Washing a membrane jacket and care instructions: detergents, drying and ironing

Fans of outdoor activities can now be outdoors all the time, regardless of current weather conditions. The reason is membrane jackets that can boast such qualities as water resistance and sufficient air permeability.

But even the membrane itself does not always guarantee a long service life. Such products require additional care, like other fabrics. The main thing is to follow the general rules. Then it will be easy to figure out how to wash a jacket with a membrane.

Rules for caring and washing a membrane jacket

Membrane jackets are more expensive. This is another reason why you should take care of proper care. But when selling, not all sellers are ready to share relevant information in this direction.

There aren't many ground rules.

1. With frequent washing, the quality of the material will only deteriorate. But if necessary, the procedure is still repeated. When the pores are clogged, the water-repellent and air-tight properties are reduced.
2. You can put membrane jackets in washing machines along with other things at the same time. The main thing is to check the clothes; shedding is unacceptable in this case.
3. The use of stain removers from any manufacturer is prohibited. It is recommended to give preference to soaking in soapy water and home remedies. An example is soda and laundry soap. The membrane is destroyed under the influence of chemical solvents.
4. Heat can also negatively affect the material and its properties. Boiling water can be disastrous for him.
5. For washing you need to use regular detergents. Conventional powders are not suitable for solving such problems. The pores of the membrane simply begin to become clogged with granules. Because of this, sweat is not removed outside, and the material loses its original properties.
6. Soaking in water is not only acceptable, but also a necessary operation. Thanks to this preparation, contaminants are removed faster. After this, the fabric does not need to be rubbed too hard to achieve the desired result.
7. The use of chlorine-containing bleaches is also prohibited. Because of this, excess perforation appears, the pores are again clogged with materials.
8. You will also have to stop using air conditioners during processing. Otherwise, a thin layer appears on the surface, preventing the jacket from breathing.

If any stains appear, it is recommended to act as quickly as possible, or wait until everything dries. The less often the jacket is washed, the longer it will retain its original qualities.

Dry rags and brushes are used to remove dry dirt. In this case, the product will definitely last longer, although small stains will remain noticeable.

Rules of care

Caring for the product means avoiding actions that could damage the jacket. Thus, it is strictly forbidden to carry out the following manipulations with the membrane:

• Wash with powder. Particles of the product will penetrate and clog micropores.
• Increase the washing degree above 40. In this case, all the pores will simply stick together, and perhaps the ski suit or jacket will also fade.
• When cleaning, avoid any substances that contain chlorine. If you use water with a high content of bleach for washing, the water-repellent properties of the material are reduced.
• The product must not be twisted or wrung out. The fabric is very soft. Such treatment will lead to micro-tears and loss of beneficial qualities.
• Do not dry items on a radiator, near an open fire, or in bright sunshine.
• Do not use rinse aids or conditioners.

After removing it from the washer, the membrane is hung on a trempel so that excess moisture is removed from the trigger. Then the clothes are laid out on a flat surface on a towel. As the towel gets wet, it is changed to another, and the jacket is periodically turned over - either inside out or face down until completely dry. You should not iron the fabric unless otherwise stated in the care instructions.

How to wash a membrane jacket?

Washing helps get rid of various defects and damage on the surface.

But before that, you should study the various features of the process:

• Be sure to check the product label to see what instructions the manufacturer gives regarding washing. It is better to strictly follow the instructions from the company that produced the product;
• If there are any detergents left in the special compartments of the washing machine, they must be disposed of. This is especially true if any chemically active substances have been used before;
• It is recommended to use liquid detergents or special shampoos for membrane fabrics. This is important for anyone who is interested in how to wash membrane jackets in an automatic washing machine.

The water temperature at this moment should be no higher than 40 degrees. It is advisable to rinse the fabric twice, no less.

The spin mode at low speeds helps to preserve products in their original form for a longer period. In full mode, water will drain from the jacket for a long time, it remains almost completely wet.

Manually

To do this, you also need to take a closer look at several factors:

1. First you need to look at the most contaminated places and remember where the most traces appeared. Automatic machines do not have such requirements.
2. Pockets should be cleared of any foreign objects.
3. If there is fur, it is unfastened. Can be placed inside a plastic bag if the material is originally sewn to the jacket. Then the bag is tied as tightly as possible.
4. All zippers close. You can wrap the fittings with tape in several layers to further protect against damage.
5. Water is collected inside the container, maintaining a temperature of up to 40 degrees. One of the detergents is diluted in it, which is recommended for further care. The required quantity is calculated depending on the manufacturer's direct instructions. If you choose laundry soap, you should prepare a solution.
6. Washing begins immediately after the clothes are in the water. In this case, no pre-soaking is required.
7. The main thing is to wash quickly and carefully so that there is no too strong mechanical impact on the clothes. \A soft brush and soap foam are specially used for places where too much dirt has formed.
8. The product is rinsed with running water, then allowed to cool for a while.
9. Wring out easily, then soak with terry cloth or paper towels.

