Membrane clothing is a success among fans of outdoor activities and skiing due to its functionality and ability to keep warm. The purpose of this technology is to apply a special mesh-film to the synthetic fabric. Its pores are arranged in such a way that on the outside this film is waterproof, but from the inside the tissue maintains conductivity and does not interfere with the thermoregulation of the human body. How correctly you would not try to exploit it, you need to wash membrane clothing periodically. It is important to take into account the properties of the membrane - unfortunately, the strength of the hydrophilic film to detergents and thermal effects is not among its advantages. Incorrect care leads to a rapid loss of the regulating properties of the multilayered fabric. How and how can I wash membrane clothes so as not to harm it?
Can I wash membrane clothing with ordinary powder?
The jacket fabric with a water-repellent film can not be exposed to an aggressive effect of a detergent, no matter how good it is. Phosphates and sulfates in its composition dilute the film, because of what it loses its protective properties. The powder in which the bleach is added further stretches the pores of the fabric, finally deforming the hydrophilic layer. Therefore, any powdered products, the manufacturer of which assures you that they are universally suitable for washing any fabrics, should not be used during the washing of the membrane.
If you have already made the mistake of washing powder, buy a special impregnation for the membrane to at least partially restore its properties. This method will give the desired results only if you did not wash clothes with powder more than 2-3 times.
How to wash membrane clothes in a washing machine?
The most simple and suitable way for washing is a washing machine with the possibility of regulating the temperature regime.
- Instead of washing powder, add liquid soap or gel-concentrate for washing into a special compartment.
- Choose the appropriate temperature mode: washing should take place at a water temperature of 20 to 30 ° C. Cold water prevents the cleaning of the membrane, and hot water can disrupt the hydrophilic coating even more than washing with powder. Moreover, high temperatures destroy the dye - bright membrane clothing will be covered with stains.
- In programmable washing machines, a delicate underwear wash or manual mode is preferred. Automatic spinning is not allowed: the damp cloth after washing should be squeezed slightly by hand, without twisting it at the same time.
- After manually wringing, lay out the jacket or ski suit on a horizontal surface. At the same time, make sure that the jacket is dry in the shade: if the sun heats the fabric during drying, the membrane grid will "melt" from the heat effect. For the same reason, you can not resort to drying clothing on the battery or using an iron .
How often can I wash membrane clothes to preserve its appearance and functionality?
After finding out all the nuances of care for the membrane, many owners of such clothes prefer to abandon washing altogether. But do not do this, because its properties allow you to repel water, but they also contribute to attracting particles of dust and dirt. The mesh fabric is simply clogged with these particles, absorbs them. Therefore, washing is still necessary: you can repeat it 2-3 times a season.
If, after washing, stains remain on the product (for example, on elbows or at the point of contact with straps of a backpack), you do not need to re-wash it in the car. Dampen the brush for clothing with liquid soap and warm water. Lightly rub the cloth and clean any remaining dirt.