The bike has to work, regular checks and maintenance go without saying: Check the air, oil the chain, check the brakes, adjust the gears. But what about our sportswear? For most cyclists, putting sweaty cycling clothes in the washing machine after a ride is a standard ritual. However, the procedure is not quite as straightforward for weatherproof clothing - and not quite as simple either. This is because different treatments are required depending on the membrane and impregnation. However, the effort is worth it in many respects: "Conscientious care not only maintains long-term functionality, but also increases the service life of the clothing," says Chris Eisenmann, expert for clothing technologies at the manufacturer Gore. In the end, this not only protects your clothing, but also your wallet and the environment.
Washing and waterproofing are the most important care measures. How and how often jackets and trousers need to be washed depends on various factors. On the one hand, how often we wear an item of clothing and how dirty it is, but also on the membrane. You should therefore take a look at the care label before putting the textiles in the machine. Manufacturers of microporous membranes (e.g. Gore-Tex, eVent etc.) point out that sweat, dirt and skin oils impair the breathability and durability of seams and membranes - they therefore recommend regular washing. The manufacturers of non-porous membranes (e.g. Sympatex, Dermizax) emphasise that their membranes cannot become clogged - therefore their function is maintained no matter how often they are washed.
A jacket or trousers need to be waterproofed if they feel wet or clammy. This feeling is not usually caused by water penetrating from the outside. Rather: When the waterproofing of the outer material wears off, the water no longer runs off - the outer fabric absorbs moisture. This impairs breathability and the water vapour condenses on the inside of the garment. A simple test shows whether the waterproofing is still sufficient: simply spray water onto the material from a spray bottle. If the water runs off, the waterproofing is still intact. If the fabric becomes saturated, it is time for a follow-up treatment.
Washing tips
A high-tech jacket is not a cotton sock. A little more care is therefore advisable when washing.
- Before washing: Close all zips, cover strips, Velcro fasteners and straps completely. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on the care label. Only fill the washing machine with a small load. Set the delicate cycle to 30 degrees. Some modern washing machines have a special programme for outdoor textiles.
- DetergentUse the smallest possible amount of liquid mild detergent or special detergent for functional clothing. The amount depends on the soiling and water hardness. Do not use heavy-duty detergents with brighteners or bleaching agents! Fabric softeners are also taboo for functional textiles as they damage the waterproofing! Do not use the spin cycle either.
- Tumble dryerWhether the clothes can be tumble dried depends on the manufacturer's recommendation. Some manufacturers advise this because it reactivates the impregnation. Low temperatures and a short duration (approx. 20 minutes) are important.
- IroningIroning also reactivates the impregnation. However, the ironing temperature should not exceed 110 degrees. To be on the safe side, place a thin cotton cloth (e.g. tea towel) on the functional fabric.
- Special caseGore-Tex Shakedry The single-layer, particularly thin and lightweight weather protection membrane from Gore is somewhat more sensitive than others, partly because it has no lining or outer fabric. Textiles made from this material must therefore not be dry-cleaned, tumble-dried or ironed! However, Gore-Tex Shakedry does not require waterproofing due to its technology.
Impregnate
Waterproofing makes the surfaces of rain and functional clothing water-repellent - the water runs off. If the textile is not sufficiently impregnated, the outer material soaks up water - this impairs breathability: the water vapour condenses on the inside. There are several ways to restore the waterproofing:
- With warmth: The original impregnation can be reactivated with the help of heat. Whether in the tumble dryer, with an iron or using a hairdryer - it is important that the fabric is not subjected to excessively high temperatures. When tumble drying, select the gentle cycle and a maximum temperature of 60 degrees. The functional clothing should then be left in for a maximum of 20 to 30 minutes. The iron should also only be set to a medium temperature and a protective cotton layer (e.g. tea towel) should be placed between the iron and the functional fabric. When using a hairdryer on jackets or trousers, it is important to ensure that there is sufficient distance between the iron and the material so that the temperature does not become too high.
- With spray: Waterproofing sprays are only used on the outside of the garments. One advantage of this is that you can treat specific areas such as seams, cuffs or shoulders. If possible, use products without PFCs, propellants and solvents. The clothing should be washed and zips closed before spraying. Only use the spray in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors - inhalation of the spray and contact with the eyes and skin must be avoided at all costs. apply the spray from a distance of 20 to 30 centimetres. Wash your hands after impregnating and allow the clothing to dry and air out in the fresh air.
- With detergentWash-in impregnation: Special detergents are used for wash-in impregnation. They are used in the same way as conventional detergents and wet the entire textile. However, not all membranes tolerate the wash-in process. For non-porous membranes, such as the HigH2Out laminates from Dermizax or Sympatex, wash-in products should be avoided as they can impair the function. Follow the care instructions of the waterproofing agent manufacturer before washing. If necessary, remove any residues of other detergents from the detergent compartment of the washing machine. Fill the washing drum with a maximum of two kilos of laundry. Unless otherwise specified, select the synthetic or delicate cycle, wash the garment at 30 degrees and spin at a low speed or do not spin at all. Then leave the impregnated clothing to dry in the open air.
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