How to wash membrane clothes - TOP means. Products for washing and caring for membrane clothing

Outerwear with a layer of membrane fabric, which is now very popular, costs as much as the span of a cast-iron bridge - very expensive. And its unique features are very easy to destroy if you do not care for things correctly. Let's see how to prevent this, what detergent to use membrane clothing and what to do to extend its service life.

Difference between membrane and other types of fabric

Basic Rule: you cannot wash membrane clothes as usual! And the reason lies in the special structure of the fabric. Essentially, it is a mesh with tiny pores through which water does not pass.

In addition, this fabric is not blown by the wind, but allows steam to escape - it “breathes”. Therefore, in any bad weather, wearing a ski suit, you will not get wet, freeze or sweat. Or rather, you may sweat, but your underwear will not become wet from sweat, since it will evaporate.

Unfortunately, the structure of membrane tissue is very sensitive to mechanical and chemical influences. Therefore, special care methods and special detergents must be applied to it.

What tools can be used

As a rule, even when purchasing such clothes, sellers recommend purchasing branded care products. This should not be taken as a desire to get as much money from you as possible. To wash membrane clothing, you really need special products designed specifically for it.

Another thing is that it is not necessary to buy products famous brands, the price of which can be unreasonably high. The choice is quite large. Here are just a few examples for comparison.

Special detergents for membrane fabrics	Volume, price	Description
	440 rub. for 300 ml	Nikwax Tech Wash Cleans porous fabric efficiently, preserving its properties. Restores them after washing with regular powder, washing out its stuck particles from the pores.
	470 rub. for 750 ml	DOMAL Sport Fashion Not only does it wash ski jacket, but also a down jacket or sports shoes. Will make the color of the product brighter.
	930 rub. for 1500 ml	Perwoll Sport & Active Gives clothes a fresh scent and prevents unpleasant odor when worn. Ideal for washing sports and activewear.
	300 rub. for 250 ml	Salton Sport A universal product that efficiently and carefully washes membranes, elastane, polyester, microphaser and other synthetic fabrics.
	30 rub. for 300 g	Laundry soap Soap grated and dissolved in water can replace special remedy, if it is not available at the moment.

And here washing powder Cannot be used for membrane clothing. It clogs the pores with undissolved particles, causing the tissue to lose its unique properties.

The use of chlorine-containing bleaching agents and conditioners is also prohibited.

How to care

Caring for any clothing involves washing, ironing and storing it. We are primarily interested in how to wash the membrane in order to preserve its properties. This can be done either manually or in washing machine. But each method has its own rules.

Rule 1. Wash by hand

Hand washing is performed in the following sequence:

Inspecting the item to identify the most contaminated areas. Typically these are cuffs, collar, pockets and areas near zippers. Most often, children's jackets suffer from stains. Such areas are pre-lubricated with detergent.
Preparation cleaning solution . Lukewarm water is poured into a basin or bath and the gel or balm is dissolved in it. They produce very little foam, so don't try to get it by pouring out the whole bottle. The instructions on the package will tell you the dosage.
The actual washing occurs without pre-soaking. As soon as the membrane fabric clothing is in the water, immediately take a soft brush and gently scrub the surface with it. Do not squeeze or twist the fabric with your hands.

Rinsing performed cold water repeatedly. After it, the water should be allowed to drain freely without squeezing the product with your hands.

You need to wash one item at a time, as you can’t keep them in water for a long time..

Rule 2: Machine washable

Now about how to wash membrane clothes in a washing machine:

We carry out the first point from the previous chapter, after which we place the item in the drum of the machine.
Pour special shampoo into the detergent compartment.

We choose the most gentle program without spinning and drying at a temperature not exceeding 30 degrees.

Rule 3. Drying and ironing

To remove water from a product after washing, it must first be allowed to drain and then wrapped in a terry sheet to absorb the water. You cannot squeeze it like an ordinary thing.

Dry clothes flat out on a horizontal surface in a ventilated area. The sun's rays and hot air streams from open fires or heating devices should not fall on it.

It is also forbidden to iron it, and categorically. At high temperatures, the protective properties of the fabric disappear.

Rule 4. Maintaining water-repellent properties

The top layer of any membrane clothing is impregnated with special compounds that repel water. As a result of washing and long wearing, the impregnation is washed off.

