Membrane fabric can be safely called magical due to its unique properties that allow you to feel comfort not only during sports, but also in the case when it is rainy cold weather on the road. Indeed, the membrane has become an innovative material. But, in addition to its unique application, it requires unique care. How to properly wash such material? Our experts will tell you about it.
Features of membrane tissue
To understand why the membrane is not erased in the same way as other things, it is necessary to understand the concept itself. In simple terms, this is a fine-pored mesh with a number of unique properties:
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Waterproof – the membrane has the ability to keep moisture out of the deep layers of fabric, that is, it practically does not get wet.
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'Breathable' structure – unlike other fabrics with a high level of waterproofing, the membrane 'breathes', not allowing vapors to remain on the skin – thus preventing sweating.
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Windproof – thanks to this property, even with strong gusts of wind, clothes from the membrane are not blown through.
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The ability to retain heat with an insignificant weight of the material – the membrane fabric is light and thin, but this does not prevent it from protecting the body from cold air and no insulation is needed: the body will heat itself, and the material will not let the heat 'come out' outside.
The above features of the material make it an expensive pleasure, which is why you should know how to wash such products correctly.
Washing technology
When washing membrane garments, a number of specific conditions must be observed, including carefully choosing a detergent.
Detergent selection
It would seem that difficult – you just need to choose a powder for automatic washing and that's it. In fact, everything is somewhat more complicated. The problem is that ordinary powders are not suitable for membrane things: their particles will clog the mesh structure of the fabric, and it will lose some of its properties, ceasing to allow air to pass through. Consider some of the tools that are suitable for membrane clothing:
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Nikwax Tech Wash – perfectly cleans dirt, completely penetrating deep into the fabric. At the same time, the 'breathable' and moisture-repelling properties of the material will remain. By the way, this is a great option in the case when it is necessary to wash the membrane from ordinary powder.
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Perwoll Sport & Active is an inexpensive and effective liquid agent (gel consistency) for sportswear, including membrane ones.
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DOMAL Sport Fein Fashion is a lightweight and effective balm used for sports clothes, ideal for waterproof ones: it will help to remove dirt and at the same time preserve the properties of the material.
ADVICE. If this is your first time planning to wash new membrane garments and are afraid to use a washing machine, try hand-washing the garment with laundry soap. Oddly enough, but such a simple tool is ideal for such a difficult fabric as a membrane.
Washing process
Of course, the manual option is optimal for cleaning membrane clothing, but the machine is also allowed, the main thing is to carry out the washing process carefully:
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Place the item in the drum. If there are several of them, you do not need to try to push everything at once (it is better to wash in several approaches).
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Turn on the most delicate mode the machine has (for example, wool, silk or a special program for sportswear – if a membrane is also provided there).
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Set the spin mode to 0 and set the temperature not higher than 30 ° C. Start a wash cycle.
After the cycle is complete, remove the item and gently wring it out by hand, just squeezing it slightly in several places (no need to twist it). Alternatively, you can simply wrap the item in a cotton towel to absorb moisture.
Membrane clothing care rules
To maximize the operational life of membrane products, it is not enough just to wash it correctly – it is important to provide proper care for things. It is not so difficult, the main thing is to remember a few nuances:
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Do not iron – clothes made of a membrane can not only be ironed, but also dried at a high temperature, since this can destroy the defining properties of the fabric.
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Carry out treatment with special compounds after each wash – use sprays for these purposes, which will help preserve the basic properties of the material.
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Store the product in a flattened state – better horizontally and only when the clothes are completely dry. The best storage option is a garment bag, which will also help protect the fabric from dust.
