So as not to plaster the floor with the chunks of mud stuck to my shoes, trousers and jacket, I sneak through the corridor. Straight into the shower. The shower washes the coarse dirt right off my clothes. But what do I do with the expensive functional jacket? Can I even put it in the washing machine or tumble dryer? A question that most wearers of high-tech fibres probably ask themselves.
Fear of damaging the membrane
According to a study by Sympatex, around a third of bikers do not wash their functional clothing regularly. For fear of damaging the membrane. Yet care is not rocket science. A quick look at the care label usually reveals everything you need to know: all membrane systems - regardless of whether they are called Sympatex, Gore-Tex or eVent - can be washed at 40 degrees with liquid or special detergent. They should even be washed regularly, as breathability and weather protection are impaired by dirt and sweat over time.
Hands off fabric softener!
You should only do without your great-grandmother's Ariel bucket and fabric softener. Modern liquid detergents and speciality products can do far more than the classic powder. We have had nothing but good experiences with the "Sport + Outdoor" mixture from eco-manufacturer Almawin. Especially because it removes the musty odour from sportswear.
To restore the waterproofing after washing, it is best to use a waterproofing wash or spray. However, only when rainwater no longer beads up and penetrates the membrane. According to the Sympatex study, a third of sportspeople prefer not to do this. Only 14 per cent of the 1,000 people surveyed use a washable waterproofing treatment, with twice as many opting for a spray.
Throw quietly into the tumble dryer
There's no need to shy away from tumble drying your functional jacket either: instead of destroying or impairing the membrane, warm drying at low spin speeds activates the waterproofing. Some waterproofing agents are even activated in the dryer, such as the environmentally friendly waterproofing agents from Fibertec. So take heart! This is how your bike clothing retains its breathability and weather protection for the longest time.
In the PDF download you will find information on washing, waterproofing, ironing and drying as well as an overview table for the care of hardshell, softshell, merino, underwear, jerseys and trousers.
Downloads:
Stefan Frey
Editor