To restore this layer, special liquids and aerosols are used, which are applied to a clean product.

Some laundry detergents also contain the necessary components. If you use them, no further processing will be needed.

Conclusion

Membrane is a fabric whose inner layer is made in the form of a mesh with small pores. On both sides it has a special protective layer. The upper material is durable and highly wear-resistant. Other benefits include:

repels water, thanks to which clothes easily withstand moisture and do not get wet on a rainy day;
breathes well - in membrane clothes you will never sweat, as the air circulates freely;
windproof - the membrane is comfortable even in the worst weather;
light weight;
retains heat well.

Membrane clothing is made from a special type of fabric that has pores

Membrane fabric is used to make bags, waterproof shoes, in outer layers of clothing, on various accessories, to protect equipment from moisture. The material is considered expensive, so before you buy a detergent for washing membrane clothes, make sure that it is suitable for it.

If you have no idea how to wash membrane clothes, when choosing, remember its basic properties, and also take into account some rules. IN good means There should not be components such as:

Chlorine - it has a detrimental effect on the waterproofness of fabric.
Oxygen bleach - it clogs the pores and the fabric loses its breathability.
A large number of enzymes - they perceive the impregnation of the material as dirt and destroy it.
Abrasive particles - they can ruin the structure of the material.

Considering the above, you can understand why washing a membrane jacket and other similar clothes is unacceptable:

any powder - Taid, Ariel, Persill, etc.;
stain removers and bleaches;
simple liquid preparations;
compositions for delicate items;
liquid soap.

Such clothes can only be washed with special means.

Washing can only be done with specialized products designed for specific clothing.

For example, there are compositions for sportswear or outerwear that have insulation. Alternative option– laundry soap that does not contain chlorine. But you shouldn’t use it regularly, otherwise the fabric will lose its useful qualities over time.

Modern manufacturers offer a variety of products for washing membrane clothing in a washing machine. The table shows the most popular options:

Let's take a closer look at the properties of the proposed products:

Domal sport Fein Fashion is a balm intended for sports products. It gently cleanses the fabric and does not affect it beneficial features, effectively removes dirt.
Nikwax Tech Wash is a liquid composition that can be used for any items except down ones. The product efficiently cleans the pores of the material, easily removes stains, and does not affect the fabric’s resistance to moisture.
Denkmit Fresh Sensation is a gel for synthetic, viscose and membrane clothing. The product does not destroy fabric fibers, quickly eliminates bad odors and gives a fresh aroma.
Nordland Washbalsam Sport is a balm designed for washing membranes, down jackets and shoes. It contains harmless ingredients that do not cause skin irritation and do not destroy the structure of the fabric.
Heitmann Spezial Washe – gel. The product gently washes the membrane and has a disinfectant effect, suitable for all types of washing.
Salton Sport is a shampoo developed for products with climate membranes. It contains special additives, thanks to which things do not shrink and keep their shape.
– easily removes dirt, but after it you need to use a specialized product - it will help remove all soap residues from the pores.

Can be washed with laundry soap, but with further special treatment

All products produced for washing clothes made of membrane fabric can be found in stores selling travel and sporting goods, as well as in the hardware departments of large supermarkets. Be sure to read the information on the packaging of the product - it should not contain components that are dangerous to the membrane. It is strictly forbidden to use detergents with chlorine - it has a detrimental effect on all the protective properties of the fabric. If you are in doubt about your choice, consult with the store salesperson - he will recommend suitable option. Before washing, carefully read the instructions that are included.

The best option for membrane products - hand wash, and if you send them to an automatic washing machine, only delicate modes are allowed. The specific choice is up to you.

Handwash

How to wash a jacket with a membrane and other similar things? First, prepare your clothes for washing. Check all pockets, fasten buttons and zippers, and remove loose parts. Cover fragile fittings with several layers of tape - it will protect them from scratches. Such things should absolutely not be soaked. Also, bleach, stain remover and fabric softener are not suitable for them. Fill a basin with water and immerse the product in it. Then take it out and rub it with your chosen product. The faster and more carefully you act, the less clothing will be subjected to mechanical stress, which means it will retain its useful properties. Heavily contaminated areas must be treated more thoroughly. A soft brush and soap foam will be a faithful assistant in this. After this, rinse the item under running water.

