How and what to wash membrane clothes: features of machine and hand washing

Membrane clothing is becoming increasingly popular. It is warm and dry even in heavy rain and wind. But over time, the fabric can become very dirty, so the question of how to wash membrane clothing is important.

Fabric Features

A similar material was invented in the late 60s of the last century. At first, similar clothes were worn by skiers, climbers and snowboarders. Now people also buy it for everyday life. Membrane clothing is also suitable for children.

The membrane is a thin film with a large number of micropores. It is attached to the base or placed between the upper and lower layers of fabric. The pores are small, so moisture does not penetrate inside, but sweat is easily removed from the body during excessive activity. The skin is able to breathe. The membrane has a special design, it is light in weight and highly durable. Depending on this, the fabric is:

• 2-layer, that is, the membrane is fixed inside the base;
• 2.5-layer. The design is similar to a 2-layer one, but on the surface of the membrane there is a layer of a special protective coating;
• 3-layer. First, the material is placed on the outside, then there is a membrane, and on the inside there is a mesh.

There are other types of membrane depending on the structure:

• without pores. The material can be structurally called a sponge, inside of which moisture condensation occurs;
• with pores. There is moisture leakage from the inside;
• combined. The fabric consists of two membranes. First, a film with a large number of micropores is placed. A film is also placed on the outside, but it does not have pores. This type of clothing is the most expensive and high-tech.

Choice of funds

Choosing the right and high-quality product is very important. If washed regular powder, then this can lead to damage to an expensive item, because it consists of various sulfates and phosphates. Pores are also clogged with powder, and you may experience a loss of protective properties.

Membrane-containing fabric cannot be washed by other means:

• chlorine-containing. After their use, the micropores of the membrane expand. This will cause it to leak moisture from the environment. Water-repellent impregnation will dissolve even after a single application of chlorine;
• whitening and stain removing. Their effect on the membrane is similar to chlorine;
• It is also prohibited to use air conditioners. After using them, things will smell nice, but the quality of the membrane becomes significantly worse.

Experts advise taking care of membrane products yourself, without resorting to dry cleaning services. Customers cannot trace exactly how the product was washed. And you won’t be held accountable for a damaged item.

What means can be washed, you need to find out in advance so as not to harm the material. Experts recommend the following products to help remove dirt:

• The easiest way is to wash the item with laundry soap. First you need to grate the soap and then dissolve it in water. This method will help you quickly get the fabric clean.
• Use a special shampoo, which can be bought in the same place where the clothes were purchased. For example, Salton Sport and Domal Sport effectively clean sports products with climatic membranes. Usually add 20 ml of liquid to water.
• Helps remove dirt on the membrane liquid soap. It can get rid of heavy dirt and residues of other powders. After washing with Nikwax techwash liquid soap, the membrane should be treated with impregnation. To avoid damaging the item, strictly follow the instructions.
• A special Denkmit Fresh Sensation gel helps to care for the membrane. It must be poured into a special compartment where dry powder is usually poured. The substance contained in the gel will not spoil the material, and it is also indispensable for care. With its help, the degree of water repulsion increases.
• You can wash things with concentrated Laska gel. It gives a unique aroma. But after its use, only small stains are removed.

Rules for washing membrane clothing

Many people are interested in the question of whether it is possible to wash clothes with a membrane. Manufacturers answer this question positively. If this is not done, then there is a decrease in the protective properties of such a material. The reason for this is dust and pore contamination.

There are the following tips for people who want to remove dirt from such things:

1. Before washing a jacket, trousers or other items in the washing machine or by hand, you need to carefully look at the labels that say what the manufacturers recommend.
2. You need to use a suitable product so that when washing you do not harm your clothes. Treatment with various bleaching and stain-removing substances is also prohibited.
3. Do not soak membrane-containing items.
4. Prepare items before washing. You should make sure that there is nothing in your pockets and fasten all the zippers and buttons. You need to remove even the smallest particles of debris from your pocket. Experts also advise unfastening the edge of the jacket. To avoid damaging buttons and other fragile parts, use tape.
5. The water temperature should not be high. If this is ignored, then the pores stick together, which will lead to the cessation of its work.
6. Make sure the product is completely dry.
7. It is recommended to rinse things thoroughly so that there are no streaks when the item is completely dry.

