How to wash breathable, waterproof fabrics correctly!
Breathable, waterproof fabrics are the key when it comes to staying warm and dry in bad weather. Washing and taking care of them is just as important.
Breathable, waterproof fabrics are the key when it comes to staying warm and dry on rides in adverse and changing weather conditions. However, these fabrics require special care to make them last and maintain their functionality.
In order to do so, the fabrics usually employ membranes that keep the water out while letting water vapour escape, allowing your sweat a way out. Some powdered laundry detergents get stuck in the pores of these membranes because they are simply not fine enough. There are a few more things to consider in order to prolong the life and functionality of your bike wear when washing them.
Follow these 8 steps to make washing functional fabrics easy on you and the textile:
1. Close all zippers and Velcro straps.
2. Turn the garment inside out.
Make sure all zippers and velcro straps are closed
3. Put the garments into a laundry bag for washing. This reduces wear and tear. I simply use an old pillow case for this purpose.
4. If your laundry machine lets you turn off or reduce the spinning speeds, then do so.
5. Clean the detergent drawer of old grime.
6. Don't use fabric softener.
Use a laundry bag or an old pillow case to protect the fabric.
7. Only use liquid detergents as they dissovle more easily.
8. Garments that use a GORE-TEX or similar membrane should be treated with a little heat after each washing to reactivate the water repelling function of the outer layer. This can be done using the warm cycle in the dryer, by simply using a hair dryer on low or other mild heat sources. In any case, be careful.
Only use liquid detergents.
In addition, special detergents for breathable waterproof fabrics exist. Some brands even market their own special detergent.
After a while, the DWR or Durable Water Repellent of the outer layer of the garment needs refreshment.
