Two major mistakes are regularly made when caring for functional clothing, especially expensive rainwear. Firstly, the items are not washed at all. Then the pores of the membrane get dirty and clogged until the sweat is stuck in the jacket like a mouse in a trap. This has the effect of literally trapping the wearer in a sweatbox.
Secondly, the expensive clothes end up in the washing machine together with the household laundry. Washing powder then settles in the microscopically small pores of the membrane and blocks the passage of steam. Zips and buttons beat the sensitive membrane until the spin cycle at 1400 rpm finishes off the rain protection. The enormous pressure with which the clothes are pressed against the washing drum during the spin cycle can cause the membrane to crease or tear. The next time it rains, the cyclist is left unprotected in the rain.
High-quality functional clothing can withstand a lot these days - at least with the right care. On the following pages, we will show you how to wash your cycling gear correctly and how to revitalise the durable water repellent (DWR) finish of your rainwear. If the DWR can no longer be revitalised, the market offers numerous products that reliably repel water from the membrane. Even with a tear, a rain jacket does not have to be thrown away. We provide useful tips on how to repair it.
INTERPRETATION OF THE CARE INSTRUCTIONS
For many, the care instructions on the labels are as mysterious as hieroglyphics, and their true meaning can usually only be surmised. We explain which instructions are actually hidden behind the washing symbols.
You can read this article or the entire issue of BIKE 8/2015 in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or buy the issue in the DK shop reorder:
Stefan Frey
Editor
