Important rules on how to wash a jacket made of membrane fabric in a washing machine and by hand
Membrane clothing was conceived primarily for athletes and skiers.
But light equipment that does not restrict movement fell in love with consumers and became part of everyday life.
There is a myth among buyers that the appearance and properties of the membrane deteriorate during washing. In reality, everything is not so complicated.
The main thing is to follow basic rules when cleaning. We will tell you in the article how to wash a membrane jacket in an automatic washing machine and by hand.
Content
Preparatory stage
Membrane fabric has a porous structure and is called “breathable”. Sweat from the surface of the human body comes out freely, without creating a greenhouse effect inside.
Membrane fabric is quite capricious, so manufacturers always attach a tag to the lining indicating the main points of use.
Before washing, you should carefully study the icons:
- temperature regime;
- use of a washing machine;
- possibility of ironing.
The main rule is to take care of the jacket. Individual stains can be easily removed with a soft brush and soapy water.. It is worth carefully walking over the dirt, and then drying the product by hanging it on a hanger.
If you need to wash the entire item, do it separately from other outerwear so as not to damage the delicate fabric.
Preliminary preparation:
- inspect the jacket, identify stains and defects;
- remove all items from pockets;
- remove fur parts;
- close the zippers;
- fasten the buttons.
What is prohibited?
Habitual actions when washing outerwear can destroy the membrane, so It is necessary to clearly indicate the manipulations that are prohibited:
- the use of conventional washing powders clogs the holes with undissolved particles;
- washing with chlorine-containing products destroys the structure of the material;
- intensive twisting and wringing lead to stretching of the product and the appearance of micro-tears;
- exposure to temperatures above 40? C (hot water and a hot iron) sticks the pores together.
Special membrane cleaning products
Basic rules when choosing a chemical product for washing:
- do not use regular crystallized powder,
- you should avoid products that contain chlorine or bleach,
- It is better to use a special product for things with a membrane.
Table of the best products for membrane jackets:
Brand | a brief description of |
Nikwax Tech Wash | Suitable for cleaning the membrane (without down filling). Cleans and revives the material. Used in concentrated form to remove individual spots. |
Granger's 30?C Cleaner | Restores the water-repellent layer, destroys dirt, unpleasant odors. Suitable for any type of washing machine. Removes stains at a temperature of 30? C |
Perwolle Sport Active Care 3D | Used for processing sports uniforms, does not damage the membrane fabric and impregnation. Does not contain phosphates. |
Granger's Universal Spray Cleaner | The spray is sprayed onto contaminated areas (lapels, collars) from a distance 10-15 cm. Stains easily come off when wiped with a soft cloth. |
Handwash
Manual cleaning is the gentlest way to remove dirt.. No pre-soaking is required before hand washing. The jacket washes perfectly without additional manipulation.
Step-by-step algorithm:
- Prepare your jacket.
- Fill the bathroom with warm water no higher than 40? C.
- Dilute the detergent.
- Dip the item into the prepared solution.
- Gently rub the contaminated areas by hand or with a brush.
- Rinse thoroughly under running water.
It is strictly forbidden to unscrew the membrane, so the liquid is allowed to drain freely. The jacket is then wrapped in a terry towel to remove excess moisture.
Automatic car: in what mode and with what?
Modern washing equipment is equipped with many modes, so it is quite capable of replacing human hands. Of course, information about using the automatic machine should be clarified on the label.
The prepared clothes are placed in the washing machine, a special solution is poured in and the gentle cycle is turned on. For example, delicate wash at 30?C. The mode for wool is also suitable.
Large items must be processed separately because the membrane swells in water. When overloaded, there is no free space left in the drum, and things are not washed properly.
Spinning and drying of membrane items in an automatic washing machine is not carried out. The only thing is allowed - turn on low speed spinto gently remove excess water.
Washing membrane clothes in a washing machine, video tips:
How to dry it properly?
Washed items are hung on hangers indoors. The hood should be unfastened and hung separately. There is a slight draft in the room to prevent moisture from accumulating in the air. The jacket is placed away from the window, preventing direct sunlight from hitting it.
It is prohibited to speed up the drying process using:
- central heating batteries;
- hairdryer;
- iron;
- direct sunlight.
The dried sets are stored in the closet, hanging on hangers. To protect the membrane from dust, items are covered with a plastic bag.
Is it possible to iron?
A properly dried item does not require ironing.
The damp fabric, being in a vertical position, smooths out on its own.
Using a hot iron will damage the synthetic layer and all the benefits of the membrane will be lost.
If the jacket is wrinkled for any reason and ironing is necessary, you can use a steam generator. Another option: iron the product with a warm iron through several layers of gauze.
Impregnation at home
Manufacturers impregnate membrane fabric with a special composition that protects it from getting wet. Over time, the composition is washed out, and the jacket begins to let moisture through.
The protective layer is restored using special products, which are produced in 2 types:
- Aerosols Spray onto the outside of the fabric. The spray makes the material waterproof again. Processing is carried out outdoors.
- Liquid impregnation reanimates not only the outer, but also the entire membrane layer. The composition is poured into a container, the jacket is completely immersed in it for several minutes.
Means for impregnation:
Brand | a brief description of |
Grangers Performance Repel Spray | Restores the fabric structure to a new state. Apply dry surface from a distance of 20 cm. Maximum effectiveness occurs 24 hours after treatment. |
Grangers Clothing Repel (wash-in) | Impregnation is carried out in a washing machine. The product does not harm the environment. |
Nikwax TX.Direct Spray-on | Extends the life of clothing. Sprays from a distance of 15 cm. Suitable for items that cannot be washed in a washing machine. |
Nikwax TX.Direct Wash-in | The liquid restores the water-repellent layer and does not spoil the breathability of the fabric. Use does not harm health and the environment. |
Caring for the membrane and restoring its properties, video review of the products:
Conclusion
Caring for membrane jackets is not that difficult: they are washed at room temperature without using brute force. To ensure that the fabric lasts a long time, special means are used.
The automatic machine will save everyone effort and time. The main thing is to carefully study the label so that the washing goes without incident.