How to wash sportswear made of functional materials?

Does the washing machine destroy or preserve the functional materials that make up your sportswear? Do you know what to do with them when you come back sweaty from your workout? And what do you do with a dirty outdoor jacket so it doesn't lose its properties? Isn't it better to wash by hand? We will advise you on the principles of washing technical materials.

Functional clothing can make many sporting activities more enjoyable and we believe that the investment into them do not have to be excessive or often, because with proper care they serve for many years and does not lose any of their brilliant features. One part of such maintenance is washing. Be sure to examine the sewn-in label with instructions on each garment before you get started.

Technical materials are by no means degraded with proper laundering. On the other hand, dirt and grease prevent different types of fabric from breathing, and your body will notice this when you are working out. Similarly, the micropores in the membrane of your membrane jacket can become clogged when you use fabric softener. This applies for example to the Kilpi HASTAR-M, NALAU-W and HURRICANE-M/W jackets. In addition, fabric softener likes to create stains. But we're already working on the laundry itself, so let's get to it!

Washing sports clothes in the washing machine

The clothing label will quickly tell you if your functional garment is suitable for machine washing. Cutting the label off would be a rebellion and the perfect way to end up crying over them after washing (at the very least) when they end up a size too small. Functional clothing usually doesn't do well in temperatures over 40°C, so make sure yours is no exception. The high temperature also affects sealed seams, which our skialp jacket LEXAY-M has. Make a routine of emptying your pockets, zipping up your zippers and turning your clothes inside out - even turn your "softshell" inside out. However, washing a softshell jacket will only happen a couple of times a year at most, whereas sweaty DIMARO-M/W T-shirts, cycling jerseys, GEARS-M/W leggings and underwear - anything you directly wear on your body - should be washed preferably after every " activity".

Modern washing machines are usually equipped with special programmes for washing outdoor clothes. If you're choosing a new washing machine and your sportswear collection is growing at home, this may provide a tip for you on which parameters to consider. These programmes are friendlier and the detergent you use should be just as gentle. Different detergents are suitable for different types of fabrics. In all cases, however, avoid aggressive products with the aforementioned softeners or bleaches.

Detergents for outdoor clothing are most often classified as follows:

• for man-made fibres including membrane products and Gore-Tex
• for washing down jackets and other down products
• for merino wool

More tips for washing in the washing machine:

• wash technical materials when the washing machine is not completely full
• it is best to choose a lower speed and dry for longer outside
• wash white garments separately, but mixing colours is usually fine
• never wring feather down clothing
• beware of hidden tissues! :-)

Hand washing sportswear

When washing by hand, you can directly influence the gentleness of the whole process. It is suitable for most materials, just wash your down jacket in the washing machine - more about this in a separate article on down jackets. Leave the powders aside and use liquid detergents instead. Why? Hand washing may not completely dissolve the powder, which may damage the colour of the material. Liquid detergents tend to be similarly distributed as we mentioned in the previous chapter on laundering in the washing machine. Let the clothes soak in warm water for a few minutes before washing. Be careful with the washing itself, play with the fibres between your fingers and approach the rinsing and soaking with a similar love. A shower will make your work easier (great with a removeable head), and in limited conditions, as provides running water. Beware of wringing merino wool and feather down products.

Do you have to hand wash your softshell jacket or other outdoor clothing such as the ADISA-W jacket with hybrid construction and TIDE or ALPIN pants on the go? Don't forget to bring biodegradable soap and conserve nature! Dry bar soap is best. It has no chance of spilling in your backpack and you can use it for everything - your clothes, body and dishes.

Don't forget to impregnate

Caring for your outdoor clothing is not just about cleaning and washing. If you want to enjoy all the benefits of your jackets and pants for years to come, don't forget to impregnate. It is important that the clothes are still damp before you pull the trigger on the impregnation spray. The spray always has detailed instructions on how to use it. When you're done, wipe off any excess droplets with a cloth and let your clothes dry thoroughly before dressing for your next adventure.