The most gentle type of washing is by hand

It is important to wash off all traces of detergent and clean out the pores. If the stains have not disappeared, repeat all steps. Then lightly wring out the clothes and spread them on a horizontal surface to dry thoroughly. The place should be well ventilated and inaccessible to sun rays and exposure to heat.

How to wash membrane clothes in a washing machine

If manual processing not acceptable, machine washable. But at the same time, it is important not to spoil the thing, and for this you need to take certain precautions. Membrane products can only be washed separately from all other items. The same rule applies to large items. Some instrument models provide a program for the membrane, which greatly simplifies the task. If it is not there, the question of how to properly wash membrane clothes in a washing machine causes many difficulties. Set to the gentlest mode used for silk or wool. The permissible temperature is no more than thirty degrees; it is better to turn off the spin function. When the wash cycle is complete, gently wring out the item, avoiding curling.

Choose a gentle washing mode, at a temperature of no more than 30 degrees

The best option is to spin with a cotton towel. To do this, wrap your clothes in it and wait until the material absorbs moisture. Membrane items must be dried without exposure to heating devices. Place them on a flat surface and leave until dry. Do not use batteries, radiators or other heating equipment for drying.

Removing stains

If the stains are fresh and non-greasy, they can be removed without washing. To do this, clean them with a brush or cloth. It is important to shake off dirt rather than rub it in. You can dampen the stain a little and rinse it. These cleaning methods are ideal for children's clothes. Oil stains can only be removed by washing.

You will first need to treat the traces with one of the following products:

Fairy dishwashing gel - apply it to a cotton pad, wipe the stain from the edges to the center, rinse and wash the item.
Antipyatin soap - rub the contaminated area, leave for fifteen minutes and put the clothes in the machine.
Bile-based stain removers.

Rules of care

Membrane material does not withstand exposure well high temperatures, therefore ironing of such products is unacceptable. Otherwise, the fabric will lose all its properties. After washing, clothes should be treated with specialized sprays and compounds, the action of which is aimed at preserving the unique properties of the fabric. In addition, they create an additional protective layer. The impregnation spray is applied to the products and left until completely dry. Liquid formulations can be used when rinsing. The treatment should be carried out after one or two washes - if the impregnation is too frequent, the membrane pores will become clogged. In order for impregnation to effectively restore all the properties of the material, follow simple rules:

carefully read the instructions for the selected product;
pre-wash the item, removing all stains;
strictly follow all manufacturer's recommendations;
do not delay processing the fabric - it needs some time to dry naturally.

To store membrane products, it is advisable to use outerwear bags - they will protect them from dust. Beforehand, things must be washed and dried, carefully straightened so that there are no creases or bends. The pores of the membrane fabric quickly and firmly absorb odors, so it must be kept as far away from the kitchen as possible. The closet should not be too dry, otherwise the membrane will absorb dust, the pores will become clogged, and the item will lose its properties. It is advisable to wash products made from membrane fabric with film at least once a year.

The membrane is very easy to wash. The stores offer a huge selection of specialized products. Choose products from reputable manufacturers and follow label recommendations. In this case, your things will always be in excellent condition, and you will be able to enjoy comfort while walking in any weather.

By purchasing an expensive outerwear, we hope that its service life will fully justify the money spent. However, there are a number of objective circumstances that make adjustments to these plans. For example, various types of pollution. And if a jacket or overalls are made of membrane fabric, then it seems like it’s time to throw the thing away - after all, many people believe that membrane clothes cannot be washed. It's time to dispel the myths.

Understanding the terms

Membrane fabric is a combination of a base material (usually synthetic fiber, such as 100% polyester) and the membrane itself. The latter is a thin film, the thickness of which is tenths or hundredths of a millimeter.

The main function of membrane fabric is to keep moisture out

The peculiarity of the membrane is that it has microscopic pores that allow moisture to pass through on one side and retain it to almost zero permeability on the other.

This is interesting. One of the manufacturers of membrane fabric, the American company Gore-TeX, creates a high-strength material from Teflon, with 1.5 billion pores per square centimeter.

