Stuff the machine and switch it on - that might work with pants. You should take a closer look at expensive functional clothing. Here's how to do it right:
Special detergent...
...special detergents are not absolutely necessary, but contain particularly mild washing-active substances that can be washed out completely. They are particularly effective at removing skin oils and salts from clothing. For example Holmenkol Textile Wash, 500 ml for 14.95 euros.
CAUTION: Only use liquid detergent for functional clothing. Do not use fabric softener. The silicone it contains can clog the pores of membranes and coatings. As a result, your functional clothing will irretrievably lose its breathability.
"Don't wash every day" - Interview with Guido Augustiniak from Fibertec
Can you wash functional clothing just like that?
Functional clothing, especially jackets with a membrane, should even be washed. Sweat, dirt and skin oils clog the microporous membrane: it then no longer functions because water vapour can no longer pass through. In addition, skin oils can delaminate a jacket over a longer period of time.
How often should you wash your jacket?
Certainly not after every wear. Only when the clothes are soiled or have been worn several times over a longer period of time should they be put in the machine. A guideline for intensive use would be around five to six times a year.
Do I need a special detergent?
First of all, any detergent will clean. Liquid detergents are more suitable for functional clothing, as powder detergents are mixed with extenders that leave microscopic residues on the laundry. They impair the function of the membrane and DWR or waterproofing and therefore also the function of the jacket itself.
What do you wash together and how?
Functional clothing made of synthetic fibres and without a membrane, for example underwear and fleece, can be washed normally. Good fleece pills very little by nature. Nevertheless, turning it inside out and washing it in a laundry bag helps to reduce pilling. Wool is best washed with a special detergent. Rain and wind jackets with a membrane can also be machine washed - just don't spin-dry them! The membrane of a jacket is very thin. If it is pressed too hard against the drum wall during the spin cycle, the membrane can buckle and later become porous at this point.
What should I pay particular attention to when setting the washing machine?
Some modern washing machines have special programmes for sports and outdoor laundry or even for waterproofing. This means you are already well equipped. Only the spin cycle often has to be switched off manually. A little extra water never hurts to remove detergent residues from functional clothing.
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Stefan Frey
Editor
