Rating of gels for washing membrane clothes: features, cost, consumer reviews

Clothes made from membrane material (Sympatex or Gore-Tex) require special care when washing.

The multilayer perforated structure of the fabric retains its functions for a long time if you select and use the detergent correctly.

For this purpose, special gels are purchased for washing membrane clothing, which delicately and thoroughly clean the fabric.

Can the membrane be washed with regular powder?

The choice of detergent is determined by the structure of the fabric. The membrane is a thin film with many perforations, which is located between layers of textiles.

The outer coating is additionally treated with water-repellent compounds, and the seams of the product are taped for greater protection and strength. This specificity of tailoring requires the use of special detergents and cleaning technology for clothes.

Regular laundry detergent has a crystalline structure and a large amount of sulfates.. When a powder product is dissolved in water, a certain proportion of crystals always remains, which are not visible to the eye. However, they pose a threat to membrane micropores.

How to choose a liquid product?

Detergent suitable for washing membrane products, meets several criteria. First of all, it must dissolve well in water, have a pronounced cleansing effect and maintain the properties of the clothing specified by the manufacturer. Special gels meet these requirements.

The liquid cleaner is selected correctly if:

• it does not contain dangerous sulfates and phosphates;
• it contains no chlorine-containing compounds;
• the composition does not contain enzymes that wash away the water-repellent layer;
• the consistency does not include abrasive particles.

A suitable liquid agent for the membrane is highly specialized, that is, it should not simultaneously combine the functions of cleaning, bleaching, rinsing, and condensing.

Top best

Gels intended for cleaning membrane items are produced by different companies. Most of them are suitable for both hand and machine washing.

Domal Sport Fein Fashion

This concentrate from Germany belongs to the category “Balm”. The product formula includes water-repellent substances. This gel is economical, removes odors well and at the same time delicately cleans the fabric. The product is suitable for washing:

• sports,
• tourist clothing,
• and down jackets,
• shoes,
• hiking equipment.

Reviews of the gel characterize it as a high quality product. Domal Sport Fein Fashion restores color and has a refreshing scent.Other reviews show that the gel copes with different types of stains, but does not “take” greasy stains well. After washing, there are no streaks left, the clothes acquire a pleasant aroma.

Heitmann Spezial wasche

The German-made concentrate has an effective washing and disinfecting effect.. With economical consumption, it retains all the qualities of the fabric, but with heavy contamination, consumption increases. The gel has a slight odor. Suitable for membrane and down clothing.

Reviews claim that only rinsing three times helps remove detergent from the product. With a smaller amount, yellow stains remain on the surface. Other consumers note that the small volume of Heitmann Spezial wasche is enough for several washes. Moreover, the result is at the highest level, which allows us to classify the product as the best.

Weasel Activ&Fresh

Universal gel product from a Russian manufacturer. Suitable for washing:

• membrane,
• synthetic,
• cotton products.

The caress acts very delicately on fabric, eliminates unpleasant odors, and cleanses from dust and dirt. A large liter bottle costs an average of 220 rubles on the market.

Reviews mention the intrusive smell of Laska and mediocre removal of difficult stains. But at the same time, the affordable price and large volume of the bottle are highly appreciated. Other users note the high effectiveness of the gel without additional soaking. The chemical scent from clothes remains even several weeks after washing.

Nordland Washbalsam sport

Balm from Germany is characterized as a hypoallergenic, biodegradable product. The gel does not contain flavors or artificial colors.Thanks to its economy, it is convenient to use. Nordland Washbalsam sport is suitable for washing:

• climate membrane clothing,
• thermal underwear,
• down jackets,
• shoes

Those who have used this gel note its effectiveness in lightly and moderately contaminated areas. For tough stains, more product is needed. The advantages also include a weak and quite tolerable odor after washing and drying.

Nikwax Tech Wash

Liquid product produced in the UK. The gel is intended for cleaning membrane, synthetic and cotton products. Not used for down jackets. The formula includes substances that preserve the water-repellent properties of clothing. Requires a lot of consumption and does not cope well with old stains.

The cost of a 300 ml bottle is 400 rubles.