The film is pressed to the base, that is, “welded.” Due to its structure, the resulting fabric wicks sweat out, which means it allows the skin to breathe. Due to the design features, the high performance membrane fabric is light in weight and very durable. Based on this criterion, the following types of material are distinguished:

two-layer (the membrane is fixed from the inside of the base);
three-layer (outer fabric, membrane, mesh inside);
2.5-layer (membrane from the inside, but a protective coating is also sprayed on it).

The structure of the membrane may also differ, so fabrics can be

non-porous (the structure of the material resembles a sponge - micro-holes have a tortuous shape in which moisture condenses);
pore (moisture molecules seep from the inside, but drops do not fit);
combined (the most expensive and high-tech, since a film with pores is placed inside, and without pores on the outside).

Membrane fabric is a high-tech material that can withstand any adverse weather conditions

Purpose of membrane clothing

The complex production technology of the material is explained by the purpose of the clothing. Similar things are recommended for activities that involve high physical activity:

tourism;
mountaineering;
travel, etc.

Membrane items are comfortable for both adults and children

However, fabrics with welded film have a number of disadvantages:

clothing for membrane items should be made of fleece or Polartek (for example, thermal underwear);
membrane fabrics are relatively short-lived;
such a wardrobe needs special care;
high price.

What to consider when cleaning

Until recently, it was believed that membrane fabrics could not be washed. However, modern production technologies refute this statement. Moreover, such things simply need to be cleaned. But at the same time take into account some restrictions.

Ordinary washing powder clogs the pores of the membrane with its crystals, which is why it loses its main quality - air exchange.
Chlorine-containing detergents spoil the membrane, it stops rejecting water and becomes wet.
Rinse aids and conditioners reduce the water-repellent properties of fabric.
Water temperatures above 40 degrees will glue the pores together and also give the fabric a gray-brown tint, as the film will simply cook. For the same reason, things cannot be ironed or dried on a radiator.
Spinning causes irreparable damage to the fabric fibers; they stretch and tear.
Items made of membrane fabric should not be dried in the sun or wind. Ultraviolet radiation will leave whitish spots on the fabric, making restoration of the material impossible.

What to wash

The right detergent will not only remove dirt from your items, but will also not have a negative effect on the fabric.

Table. Detergents for washing membrane fabric

Special cleaning gels	Features of application	Conventional means	Features of application
Nikwax Tech Wash	Cleans, gives water-repellent functions, allows the fabric to breathe. Recommended for Gore-Tex, Sympatex, Entrant, eVENT and Ultrex fabrics	Perwoll Sport & Active	Adds aroma and prevents unpleasant odors
DOMAL Sport Fein Fashion	Retains all the protective properties of the fabric	Concentrated product from Amway	It washes perfectly, especially children's clothes with characteristic stains from food and drinks.
DM Fresh Sensation	Recommended for Goretex, Sympatex, budgetary means, but without water-repellent impregnation	Laundry soap, grated	Well suited for hand washing, removes grass stains, but leaves a very unpleasant odor.
Woly Sport Textile Wash	Universal membrane cleaner, suitable for any fabric	Baby soap (either in liquid form or grated)	An alternative to laundry soap, it works a little worse on stains, but leaves no odor.
		Shower gels, shampoos	Mild detergents for washing by hand (as excessive foam is harmful to the washing machine) and not for the purpose of removing stains.
		Liquid detergent "Laska"	Removes dirt well, but not effective for removing grass stains, suitable for children's clothes
		Antipyatnin soap	An effective remedy against greasy stains, after use it is recommended to wash the item completely.
		Fairy dishwashing gel	Excellent for removing oil stains and can also be used as a mild laundry detergent.

This is interesting. Regardless of the chosen product, after 20 hand or machine washes, membrane fabrics lose up to 20% of their thickness.

As a rule, membrane fabric manufacturers produce care products, including those for washing clothes.

How to properly wash membrane clothes

To avoid damaging the fragile membrane, you must follow a number of recommendations.

Before cleaning, turn things inside out.
We take out the contents of the pockets.
We fasten all the zippers and buttons.

Hands

When choosing this type of cleaning of membrane clothing, remember that even stubborn stains should not be rubbed too hard - the film may be damaged.

Instructions:

In the washing machine

Membrane items love space, that is, you should not load several wardrobe items into the drum at once. If the item is large (for example, overalls), then you need to wash it separately from others.

