It is necessary to use special detergents that do not clog pores and do not wash off the protective coating. These include liquid shampoos from brands such as Nikwax, Domal, Grangers, Perwoll, Salton and others. The washing process itself is recommended to be carried out manually, very carefully, using water at a temperature of up to 40 degrees.
By deciding to buy membrane clothing, you get a number of advantages, such as lightweight fabric, a high degree of protection from cold, moisture and wind, as well as a stylish appearance. True, you will have to face a high price and difficulties in caring for it. But, if you understand this, the benefits of such things will eventually be worth the cost and make all your efforts worth it. In order for the material to last as long as possible, you should also purchase appropriate care products for such clothing.
What should the remedy be?
The structure of the material allows moisture produced by the human body to evaporate, but does not allow wind, snow and rain to get inside. Such properties are used when sewing outerwear for adults and children (down jackets, ski suits, jackets, pants), making them comfortable, warm, suitable for sports and active movement.
A membrane is a thin layer or impregnation of small pores that is applied to the fabric.
For washing such clothes, only a substance that does not affect the structure and properties of the material is suitable. Ordinary powders and gels will not cope with this task, because they either clog the internal pores or wash off the special impregnation for the top.
The membrane fabric cleaner must meet the following parameters:
- they do not contain chlorine, which impairs the material’s ability to repel moisture;
- be produced without enzymes in the composition, which is equivalent to impregnation of upper impurities that need to be washed off;
- it is necessary to get rid of any abrasive particles that aggressively affect the membrane, clogging microscopic pores;
- be highly concentrated without performing whitening, rinsing or conditioning functions.
Due to its considerable cost, this material does not like experiments and care methods according to folk recipes. You need a product that states on the packaging that it is suitable for such clothing.
The only thing that can be replaced with powder for membrane clothing is soap without additives, finely grated and well diluted in warm water.
Choosing a product for a special fabric
Membrane fabric is distinguished by a special weave of polymer fibers consisting of microscopic pores . The membrane fabric is also coated with a special impregnation, which significantly increases the wear resistance and strength of the material.
Thanks to these features, clothing made of membrane fabric perfectly protects from rain, snow, wind, while at the same time maintaining the natural temperature of the human body and removing excess moisture.
to preserve all the positive properties of membrane fabric and extend the life of things only if you use the right detergent .
The main rule: membrane fabric is strictly prohibited from washing with dry, ordinary washing powders. The sulfates and phosphates contained in them destroy matter, and abrasive particles clog the pores, and the membrane loses its main positive property - air exchange.
Also, when washing membranes, you cannot use:
- Chlorine-containing agents (expand the pores of the membrane, dissolve the special impregnation, due to which the fabric loses its water-repellent properties).
- Bleach and stain remover (dissolves the water-repellent layer covering the membrane).
- Fabric softeners (degrade the positive qualities of membrane fabric).
How to wash membrane clothes:
- Laundry soap is a proven product that perfectly cleans and disinfects fabric.
- A special sulfate-free shampoo for washing fabric membranes (it can be easily purchased at a sports store).
- Gel concentrate is a mild cleanser that preserves all the positive properties of membrane tissue.
- Liquid membrane soap is an effective means of combating severe stains. Use together with impregnation helps enhance the water-repellent properties of the fabric.
You can make washing easier if you grate the soap on a coarse grater in advance and, as needed, add soap shavings to the drum of the washing machine or to a basin of warm water.
How to wash properly
The membrane fabric also repels dirt, so you rarely need to wash it. Frequent washing is undesirable, since the outer layer of clothing, which is responsible for waterproofing, is very quickly removed. Before washing, make sure:
- Close all zippers and buttons.
- unpack fur parts, removable decorative parts.
- If possible, place fur that does not slip off in a plastic bag that does not allow water to pass through.
- If you are concerned about the fittings, cover them with several layers of electrical tape.
