How and what is the best way to wash ski jackets with a membrane

Ski jackets are popular not only among mountain and snow lovers. This is a very practical thing for those who want to prevent freezing in the winter cold. A significant advantage is the factor that, despite the high degree of warming, does not allow the body to sweat. But, like any other thing, such a jacket requires care. Washing a ski jacket doesn't have to be super delicate, but there are still a few principles and rules that need to be followed. And if they are neglected, then the thing risks losing its distinctive properties.

Distinctive features of a ski jacket

Membrane fabric is a multi-layer, innovative version of synthetic fabric. Received its state manufacturing standard. When purchasing high-quality material, the following data is indicated: GOST 28486-90. If you have this information, even washing in a washing machine will not deprive the jacket of its properties. The fabric consists of 3 layers:

• soft fabric on the inside;
• several laminated layers of fabric and membrane;
• wear-resistant, waterproof fabric.

A jacket with a membrane has several key properties:

1. Waterproof. There are 3 indicators of this criterion: 3000, 10000, 20000. All of them are indicated on the labels. Depending on the environment of use, you need to choose your option. 3000 can withstand infrequent rain, 10,000 can cope with protection from heavy rain, 20,000 remain dry inside even in long heavy rain.
2. Vapor release. Here the comfort recognition system is simpler. The higher the number of grams of vapor per m² released in 24 hours, the less a person will sweat and the more comfortable the product will be to wear.
3. Not blown through. The denser the pile is, the less likely it is to allow wind to pass through. Ski clothing often has an outer film layer that provides excellent protection from the wind.

Features of washing ski jackets

To prevent the jacket from losing its properties, people often ask the question “can it be washed in a washing machine.” Can. Such items do not necessarily require hand washing or dry cleaning. It is enough to know what mode to wash on, whether it can be ironed, how to dry it, and so on. Let's consider recommendations that will keep clothes in their original form:

1. Do not wash regular powder. Powder detergents have an aggressive effect on both the protective film coating and the membrane itself. Prefer gels or special membrane products to them.
2. Ironing is prohibited. It is enough to hang the jacket to dry, and then hang it in the closet. This manipulation will help avoid unwanted deep creases.
3. Do not use bleaching agents. They have a complex chemical composition and strongly eat into all layers of clothing, thereby damaging fabrics.
4. Do not press in washing machine. At high speeds, the jacket is pressed against the walls of the drum and this process becomes similar to the action of a press.After drying at 900 rpm, the jacket will lose some of its properties. It is better to hang it on a stable chair or a strong hanger in a ventilated, not damp place.
5. Wash in warm water. Washing at a temperature no higher than 30° will help preserve the characteristics of the membrane fabric.

Machine washable

If the jacket has such a degree of contamination that ordinary napkins cannot be used, then you should consider in more detail the option of cleaning it in the washing machine.

1. Before cleaning, wipe the stained areas with a damp cloth. If it doesn’t help, apply washing gel to a napkin and try again. Rub easily so as not to damage the top layer of film/impregnation.
2. When starting the washing machine, the jacket with the membrane should be the only thing in the drum. Otherwise, you risk putting more pressure on a delicate item.
3. You choose which mode to wash on: hand wash, wool, items with a membrane.
4. Water temperature up to 30°.
5. Do not wash with regular powder. Only with a special detergent or soft washing gel.
6. Turn off drying and spinning.

Handwash

If it is not possible to wash in a washing machine or you do not trust the modern method, you can also successfully use hand washing will do the job. Just be prepared for the fact that it is heavier than an automatic one. Action algorithm:

1. Fill a large bowl with enough water at room temperature. Immediately add detergent and stir.
2. Lay out your jacket. Wrinkle it as little as possible.
3. Leave to soak for 20-25 minutes.
4. Start washing with gentle pressing movements. Use your fingers to gently rub areas of heavy dirt.
5. Rinse several times, changing the water. Do not wring out when rinsing, but repeat the same steps as when washing.
6. Hang the jacket over the basin for 30-40 minutes to drain excess water.
7. Make sure there are no radiators or other heating equipment nearby and no direct rays of the sun. Otherwise, the materials may dry out, or rather, the coating may develop micro cracks.
8. For intensive drying, hang the jacket in a drafty room. You can first blot with a clean cotton cloth.

Drying tips

Proper washing is only half the battle. If you dry your membrane jacket incorrectly, no amount of proper washing will help preserve its properties. Therefore, there are several recommendations that will extend the life of your ski jacket.

1. You should not dry the item with a hairdryer or other heating devices. The high heat output of the equipment can disrupt the structure of tissues.
2. Do not allow it to dry outside on a hot day. Sudden evaporation of water threatens the thin protective layers of the jacket. Creases may appear on the film, the membrane shrinks and may present an unpleasant surprise when the procedure is repeated. Another “bonus” is fabric fading.
3. Before hanging your jacket in the closet, give it a good feel. If it is not dry enough and contains fluff, it may clump. In rare cases, even emit an unpleasant odor. Therefore, it is better to leave it to dry for a day longer than not to dry it and face such consequences.
4. If clothes are stored in a case, it must be breathable. In silicone cases, under-dried items can rot.They also have a stale smell.

Products for washing and caring for ski jackets

If you want to take a more serious approach to cleaning your jacket, then there are special care products for such cases. Here are the most popular:

1. Ecowoo. Environmentally friendly gel for washing sports equipment. Gently cleans not only the membrane, but also neoprene and lycra.
2. "Sport&Activ" Pervoll. Liquid detergent for delicate washing of membranes, microfiber, synthetics and fleece.
3. Cotico. The product is suitable for both automatic and manual washing. Gently cleans velor and membrane. They even wash tents with it.
4. "Tech Wash" Nikwax. Biodegradable gel. Recommended for removing residues from powder cleaning products. Revitalizes delicate fabrics.
5. Burti Sport. Does not contain conditioner and is excellent for washing clothes with a membrane and natural fillers (down, feather).
6. Nordland. Hypoallergenic detergent with impregnation. Does not shrink the membrane.
7. "Domal Sport Fein Fashion". Suitable for permanent use. Excellently eliminates foreign odors.
8. Laundry soap. This option is suitable for those who are used to doing things “the old fashioned way.” A piece of soap crumbles and dissolves in warm water. You should get a gel-like mass. This mixture is gently rubbed onto the outer side of the jacket. Inside, a small amount can be applied to the armpit area. Try not to foam so that the mass is easily washed off.
9. There is a product with a more reasonable pricing policy than its competitors. "Denkmit Fresh Sensation" – a gel that does an excellent job of removing stubborn stains and odors. Recommended for washing sportswear, in particular synthetics and micro-membrane materials.It has no pungent odor and retains a fresh smell for a long time after washing.

Thus, small granules clog the pores of the material and the reverse conductivity of vapors is significantly reduced. The next time you wear it, the person will feel discomfort as they will sweat, but the vapor will remain inside, forming wet spots in the armpits, back and chest.