Instructions:

How to dry

Whether clothes can continue to perform their function 100% depends on proper drying. So the final drying stage is very important.

Instructions:

What if you don't wash it?

Fresh, non-greasy stains can be removed without washing. To do this, the dirt is removed with a brush or cloth. At the same time, the dirt is shaken off and not rubbed in. You can also slightly moisten the stain and wash it. These cleaning methods are especially relevant for children's clothes. But oil stains cannot be removed without washing. In this case, pre-treatment of the greasy mark is necessary. To do this, you can use the following tools:

Features of care

The service life of any item depends on how properly it is stored. This rule also applies to clothes made of membrane fabric.

Membrane fabric is famous for its durability and comfort. These clothes keep you warm and keep water out. However, to ensure that its performance characteristics are not impaired, it should be properly cared for.

Manufacturers state that special products must be used to wash clothes made from membrane fabric. Proper care not only does not harm the material, but also increases its service life.

Concentrated balm for washing membranes DOMAL Sport Fein Fashion has proven its effectiveness on such materials.

Liquid detergents are gentler on fabrics and clean them. It is not recommended to use regular powder; it not only washes poorly, but also leaves behind white stains that are difficult to remove even with repeated rinsing.

It is better to wash membrane items with professional detergents.

DOMAL Sport Fein Fashion perfectly removes dirt even from down jackets. This gel does not form lumps, and the jacket looks like new.

This detergent for washing membrane clothes is rare, so when using, measure the number of milliliters, and you can save a little.

The balm for sports items is sold in a volume of 750 ml; it will last a long time if used wisely. Designed for 10–15 washes of moderately soiled jackets.

It can also be used to wash membrane overalls and hiking shoes.

How to use? Simply pour the product into the washing container or into the dispenser of the automatic washing machine. For one membrane jacket, 0.5 caps is enough. If you use it for a down jacket, you will need 1 cap.

Things will not lose their properties, the color will become better than before and even a little brighter.

Nikwax Tech Wash - this detergent for washing membrane fabrics has unique properties. It is specially designed for ease of housekeeping without much effort on the part of a person.

Nikwax Tech Wash is economical and high quality, it will exceed your expectations. Designed for hand and machine wash.

Nikwax Tech Wash extends the life of membrane clothing, improves its performance, does not clog pores and eliminates stains if previously used washing powder.

This gel maintains water resistance. After using it there is no need to use it protective equipment, preventing moisture from seeping inside.

Nikwax Tech Wash is sold in a volume of 1000 ml, enough for 10 washes. That is, for one procedure you will need 100 ml of the product. If the water is hard, you will need 150 ml of detergent.

Nikwax also produces a special product for membrane fabrics, which impregnates them, giving them water-repellent properties.

You can choose any water-repellent composition, but it is desirable that the compositions be from the same manufacturer.

Nikwax TX.Direct Wash-In works great. It is used immediately after washing with Tech Wash. The impregnation is sold in the form of shampoo, and lasts much better than sprays of similar action.

Membrane clothes can be washed liquid powder called Denkmit Fresh Sensation.

The gel has a patented combination of active substances that penetrate deep into tissues and eliminate not only ingrained odors, but also dust mites, fungus and other bacteria.

Denkmit Fresh Sensation can be used for hand and machine wash. The product is very economical.

For washing sports items (jacket and overalls), 1.5 caps is enough. The liquid does not foam much, which is very convenient and can be poured in large quantities into the dispenser of an automatic machine.

In the hardware store you can find detergents for washing membrane clothes from Perwoll. This manufacturer has proven itself well; it also has good powders.

By purchasing this product you will do the right thing.

Perwoll for Sport & Active sportswear has a pleasant smell and perfectly removes any odors embedded deep into the fibers.

The product is non-toxic, economical to use and shows good results. Its main feature is the absence of shortcomings.

With Perwoll Sport & Active, caring for membrane clothing is not a problem. , does not leave streaks, foams well and does not damage the fabric.

Laundry soap

You can also choose home remedy for washing the membrane. For example, laundry soap.

It perfectly removes any dirt. In addition, children's overalls made from this material can be washed with laundry soap.

How to properly wash membrane clothes?

