How to wash a waterproof jacket?
Holders membrane jackets they are often afraid to wash them because they consider this activity risky. However, washing these types of products is necessary, but requires caution. Improper washing of clothing with a membrane may damage the membrane and cause it to lose its waterproof properties. Therefore, it is good to know how to wash such clothes correctly.
In this entry, we explain how to wash a membrane jacket safely and effectively. You will also learn what a membrane is and how it works, as well as how to properly impregnate this type of clothing so that it retains its protective properties.
What is a jacket membrane and how does it work?
The membrane in the jacket is a type of thin coating that does not allow water to pass through. It protects against rain and at the same time allows water vapor produced by our body during exercise to pass through.
The way the membrane in a jacket works depends on its structure and the type of material it is made of. The most popular membranes are those whose structure consists of millions of micropores. They are so small that they do not allow water to pass through and at the same time large enough to allow water vapor to pass through. Thanks to this, the steam produced with sweat during exercise can escape. In this way, the jacket not only retains moisture from the outside, but also maintains adequate air circulation, which ensures comfortable use. Below is a diagram of how the membrane works based on the example of Gore-Tex:
Preparing the membrane jacket for washing
Before washing the jacket, it is worth reading the label, which contains guidelines on safe washing methods.
Before washing the jacket, make sure the pockets are empty and all zippers, buttons and Velcro are fastened. This is an important detail that can prevent damage to the fabric.
How to wash a jacket with a membrane and what products to use?
Don't know what to wash your membrane jacket with? Generally, hand washing is safer, but on the other hand, machine washing is more convenient. Most jackets can be washed using either method, but it's always a good idea to check the care label before washing a new jacket for the first time to make sure it's safe to machine wash.
To wash a jacket with a membrane, it is best to use a special liquid for outdoor clothing, which was developed for this type of materials. Avoid using other detergents such as regular powder or softener as they may damage the membrane and reduce its effectiveness.
We recommend using liquids for washing clothes with a membrane from manufacturers such as Grangers, Nikwax or Hadwao, which are intended for the care of technical clothing. The use of such a washing liquid will ensure the functionality of membranes and coatings used in this type of clothing. Clothes washing liquids with a membrane effectively remove dirt and unpleasant odors. They can also be used directly on stains.
Hand washing the membrane jacket
Membrane jackets can be hand washed at low temperature using selected cleaning agents. First, put on rubber gloves to protect your skin from the detergent. When washing, do not knead or rub the material. Instead, it is best to immerse the garment in water with cleaning liquid and gently but vigorously agitate it. When hand washing, it is important to rinse the clothes thoroughly. This step will probably need to be repeated several times to completely remove any remaining cleaning agent.
Washing the membrane jacket in the washing machine
Powders, capsules or stain removers can easily clog the microscopic pores in the membrane and deprive it of its properties. For this reason, before washing, it is worth making sure that the washing machine has been properly prepared - the drum is empty and the detergent dispenser is clean and does not contain any residues of ordinary washing or rinsing liquids. Measure the appropriate amount of detergent for washing clothes with a membrane and (unless the information label says otherwise) set the washing machine to 30°C and then select the program intended for washing delicate clothes.
Drying a jacket with a membrane
After washing, the jacket must be properly dried. There are different ways to do this. The jacket can be hung outdoors, laid flat on a drying rack, or hung on a hanger. Direct contact with a heat source should be avoided, therefore it is not recommended to dry the jacket on a radiator or on a stove with too high a temperature.
If you have a tumble dryer, you can use it to dry your jacket on a gentle cycle. Every few washes, when the jacket is dry, it is worth leaving it in the dryer for another 20 minutes, which will restore the water repellency (DWR) of the outer fabric. However, remember to check the label first to see if you can use a tumble dryer.
Impregnation of a jacket with a membrane
A sign that a membrane jacket needs to be re-impregnated is when the outer layer becomes soaked, which means that water drops no longer bounce off the surface of the material but instead create small spots on it. When the fabric becomes saturated with moisture, the breathability of the membrane decreases. As a result, we sweat more easily, which significantly reduces the comfort of using the jacket.
What impregnation should be used for clothes with a membrane?
1. Washing/soaking agent
It is a liquid preparation that should be mixed with water in a bowl. Place a jacket in the prepared solution and leave it for about an hour. The exact method of impregnation with this type of preparations is always included on the packaging of the given product. It is worth remembering that this option will not work in the case of insulated jackets, especially down jackets, because soaking such a jacket in a liquid impregnation may reduce the shrinkage of the filling. Therefore, impregnation of down jackets (both with natural and synthetic insulation) should be done with a spray.
2. Spray for waterproofing jackets
The spray impregnation can be easily sprayed onto the surface of the jacket or trousers. Preparations of this type are easy to use, but require precision during application.
3. 2-in-1 preparations for washing and waterproofing
Another solution are special preparations that combine the functions of a washing liquid and impregnation in one. However, it is worth remembering that this type of solution may not provide as good results as using separate products, especially when the clothing is already old or highly exposed to weather conditions. However, in most cases, especially when the clothing is new, this combination may be sufficient.
Offer of washing and waterproofing products for membrane jackets at MILITARY.PL
MILITARY.PL offers products for washing and impregnating jackets from many renowned companies. We offer products from brands such as: Hadwao, Nikwax and Grangers.
These preparations are gentle on membranes, do not damage or clog pores, which is extremely important for maintaining waterproof properties. Additionally, they protect colors against fading, maintaining the aesthetic appearance of clothing even after many washes.
