temperature mode: washing should take place at a water temperature of 20 to 30°C. Cold water prevents the membrane from being cleaned, and hot water can damage the hydrophilic coating even more than washing with powder. Moreover, high temperatures destroy the dye - bright membrane clothing will become stained.
- In programmable washing machines Delicate wash cycle preferred underwear or manual mode. Automatic spinning is not allowed: after washing, the wet fabric must be lightly wrung out by hand without twisting it.
- After manual spinning, lay the jacket or ski suit on a horizontal surface. At the same time, make sure that the jacket dries in the shade: if the sun heats the fabric during the drying process, the membrane mesh will “melt” from the heat. For the same reason, you should not resort to drying clothes on a radiator or using.
How often can membrane clothing be washed to maintain its appearance and functionality?
After finding out all the nuances of caring for the membrane, many owners of such clothes prefer to abandon washing altogether. But you shouldn’t do this, because its properties allow it to repel water, but they also help attract dust and dirt particles. The fabric mesh simply becomes clogged with these particles and absorbs them. Therefore, washing is still necessary: you can repeat it 2-3 times per season.
If after washing there are stains on the product (for example, on the elbows or where it comes into contact with the straps of the backpack), there is no need to wash it in the machine. Wet a clothes brush with liquid soap and warm water. Rub the cloth lightly to remove any remaining dirt.