You can't rub the things themselves. You need to grind the household stuff and dilute it in water. Then place things that require removal of contaminants into the liquid and soak briefly in a soapy solution.

Then wash and dry.

That's all. Laundry soap Can also be washed in an automatic machine. It removes contaminants no worse than professional reagents.

Hands

For membrane clothing, it is not necessary to turn on the washing machine. The manual procedure will also work.

This treatment is considered more delicate. Here you can control the entire process.

Algorithm of actions - how to wash membrane clothes by hand:

Take a container suitable size. A bath will do, but will require more water.
Draw up liquid. The temperature should be no more than 30 degrees. Membrane fabric does not like high temperatures, this will ruin it. Also, you can't soak it.
Distribute what you will use to wash membrane clothing over the wet cloth. Take foam sponge and rub her suit. Such fabric cannot be rubbed against each other, the polymer protective film is extremely thin, any incorrect movement (strong friction) can ruin it.
You can’t even rub the seams with a sponge. Do everything quickly to minimize the impact of water on the material.
Do not squeeze, fold or twist.
Rinse several times, maybe more. It all depends on how much detergent was used.

In the typewriter

Can it be machine washed? This question is most often asked to clothing sellers, because every housewife is trying to make housekeeping easier.

You can wash membrane clothes in a machine. Just follow the rules and don't come up with anything new that you think is better.

Try to resort to such processing as rarely as possible. Machine wash only when really necessary. If one spot appears, it is better to remove it manually and simply refresh the item.

Machine washing is recommended once a quarter. More often it is possible, but not necessary. Only in emergency cases is it recommended to resort to such mechanical treatment of membrane tissue.

How to wash membrane clothes in a washing machine:

Check your pockets for various items. Often they contain small change, keys and even money, which, if they get into the machine, can harm it.
Next, button up your clothes and inspect for stains. Treat contaminants liquid agent or laundry soap.
Remove the collar if it is natural and requires a different washing approach.
Place the overalls or jacket in the machine. Don't put other things. Membrane clothing becomes heavy when it becomes saturated with water.
Pour your choice into the dispenser detergent, you can add it to the drum.
Set the temperature to 30 degrees and turn on an extra rinse.
If possible, remove the spin and dry mode. If this cannot be done, watch when the machine finishes re-rinsing and turn it off yourself.
Do not leave clothes in the drum for too long; they will stink and smell damp. Immediately after finishing the procedure, start drying.

Wash your clothes in accordance with all the rules, and they will remain safe and sound. Do not experiment with such things unless you are confident in what you are doing.

Drying and ironing

Immediately after washing, remove items from the washing machine. Drying information is usually found on the clothing label.

Rules:

Do not leave your jacket near heating appliances. Radiators and heaters generate too much heat, which will negatively affect the material.
There is no need to iron if it is dried properly. If necessary, use a layer such as a thick piece of cotton or a bath towel. Set the iron to the lowest temperature.
Dry membrane jackets flattened horizontally or vertically. In any case, you need to whisk the material regularly to avoid even the formation of small lumps.
Drying must be done in a well-ventilated area. If the jacket is lying horizontally, turn it over periodically to prevent it from smelling damp.
Membrane overalls should not be placed in drying cabinets. They will start to get wet.
Cannot be hung outdoors under straight lines ultraviolet rays. This threatens to burn out the top layer of membrane clothing.

A lot depends on proper drying. For example, can a thing perform its functions 100% in the future?

Explain to the kindergarten teacher, grandmother and other household members how to properly dry such things.

Therefore, this stage of washing is important. The water-repellent and protective properties of the jacket depend on it.

Features of care

Proper care of clothing made from such material will extend its service life. Such things perfectly protect against wind, snow and rain in bad weather if you take care of it properly.

Features of care:

You can restore water-repellent properties using special sprays. They contain fluorine, which creates a film. It does not interfere with air circulation, and at the same time does not allow water to pass through.
Things should be stored in an upright position. They cannot be folded. It is advisable to place them in a separate case so that less dust gets on the fabric and it does not come into too much contact with other clothes.
Before storing items, wash them and spray them with spray.

Thanks to proper care, outdoor enthusiasts, children and other adults will always be able to stay dry, regardless of weather conditions.

If your clothes are torn by a fall, while hiking, or in the wash, buy a special repair kit and fix the damage.