Using a washing machine

Most of the tips in such situations have already been described above. The main thing is to remember to keep your pockets dry. All zippers on the overalls or jacket are fully zipped before washing. Optimal modes are “hand wash”, “wool”.

It’s good if the machine has a mode designed specifically for washing items containing membrane fabric. The spin function is completely disabled. Separately, make sure that the water temperature does not exceed 40 degrees. All that remains is to press start.

It is not recommended to soak items with a membrane before washing. Otherwise the fabric will be damaged.

Preparing clothes

Washing a jacket with a membrane in a washing machine is a complex and responsible process that must be approached carefully. The first stage is preparing clothes. Do not underestimate the manipulations described below - they greatly increase the likelihood of proper washing of the membrane product, and therefore the preservation of its operational properties.

To get started, you need to do the following:

• Close all zippers;
• Check all pockets thoroughly;
• Unfasten the hood or at least remove the fur;
• Cover small buttons or clasps with tape;
• In a basin, mix soap shavings with warm water;
• Place the down jacket in a basin and leave for half an hour;
• Take out your ski jacket and gently clean any visible dirt with a soft brush.

After preparation, it’s time to choose the right product - read how to remove stains from a membrane jacket quickly and efficiently.

Detergent

Most often, such compositions are essentially liquid. There are several options that are recognized by customers as the most effective when it comes to cleaning a down jacket.

Balm Domal

Concentrated balm. Designed, among other things, for things with a membrane. It cleans various types of dirt well from jackets and down jackets. You can be sure that the filler will not clump together when the wash is finished. In total, the product is designed for 10-15 washes.

The main advantages are as follows:

• the presence of a special impregnation that does not allow moisture to enter the jacket;
• maintaining bright color at the proper level if the washing machine itself works correctly;
• low consumption for any washing modes;
• good elimination of any odors;
• gentle effect on fabric. It can be washed under any conditions.

Perwoll Sport and Active

Approximately the same series includes a gel designated as Perwoll Sport Active. It has a pleasant smell and the ability to remove dirt from clothes for a long time. The composition foams quickly and dissolves well when exposed to water.

It leaves no damage or any traces on the original material at all. There are practically no negative aspects to the substance.

Nickwax Tech Wash

Liquid soap that begins to decompose under the influence of microorganisms. This helps to effectively remove any residues and dirt from the fabric. When using such a gel, the water-repellent substances of the membrane are restored faster and are preserved for a longer time.

If washing by hand, then all contaminated areas are pre-treated with a special brush. After this, shake the bottle of soap vigorously and lower the product itself into the water. After this, you need to pour in 2 caps of the product. All that remains is to mix everything with water and wash the item. A toothbrush with soft bristles can be used to clean small stains.

The item is rinsed in water, no more than 2 times. Suitable for Outventure products.

Nickwax Tech Wash can also be used to wash clothes in a machine. It is enough to pour 150 grams of liquid into a special compartment. The main thing is to turn off the spin cycle and use the delicate or hand wash mode. It is necessary to abandon conventional powders or conditioners, rinses.

Burti Sport & Outdoor

This product is recommended for use when washing children's overalls with a membrane. It not only helps neutralize any odors, but also gently removes any stains. The feeling of freshness lasts as long as possible.

The composition of the gel can be described as follows:

1. Benzisothiazolinone.
2. Methylisothiazolinone.
3. Enzymes.
4. Flavors.
5. Non-ionic tensins.
6. Soap.
7. Phosphonates.

The composition also has several advantages:

• the tissue structure is not destroyed under the influence of the substance;
• Suitable equally for fabrics of white and other colors;
• economical consumption;
• absence of artificial components;
• no allergic reactions, proven.

When washing, it is important to maintain the temperature within 30 - 60 degrees. This rule also applies to Outventure models.

Denkmit Fresh Sensation

This product is from a German manufacturer. Can be used as an independent substance for washing sportswear and shoes. Removes unpleasant odors and copes with all types of dirt.

What are we going to wash with?

When washing a jacket made of membrane fabric, you should take the choice of detergent seriously. These should be special gels that are suitable in composition and action for breathable synthetic materials. So, the following brands have proven themselves to be excellent.

