Say what you like, but life has become better. Clothing manufacturers every year delight us with their new products. They are not only fashionable, but also practical and comfortable.
Meet membrane clothes
A confirmation of this can be membrane clothing. Reviews about her were not long in coming, as soon as she only appeared on store shelves. Many say that such things are one of the best for hiking, traveling, and ordinary walks in wet weather. The only thing that causes difficulty is the means for washing membrane clothes. The thing is that such a robe is rather capricious and requires special care. Few of us know exactly what care for these things is. It's time to fill this gap in the economics section and talk about how to keep a new-fashioned and comfortable outfit for a long time.
But before we learn how to wash membrane clothes, let's talk about what it is.
Membrane tissue - what is it?
The membrane itself is an ordinary film. It can act as a shell or an oscillating surface. This material was created artificially. It is intended for the design of clothing that has certain properties.
In this case, weather conditions must be taken into account. Therefore, it is a mistake to think that a membrane is a tissue. On the contrary, the membrane is usually applied to the inner surface of the tissue. Moreover, the material from which the clothes are sewn can be any. The whole point here is not in it, but in the membrane. It performs several functions:
- Perfectly protects us from rain.
- Removes excess steam to the outside.
- Promotes ventilation of clothing.
Types of Membrane Tissues
There are 2 types of membrane tissue. They have a different structure. By the way, it is the original composition of the material that makes us look for a special tool for membrane clothing.
- Hydroporic membrane tissues. This material is a lot of small pores that are several times smaller than a drop of water. Due to this structure, water cannot get inside and lingers on the surface. But the small cells perfectly release steam, thereby creating a comfortable microclimate under clothes. The only drawback is the fact that the hydroporous fabric is very sensitive to dirt. As a result of this, the pores become clogged and the clothes lose their unique properties. Caring for her is quite complicated. However, today there is a special liquid laundry detergent for membrane clothes on sale.
- Hydrophilic membrane tissues. This variety is a film that is applied to the fabric as a result of heat treatment. It does not pass water due to its chemical properties. But it stretches well and is not afraid of dirt, as it is distinguished by the absence of small cells. Caring for her is much easier. The only thing you should always pay attention to is the temperature of the water. It should not exceed 30 degrees.
Top Fabric Materials
The membrane performs its functions in combination with the upper tissue, without it it will not be able to work correctly. What material is preferred for the outer layer? The most commonly used micropolyamide. It is moisture resistant, windproof, and also actively breathes. Its upper side is treated with fluorocarbon, and the inner side is sprayed with polyurethane. Such processing is justified. After all, fluorocarbon protects clothes from dirt, and polyurethane allows the fabric to breathe, which saves us from overheating.
The main difficulties of membrane clothing
Everything would be fine, but in practice, jackets made of this material quickly lose all their original properties. And the point here, alas, is not in the manufacturers. The dog is buried in improper care. So, we are to blame. Not every one of us knows how to wash membrane clothes, but proper washing is the key to the long life of such a product. Therefore, cleaning clothes should be approached with caution and responsibility.
How to wash membrane clothes?
In order to avoid common mistakes, listen to simple tips. And then washing the membrane clothes will not do harm.
- Experts argue that the best way to wash such products by hand. Many of us will immediately reject this method. Gone are the days of our grandmothers, who did everything with their own hands. In principle, washing membrane jackets is also possible in the machine. Just remember to select the delicate mode. Although it’s better not to risk it.
- If clothes are also allowed to be washed in a typewriter, care should be taken when removing deep stains. Under no circumstances should this operation be assigned to the washing unit. He, of course, is your friend and assistant, but not in this case. The fact is that intensive washing will destroy micropores and damage the structure of the fabric. Therefore, strong, deep contaminants are removed only by hand using soap and a brush. Moreover, liquid or household, but without chlorine, is used as soap.
- Buy special detergents for washing membrane clothes. Conventional granular powders are not suitable for it. They clog micropores, and such an expensive and beloved product with a membrane becomes just clothes with reduced vapor-releasing ability. That is, you can forget about thermoregulation after that. You should use tools designed specifically for such clothes that take into account all its properties. For example, NordLand special washing balms have proven their worth. They retain the structure, properties and shape of membrane clothing.
- Also, bleaches and conditioners should not be used. Their composition includes chlorine or its derivatives. This substance corrodes micropores. As a result of this, clothes cease to save from moisture and become wet.
Membrane Care
Now you know how to wash membrane clothes. But this is not enough to care for her. It still needs to be dried. If you washed by hand, squeeze the product carefully; it is not recommended to twist it. Such clothes should be dried only in a horizontal position, carefully laid out on a soft cloth. In this case, do not use heating appliances. It is not recommended to iron membrane items. Under the influence of high temperature, the membrane will lose all its miraculous properties.
How can impregnation help us?
A feature of membrane clothing is the fact that it must be impregnated. A brand new little thing does not need this, but over time, the upper impregnating layer is erased. This is facilitated by atmospheric precipitation and periodic washing. Membrane tissue loses its properties. And here impregnations come to the rescue.
The best of them are those that are made on a water basis. They do not harm the environment, they can be applied to both dry and wet clothes. Impregnations are supplied both in liquid form and in the form of aerosols.
Impregnation Rules
In order for the procedure to benefit, it is necessary to approach it with all responsibility. Follow these simple rules:
- Very carefully choose an impregnating agent. Remember, what is suitable, for example, for a membrane tent, can easily harm clothing.
- Do not use too much impregnation. By doing this you do not save your product, but on the contrary, you only make it worse. The tool clogs the micropores of the membrane, as a result of which the tissue stops breathing.
- You can only soak dry and clean items that you recently washed and dried.
- Never place a product that has just been soaked on the battery. In this way, you only ruin the fabric. Divorces will immediately appear on it. Removing them later will be very difficult, almost impossible.
Among the existing impregnations, Grangers brand name Extreme Syn / Breath received good reviews. They have fluorine-containing components. It is this feature of them that gives water-repellent properties to clothing. In addition, it becomes more resistant to pollution and increases its service life.
As you can see, membrane clothing has many advantages that will make you feel comfortable. After all, such products do not constrain movements during sports, protect us from overheating due to ventilation of clothes, save us from sweat.
Today you can buy membrane clothes in almost any large store. A careful care and concern for the items purchased will help preserve their presentation and unique useful properties for many years.