How and how to wash membrane clothing
Initially, membrane clothing was invented for athletes. But, due to its properties not to allow moisture to pass through and to retain heat well, it has gained popularity in everyday wear. Especially baby things. With the growing popularity of such things, detergents for washing membrane clothes have appeared on the market. Their huge selection can confuse the buyer.
Moreover, in addition to a good product, you need to choose the right cleaning mode. Let us analyze in detail how and how you can safely wash membrane clothing.
Means for washing membrane clothes
A membrane is a thin, porous layer between the top and bottom layers of fabric in a garment. It is she who is responsible for water resistance and heat retention.
These functions are performed by the porous structure of the membrane. That is why it is impossible to wash it with ordinary powders, since its particles clog the micropores, and the membrane quickly becomes unusable, ceasing to perform its functions. Therefore, it is important to choose a special tool designed for cleaning membrane products.
Important! It is strictly forbidden to wash membrane clothing with ordinary powder.
Special products exist in different forms: powders, sprays, shampoos, gels. Therefore, everyone will find a tool that is convenient for themselves. Let's analyze their features, advantages and disadvantages.
Gels
Gel is one of the most convenient forms of membrane cleaners. It is suitable for both automatic and manual modes.
The best gels from manufacturers:
- Denkmit Fresh Sensation. A budget option, but has proven itself as a cleaning agent. The only drawback is the lack of special impregnation for the restoration of membrane fibers. Great for use with a special impregnation spray.
- Perwoll Sport & Active. Gel for sportswear. Also suitable for shoe cleaning. To apply to membrane products, see the specific instruction on the Membrane Function label.
- Burti Sport & Outdoor. Gel concentrate, contains phosphonates, anionic and nonionic surfactants, fights dirt well, preserving the membrane. Designed for colored, dark and light laundry. On the packaging must be indicated "for sportswear".
- Unicum gel for sports. of things. Also suitable for cleaning down jackets and jackets. Gently cleans the membrane without damaging it. Does not contain phosphates. Designed for the manual way.
Gels generally have a high concentration of cleaning agent. During their use, the dosage indicated on the package must be strictly observed. Otherwise, the pores of the membrane may become clogged.
Powders
The powder contains a coarse cleaning agent. Even dissolving in water, it penetrates into the pores of the membrane, clogging it.Therefore, detergents for washing membrane clothing are produced only in the form of gel and liquids containing special cleaning elements.
If you do not have a special tool at hand, do not use ordinary washing powder, but use the following life hack.
On a note! Laundry soap is perfect for washing membrane clothing.
Take a coarse grater, rub with laundry soap. Add water and stir well to form a gel or liquid. The resulting product is added to the drum of the washing machine, a special compartment for liquid detergent, or to a basin for hand wash. The amount of detergent depends on the volume of the items.
Shampoos
This form of release is the most popular. Shampoo can be added to the liquid compartment or a special container, which is then placed in the drum.
Top shampoo manufacturers:
- NIKWAX.
- Nordland.
- Henkel.
- Upeco.
- Domal.
- HEITMANN.
Among them you will find expensive shampoos used for washing membrane clothing for hunting, fishing, sports. Also, manufacturers have cheaper lines for cleaning everyday membrane products, which have a simpler structure than special sports ones.
Best shampoos:
- Sport Fein Fashion from DOMAL. Contains non-ionic and anionic surfactants, as an additional component - wheat protein. Thanks to this, this liquid gently cleans clothes from dirt and restores the membrane.
- Tech Wash by Nikwax. Special products intended for cleaning only membranes, not suitable for down jackets and jackets. It is a 30% solution of potassium soap in water.
- Washbalsam. Contains anionic and nonionic surfactants, as well as a 5% potassium soap solution and enzymes. Suitable for sports shoes, clothing, as well as thermal underwear and down jackets.
- Activ & Fresh from Laska. Henkel has established itself well in the world of clothing cleaning products. Active fresh gently cleans sports items, as well as membrane components, preserving their functions. Contains phosphonates.