Features of hand washing

Many experts advise washing by hand. In this case, tissue damage will be minimal. When hand washing you need to do this:

1. Pour warm or cool water into a large bowl. You should pay close attention to the size of the container. If it is small, the clothes will become very wrinkled. It is optimal to use 30-35 degree water. If the water temperature is higher, the pores will stick together.
2. Decide which powder intended for membrane-containing fabrics we will wash. Then dissolve the selected product by adding it in the required amount to water.
3. Carefully lower the item into the water.Washing must be done carefully so as not to damage the substances. If there are stains on the surface, scrub them using a brush. You can use baby or laundry soap as a remedy.
4. Clothes are rinsed twice. Then, at the final stage, thoroughly rinse the surface with a watering can and cool water.
5. Before use, ensure that the product is completely dry.

Machine washable

The question of how to properly wash membrane clothing can be solved in another way. All actions must be structured in accordance with the algorithm:

1. Carefully roll up the item and place it inside the drum of the washing machine. Each product is washed separately.
2. A special agent is poured into the powder compartment. Washing with liquid powder and its dry counterpart is prohibited.
3. You need to wash things carefully at a temperature not exceeding 40 degrees. It is important to pay attention to this, since hot water can damage the membrane. Restoring it and preserving its properties is impossible. The washing mode should be manual or delicate.
4. Rinse the washed jacket or trousers twice.
5. The spin must be done manually. It is prohibited to twist the products, as this leads to the destruction of the outer water-repellent layer.

Drying correctly

Having decided what to wash and how, you need to carefully consider drying the fabric. This process occurs in accordance with certain rules. If you follow this, things will last longer:

1. Don't twist. The jacket is hung on a hanger. Then you should wait until the water drains. Then use your palms to wring out the fabric without twisting it.
2. Wrap your clothes inside a large towel or unnecessary old sheet. The material will absorb moisture.
3. Then lay the product on a table or any other hard horizontal surface, having previously covered it with dry material. When it gets wet, it needs to be replaced with a dry one. If necessary, this must be done as many times as necessary.

Impregnation secrets

The top layer is impregnated at the moment when things are in the production workshops. This keeps the fabric dry. But after some time, you may encounter a weakening of the properties of the top layer. This leads to moisture penetration inside.

To prevent this, clothing is treated with impregnation. It can be liquid or aerosol. These products are dissolved in water, and then the membrane clothing is rinsed in the solution. First you need to read what the manufacturers advise on the label.

The liquid is used after two washes. The aerosol is sprayed much more often. It is evenly distributed over the surface every 4-5 weeks. But be sure to wash your clothes before applying the product.

What if you don't wash it?

Fresh, non-greasy stains can be removed without washing. You can clean the stain with a brush or cloth. After light moistening, you can wash out the stain. But it is impossible to get rid of oil contaminants.

First, apply dishwashing gel with a cotton pad. The stain is wiped from the edge to the central part. Then the product is washed off, and then the item is washed.

Care methods

Constantly maintaining the membrane is important. This helps to increase the service life of the product. Manufacturers advise the following:

• Membrane clothing is washed as stains appear. It is recommended to wash twice during the season.
• A closet is needed to store things, as they can become saturated with foreign odors. Clothes may smell like food, perfume, or tobacco smoke.
• Store membrane products in a clean, dry and well-ventilated place.

In order for membrane clothing to serve you for a long time, you need to pay close attention to the rules of caring for it. It is important to use a special product and wash the product correctly.