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Today, all types of clothing are made from membrane fabric: from children’s to professional sportswear. In the review, we will talk about washing such a fabric by hand and in a washing machine. You will find out which product to choose for cleaning and caring for your favorite clothes.
How does the membrane work
To understand why traditional washing is not suitable, it is worth knowing the characteristics of the fabric. The membrane is a thin mesh pierced with small pores through which wind, cold and water do not pass. Among the properties of membrane tissues, the following deserve special attention:
- Water repellent effect . Water does not pass through the fabric, so getting wet in the rain in a membrane jacket is unrealistic.
- Breathable properties . Among waterproof fabrics, this is one of the few that can “breathe”. Vapors do not linger on the body, but exit through the pores. Therefore, sportswear is sewn from the membrane – they do not sweat in it.
- Doesn’t let the wind through . Comfort and warmth in any weather.
- Keeps the heat with little weight. It does not require additional insulation – the body heats itself, as cold air is retained by the membrane. Wondered why people in light jackets do not freeze in winter? Most likely, their clothes are made of the membrane.
The issue of washing is acute because of the risk of losing all the properties described above. Given the considerable cost of such clothes, it’s not worth the risk. But this does not mean that washing is completely prohibited – you need to act, following the rules.
How to wash clothes from membrane fabric
There are two ways to wash: by hand and in a typewriter. Users are especially concerned about whether things can be washed in SM and what needs to be taken into account so as not to spoil them. Hand washing is easy:
- Rub clothes with a special detergent.
- Rinse under running water.
- Repeat steps for heavy soiling.
- Do not twist.
- Dry clothes away from heat sources in a well-ventilated place.
Automatic washing
To properly wash clothes in the SMA, you need to know on what mode and at what temperature to wash a suit, overalls or children’s clothes. Washing instructions are on the label. What if the label is missing or the tag is not machine washable? Follow these washing rules so as not to spoil the fabric:
- Put the clothes in the drum, dividing the membrane things into batches. Wash shoes strictly separately on a special mode and in a case.
- Choose a delicate mode (“Sports”, “Manual”, “Delicate”, “Wool”). If your SMA has a special cycle, feel free to press the button.
- Select low temperature mode (maximum – 30 degrees).
- Disable spin.
- Start washing.
- Wait until the end of the program.
- When washing, leave large items in the drum for a while, let the excess water drain.
- Remove clothes and dry them away from fan heaters and radiators on a coat hanger or unfolded (if it is a jacket or down jacket).
Drying and care
- After washing, gently wring out the clothes with your hands, pressing in different places.
- Use a terry towel – wrap a jacket or other clothing in it so that excess moisture is absorbed into the towel.
- Choose a suitable surface for drying – a table, ironing board or dryer.
- Make sure that things are not exposed to direct rays of light.
- Ensure that the room is optimally ventilated.
- Dry until completely dry.
- Don’t iron!
- If necessary, treat with a special impregnation. For information on how to choose the right product, read the article “How to wash a tent in a washing machine.”
- Store clothes horizontally or in special bags.
What can be washed
Before washing such clothes, figure out how you will do it. The use of ordinary powder is strictly prohibited. If you ask a consultant at a household chemicals store what powder to wash with, most likely they will advise you on a specialized product. It must be a special “shampoo”. There are plenty to choose from:
- DOMALsportsFeinFashion – balm in liquid form for polyester or membrane. Can be used for frequent washes, retains the protective characteristics of the fibers.
- Nikwax Tech Wash – this tool perfectly fights complex stains and impregnates the membrane with components that retain the protective properties of the fabric. To wash the usual powder from the pores, use this tool.
- Denkmit Fresh Sensation – a budget tool in the form of a gel. Washes well, but in its composition there is no impregnation that restores the properties of membrane fibers.
- Perwoll & Active will fit no less than the previous options. Release form – gel. Can be used for shoes.
- Laundry soap . Surprised? Nothing strange – it can be safely used. Remember to dissolve before pouring into the CMA drum.
Important! Discard products with chlorine – they corrode the membrane and adversely affect its protective properties.
Now you know everything about washing things of the membrane type. Follow the rules, and the life of your favorite clothes will last for years.