- take things out of your pocket.
- remove dirt with a napkin.
- check the label for special precautions.
For maximum care, manufacturers indicate the acceptable type of washing - hand washing. Prolonged soaking is not required, as this will negatively affect the material.
It is recommended to wash each item of clothing separately from other items.
Steps for hand washing clothes:
- Fill the container with warm water (temperature up to 40 degrees Celsius).
- Add powder or liquid for washing membrane fabrics (calculate the amount according to the instructions), mix.
- Place the element in water, after complete soaking, proceed to washing. Do not rub or twist the fabric.
- To remove stubborn stains, gently scrub the surface with a soft, foam-covered bristle brush.
- Rinse clothing thoroughly under cool running water.
- hang clothes over the bathtub until excess moisture drips out.
If you only use a washing machine, follow these guidelines when washing clothes with membranes:
- select delicate wash mode;
- Pre-clean the chamber from any residual detergents;
- insert a single element into the drum;
- set the temperature to 30-40 degrees;
- avoid automatic rotation;
- use the double rinse function.
Clothes that are no longer dripping with water should be hung vertically on hangers or placed horizontally. Thick down jackets should be turned inside out after washing.
How to wash membrane clothes so as not to damage the integrity of the fabric
It is known that the membrane is a multilayer, but quite breathable material.
In winter, wearing such clothes is not cold, and in summer it is not hot. Suits made from this fabric do not get wet or blow out even in strong gusts of wind. To avoid damaging its layers, you need to clean things properly. HELPFUL INFORMATION!
Membrane clothing should not be washed in automatic washing machines unless absolutely necessary. Small dirt can be removed with a damp sponge or brush, then dry the item.
Professional membrane washing products: review with prices
If you choose the right detergent for washing clothes made from fabrics with a membrane structure, then you can forget about dirt for a long time. Since the active substance of these compositions not only thoroughly washes away dirt, but also has the property of repelling it. Let's look at the best laundry detergents in the table.
| Means | Features and description of composition | Average price (as of June 2021), rub. |
| DOMAL Sport Fein Fashion | Helps preserve the properties of membrane tissue. Does not contain chlorine and synthetic components. Suitable for both machine and hand wash. | 410 |
| DM Fresh Sensation | Liquid laundry detergent, enough for 35 loads. The composition does not contain water-repellent impregnation. | 210 |
| Perwoll Sport & Active | Works great on stubborn oil and grease stains. Restores fabric color. | 810 |
| Liquid detergent "Laska" | It copes well with many types of dirt, however, it does not cope with removing grass stains. It is gentle on fabric and suitable for children's clothing. | 800 |
| SALTON Sport | The product perfectly removes stains from membrane fabrics and gives them water-repellent properties. | 250 |
| SonixBIO | Liquid detergent for hand and machine washing of membrane clothing. Can be used at temperatures of 30, 40, 60°C. | 200 |
Each product comes with instructions for use: only if you follow these instructions will the cleanliness of the membrane clothing be guaranteed. If you try to save money, you are unlikely to get the desired result.
What common products are suitable for washing clothes made of membrane fabric?
If your breathable clothing is not heavily soiled, then there is no need to purchase expensive gels. You can try to get rid of newly formed stains using the usual available means.
You can keep your clothes looking attractive only if you take proper care of them.
Soap, grated on a grater, washes off slowly
To use this product, you need to grate the whole block and dissolve it in warm water. Dip the contaminated membrane cloth there and lightly rub the problem area with your hands. Then leave to sit for several hours. After time, not a trace will remain of the stain.
GOOD TO KNOW!
If possible, it is better to treat a soft sponge with soap and apply foam to the fabric, since too much friction can damage the properties of the membrane.
Do not pour too much shampoo, the foam from the membrane is very difficult to wash out
Shampoos and gentle shower gels
To wash a down jacket, professional sportswear or children's overalls, you can use liquid baby soap. Bathing gel or shampoo will remove grease or juice stains without harming your clothes. But here it is better not to use machine wash.