1. Synergetic for sportswear and membrane fabrics. Suitable for hand and machine wash of all synthetic materials. It has a safe composition: the product is hypoallergenic and does not cause allergic reactions. A “plus” will be the biodegradability of the liquid. The price depends on the distributor, but on average a 0.75 liter bottle costs 260-330 rubles.
2. Trekko Tech Wash for membrane fabrics is a special product for manual and automatic washing of technological materials. Due to its special formula, it effectively and quickly removes dirt - just soak things in a cold solution. Suitable for gentle cleaning of membranes, synthetic bristles and thermal underwear. It washes without damaging the waterproof impregnation, but, on the contrary, enhances its effect. Cost – 340-530 rubles. for 500 ml.
3. SIBEARIAN Tech Wash is a gel designed specifically for delicate washing of membrane clothing. Gently removes dirt while maintaining the moisture resistance and breathability of the material. Effectively fights the unpleasant odor of sweat, has an antibacterial effect and leaves a pleasant aroma of freshness. Suitable for cleaning both by hand and in an automatic machine. The cost starts from 500 rubles. for 400 ml of product.

4. SALTON Sport for products with climate membranes. Thanks to special technology, Membran-PRO preserves the functional properties of the fabric, does not forget the pores and does not wash out the impregnation. The product also forms an additional protective layer on the surface, preventing re-contamination of the fibers. It can be used both by hand and machine wash on all types of breathable synthetics, including fleece, microfiber and spandex. Contains 30% surfactants and 15% nonionic surfactants, cost is about 230-340 rubles. per bottle 250 ml.
5. Cotico for sportswear is a specialized gel with reduced foaming, which allows you to effectively clean membrane fabrics without clogging pores. Excellent for washing down jackets, jackets, tents, sleeping bags, skis, thermal underwear and other clothes for active recreation. A liter of product costs 290-350 rubles.

Washing membrane fabric will go without surprises if you choose the right detergent, temperature and spin intensity. Then the jacket will become clean and continue to delight you with warmth and lightness.

Interesting:

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• Detergents for washing membrane clothes
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Drying and ironing membrane items

In this case, there are also several recommendations:

1. You can simply hang the clothes on a hanger in a room where there is good ventilation.
2. It is not recommended to use a battery to resolve the issue.
3. After the initial drying, you can additionally place the fabric inside the machine and then wait up to 20 minutes. Then the restoration of the coating will be faster. And the positive qualities of the material will remain for a longer period.

When ironing, use only a warm iron, not hot. It is important to place a towel, another type of thick fabric, between the product and the iron. When ironing, you should stop using steam altogether.

Purpose of membrane clothing

Complex technology is used in the production of the material, which is explained by the purpose of the clothing. For example, a suit made of membrane fabric is recommended to be worn when engaging in activities that involve increased physical activity. These include:

• sports tourism;
• trips;
• winter fishing and hunting;
• other active sports and outdoor recreation.

Clothing made from membrane fabric can also be used:

• for everyday wear;
• for cardio exercises - running, cycling.

Membranes, which are thin films with micropores, are as follows, depending on their purpose:

1. Windproof. Often used in conjunction with fleece fabric impregnated with a layer of water-repellent impregnation. Windproof membranes are quite practical and durable. Designed for use in spring or autumn.
2. Wind and waterproof. They belong to the classic types of membranes. Designed for use during bad weather conditions. The main purpose is protection from precipitation. At the same time, the fabric has good windproof properties. Membranes are not picky about maintenance. The cost is high.

General care recommendations

In most cases, dry cleaning of membrane clothing is acceptable. But it’s best to read the manufacturers’ recommendations here too. It is better to personally ask employees to use only colorless distilled hydrocarbon solvents. The acceptable composition is DWR, it is equally suitable for cleaning and further processing of the product.

For most sports and outdoor clothing, so-called universal products are produced. But some impregnations have a narrow purpose.

Conclusion

Membrane clothing is not as difficult to care for as it seems at first glance. Tips and recommendations are written on the bottles of most specialized products, as well as on the clothing itself. The earlier a product is purchased, the more impregnation it requires.

In most cases, there are no difficulties when washing, ironing and drying. It is enough to follow simple conditions and perform all actions in accordance with the specified order. Then the properties are restored and preserved faster.

Is it allowed to use laundry soap?

One of the most affordable means for washing this type of clothing is regular laundry soap. Excellent solubility in water, good cleaning properties, neutral odor make it an indispensable assistant. Modern manufacturers produce laundry soap in liquid form, as well as in the well-known bar form. The product is suitable for both washing machine use and manual processing. When washing with laundry soap, it is better to use a liquid solution or prepare shavings by grating a piece.

On a note! The prepared shavings are added directly to the drum of the washing machine, and to completely remove any remaining detergent from the fabric, an additional rinse mode is set.