Users note that the composition of the product on the packaging is not fully disclosed and the cap is inconvenient to use. The washing result is rated as average.

Grangers Performance Wash

English gel contains only 5% nonionic surfactants. The composition is developed exclusively for cleaning membrane outerwear. The product carefully removes dirt from the surface layer of fabric. When washing, you must use warm water no higher than 30 degrees.

An aerosol water-repellent impregnation is sold paired with a liquid product.. It goes on sale in two volumes: 300 ml and 1 liter. A small bottle can be bought for 650-700 rubles, a large bottle costs more – from 1200 to 1400 rubles.

Synergetic

The Russian-made gel belongs to the category of “Eco-products”, as it does not contain fragrances, dyes or other substances that cause an allergic reaction.The smell of Synergetic is due to the content of vegetable oils (mint, sage, eucalyptus, tea tree), which at the same time provide disinfection of things.

The gel has an affordable price: a 750 ml bottle costs 230-250 rubles.

Consumers note that Synergetic copes well with stains and does not leave streaks. However, the specific smell of the gel in the bottle does not leave the best impression, but it practically does not remain on clothes.

Salton sport

The Russian-made liquid product is intended for wet cleaning of all types:

• climate membrane,
• shoes,
• tourist equipment,
• synthetic clothing (fleece, microfiber, spandex).

The cost of a small bottle (250 ml) is on average 250 rubles.

Reviews of Salton sport confirm its economical consumption. Users describe the gel as a good cleanser if used in a step-by-step wash. It is also noted that the gel copes poorly with hand washing, but does well with machine washing. The list of disadvantages includes the fact that the product is difficult to rinse.

Cotico

This Russian brand produces a gel with reduced foaming. Cotico is intended for cleaning products made from:

• membrane and ordinary synthetic fabric,
• down jackets,
• shoes,
• sleeping bags,
• air mattresses with velor top.

The gel deodorizes things well, maintains breathability and protection from moisture. The cost of a liter bottle ranges from 200 to 300 rubles.

Among the advantages, users include the absence of a strong odor and good rinsability. Effective cleaning of sportswear with moderate soiling is noted. There are also reviews about the poor results of washing with Cotico and the need to reduce the amount of gel from that specified in the instructions.

Burti Sport & Outdoor

German gel is intended for washing:

• climate membrane sportswear,
• down products,
• shoes

The formula contains substances that protect the fabric from moisture and give it a fragrance.. When washing Burti Sport &; Outdoor preserves the color, shape and quality of things. A large container with a volume of 1.45 liters costs from 400 to 550 rubles.

Reviews note that despite all the advantages, the gel does not cope with problem stains, so hand washing is required before machine washing. The gel does not leave streaks and does not spoil the color. After drying, the item retains a very light, unobtrusive aroma.

How to use?

Clothes labeled Sympatex or Gore-Tex actively repel dust and dirt, so they do not need frequent washing. However, periodic wet cleaning of things is necessary.

It is carried out according to certain rules:

1. All zippers are fastened on the clothes and the decor is removed.
2. The product is placed in the drum of the washing machine.
3. Pour in the gel in the volume required for the item.
4. Set the delicate wash cycle at 40 degrees.
5. Rinse clothes twice without spinning.

Adviсe

When purchasing membrane clothing, you must objectively choose a washing gel and strictly follow the care rules. In this matter, assistance can be provided not only by the instructions developed by the manufacturer, but also by additional recommendations:

1. If the item has been washed using powder, then to restore its properties it must be coated with a special water-repellent aerosol.
2. When washing by hand, the membrane gel can be replaced with laundry soap, which is first grated and dissolved in water.
3. When cleaning a membrane fabric product, do not use centrifugation, machine drying, ironing or steaming.
4. For heavily soiled items, it is advisable to use gels with deep penetration, and for contaminated items with sweat, use a disinfectant component.

You can find out more about washing gels Here.

Conclusion

To ensure that delicate membrane clothing does not lose its qualities, when caring for it, you must use a special liquid detergent.

It is best to buy ready-made household chemicals that are intended specifically for this purpose.. The shelf life of the product is significantly extended if you follow the instructions and additional recommendations when washing.