Soak the clothes in water at 30°C and apply the gel to the stained area, wait until it comes off and gently wash the clothes.
Try to process membrane clothing completely, otherwise there may be stains on it that require additional washing.
Antipyatnin soap will help the first time
"Antipyatnin" is one of the best effective remedies against greasy stains. Removes dirt after first use. Soak the soap in warm water and rub the clothes, you can leave it for a while to be sure. After using the product, be sure to wash your clothes completely to prevent the formation of drips.
Soaps with additives are not suitable for washing breathable clothes.
What folk remedies can you use to wash a fabric membrane?
Experts advise against experimenting with washing such clothes. Accordingly, folk remedies will be unacceptable in this case. The only thing you can use to treat breathable fabric is laundry, baby or bath soap with a minimum percentage of fat content and the absence of aromatic and fatty additives. In fact, this is not washing, but pre-soaking in a very weak soap solution.
Care instructions
Shampoo or gel for membranes is suitable, which is used for washing sportswear, microfiber fabrics, synthetics, and fleece. The material must not be ironed or steamed. When drying clothes, do not hang them in direct sunlight, and also ensure good air circulation in the room.
Even with proper cleaning, the top coating gradually wears out and wears off as it dries, losing the basic properties of the garment. To delay or partially correct this phenomenon, use special impregnations. They are available for sale as a spray or liquid. The most popular brands:
- Nikwax;
- Granger's;
- Collonil;
Impregnations are based on fluoride, Teflon or silicone, thanks to which drops of moisture do not penetrate, but disappear from the material. If you notice that your jacket or membrane suit is starting to get wet in some areas, replace the outer shell. To do this, when rinsing after washing, spray an even layer of spray or add liquid detergent. Be sure to carefully follow the instructions, do not use the impregnation too often, so as not to clog your pores.
Impregnation for membrane clothing is the best way to restore the protective layer
In most cases, after washing, membrane clothing needs to be treated with a special water-repellent impregnation. There are two types: in the form of a spray or a laundry concentrate.
There is a drawback to this treatment method: the treatment may be uneven. After washing, do not dry thick clothes, hang them on a hanger and spray the product from a can. Let dry for several hours.
You can also rinse the membrane in a special concentrate, which is added to the drum during the “Rinse” cycle. You can also treat the item with this product manually; to do this, simply dilute it in water according to the instructions on the package. By impregnating, you return the protective layer to membrane clothing, since it gradually becomes thinner during washing.
What to look for when choosing
When choosing a detergent for washing, consider how much you move and the conditions in which you use the material.
Recommendations for buyers:
- for colored items, choose a product that does not leave streaks and allows you to maintain the brightness of the color (there should be no aggressive ingredients);
- for children's clothing, adults, who often have complex stains, buy stronger, deep-acting products;
- for those who sweat a lot, a composition with disinfectant components is desirable; if you are prone to allergies, choose light, odorless “chemicals”, dyes, fragrances, and environmental powders;
- when there is a large amount of membrane clothing or frequent washing, detergents with economical consumption are preferred; travelers are suitable for universal products that are also suitable for washing tents, ropes, backpacks; for active use of such things, it is recommended to buy 2 in 1, combining stain removal and waterproof impregnation.
The price has also been cleared, but the resources for this category of clothing are too economical.
How to remove a grease stain?
Special products are good at removing various contaminants from membrane fabrics, but greasy stains are sometimes difficult to remove. If you notice that there is a trace of grease on your clothes, use the product you use to wash dishes:
- Apply a small amount of liquid or gel to a soft, damp cloth.
- Gently wipe the grease stain with it.
- Wipe with a clean damp cloth.
- If it is heavily soiled, additionally wash the entire item by hand or in the washing machine.
Stain removers should not be used, regardless of their composition.