- SALTON sport. Contains sodium chloride and hydroxide, disodium salt, surfactant. Designed for climatic things with a membrane, mainly warm overalls and thermal underwear.
- Spezial wacche. Designed for washing outerwear. Suitable for colored and black clothes. Gently removes dirt and preserves color brightness.
The choice of liquid products is very large. It is better to purchase those that do not contain phosphate or sodium salts, as well as with the addition of a special impregnation that helps to restore the membrane.
Spray
Liquid products are specially developed for washing: gels and shampoos. Sprays will not help to fully remove impurities, but they can refresh the appearance and get rid of unpleasant odors. This is a kind of resuscitation in the case when there is no possibility of a quick wash.
Important! Sprays are not suitable for full washing.
There are also sprays for that support the performance of the membrane's functions: moisture-repellent and heat storage. They process a thing in order to extend its service life.
They are also used in combination with shampoos and gels that do not have special components in their composition, which impregnate the membrane, preserving and restoring its fibers.
Impregnating sprays for surface treatment of membrane clothing:
- Grangers Clothing Repel.
- Nikwax TX. Direct Spray-on.
- Grangers Performance Repel Spray.
- Toko Eco Textile Proof.
They treat only the outer part of the thing, which is not adjacent to the skin. Use only on clean clothes.If the detergent already contains impregnation, there is no need to purchase additional spray.
Also available is Grangers' Odor Eliminator Refreshing Mist, designed to remove unpleasant odors from sportswear and shoes. Fights only odors, does not contain cleaning elements!
What is contraindicated to wash
We have already said that the membrane cannot be washed with ordinary powder. There are also a few more products that cannot be used to wash membrane clothing:
- Chlorine-containing substances. Chlorine has a perforating effect, expanding the pores of the membrane. After that, it begins to get wet, ceasing to perform water-repellent properties.
- Rinse aid and conditioner. Their action is aimed at softening the fibers of the fabric. Thus, they loosen the fibers of the membrane, and it loses its properties, starting to get wet and poorly retaining heat.
Choose the right detergent, avoid the prohibited ones and move on to the laundry, which also needs to be organized correctly.
How to wash it correctly
There are two ways to wash any membrane: manual and automatic. Before you start washing, remember what to do with membrane clothing:
- Wash at high temperatures. Even 40 degrees is a lot. Select the water temperature no higher than 30 degrees. If the liquid is intended for cold washing, you can use water at room temperature.
- Squeeze. When washing with your hands, wring out the clothes without twisting or simply shake them off. With a machine - set the mode without spinning.
In fact, there are few restrictions and rules, but they must be remembered and followed.
By hands
If you do not know how to wash membrane clothing in a washing machine or are afraid, use the hand wash first.
- Fill a basin with water so that it covers the item.
- Add washing liquids according to the indicated dosage.
- Wash your clothes, being careful not to rub the surface hard.
- Wring it out without twisting it.
- Hang to dry outdoors or on the balcony with an absorbent cloth.
There is a myth that membrane clothing cannot be washed in a washing machine. Therefore, many are afraid to put it in a machine wash. In fact, you can put membrane products in the washer, only for this you need to select a special mode.
In the washing machine
The washer will also cope with membrane products without harming them. The main thing to remember is that the washing temperature should not exceed 30 degrees. To do this, select the appropriate mode.
- Load your clothes into the washing machine.
- Add shampoo for washing in a special compartment or jar.
- Choose a delicate setting.
- Set the mode without spinning.
At the end of the wash, follow the same steps as in the previous paragraph.
How to dry membrane clothing, take care after washing
Such things should be dried on the balcony with an absorbent cloth, or outdoors in the shade.
To not allow:
- direct sunlight;
- drying on a battery;
- drying near a heat source;
- ironing.
It is best to spread the item well and hang it on a hanger in the shade or on the balcony. After drying, shake off and hang in the cupboard.
Video: how to wash membrane clothing in a washing machine
