Membrane fabric is a material with a special structure. Things made from it are protected from getting wet, but at the same time are considered breathable, they provide excellent protection from wind, and some have grease-repellent properties, preventing the formation of stains. But this seemingly most wear-resistant and durable material can deteriorate with normal home care. The Russian manufacturer of household chemicals and goods for the whole family, YokoSun, understands the mistakes that are most often made when washing membrane fabric.
Error 1. Delaying washing
Membrane fabric consists of several layers, usually two. This is the outer layer and membrane. Manufacturers protect the membrane with water-repellent impregnation; it is this that protects things from getting wet.
But such impregnation loses its properties over time: the fabric performs its water-repellent function less and less well and does not release the moisture accumulated inside. The process is accelerated by contamination, including sweat, which literally clogs the membrane cells and thereby shortens its service life.
That is why such things need regular care. As soon as you notice the smell of sweat on your favorite sports jacket, you should wash it immediately. If the fabric has become worse at protecting against moisture, this is also a reason to put the item in the washing machine.
Error 2. Intensive washing
Most often, membrane fabric is 100% polyester or nylon. Both materials are synthetic, fairly affordable and considered wear-resistant. But at the same time, they are susceptible to deformation due to improper washing. Such things shrink, lose color, and wrinkle. As a result, a new jacket or backpack can be thrown into the trash.
Like many synthetic fabrics, polyester and nylon do not tolerate hot water. Therefore, they should be washed at a temperature no higher than 30 degrees. Washing too intensively can also cause harm, so you should choose a delicate cycle with a reduced speed.
Error 3. Hand wash "by old fashioned"
Some items made of membrane fabric cannot be machine washed; only hand care is allowed. The manufacturer indicates this information on the label. But even after hand washing, when the pressure on the fabric is minimal, the item can still get damaged.
When we wash things by hand, we usually rub fabric against fabric with both hands. In the case of membrane materials, this can lead to delamination and, accordingly, you can forget about further use of the item.
The membrane fabric can be soaked in not too hot water with a cleaning agent diluted in it. It is better to go over contaminated areas with a sponge or soft brush.
Error 4. Spin in machine or by hand
Delicate polyester is demanding not only in temperature and washing mode, but also in spinning and drying. Even at the final stages of washing, the membrane fabric may become deformed.
Therefore, you should completely abandon spinning in the machine. It is better to dry membrane fabrics naturally, allowing moisture to drain away. In the case of hand washing, it is also better to be careful. Do not twist the fabric to squeeze out excess moisture.
Leave such things to dry, for example, over the bathtub. And under no circumstances send such things to the battery - they are guaranteed to get damaged.
Error 5. Erase powder or with bleach
Don’t even try to wash the membrane fabric with regular powder. This is guaranteed to lead to damage to the item. Why? The thing is that small granules of washing powder become clogged into a porous membrane, which then simply loses its beneficial properties.
An even more dangerous option is to use bleach. If you are lucky and the item has not lost its shape or color, this is not a reason to rejoice. In fact, bleaches, due to their composition more saturated with active substances, wash out the water-repellent impregnation. Literally one wash and the jacket is no longer able to protect you from moisture.
Membrane fabrics should only be washed using soft gels. There are even specialized products for washing such material, but often this is nothing more than a marketing ploy, and not only them can be used. For example, YokoSunwashing gels are suitable for care for things made of membrane, as well as for washing other, even delicate materials and children's clothing.
In ourline of washing gels really no bleaching agents, including optical brighteners. We strive to create formulas that effectively remove stains and keep laundry clean, while taking care of its color and structure.
In fact, caring for membrane tissue is not the most labor-intensive process. You just need to take into account some of the features of the material and choose effective products that you can trust.
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