How to take care of outdoor clothing?
Proper maintenance of outdoor and hiking clothing will keep their properties for longer. Outdoor garmets are usually made from technical materials and many users fear washing them at home, however, it is worth emphasizing that taking care of outdoor clothing has a positive impact not only on the appearance of the product, but also its durability and hygiene. If you are wondering how to maintain your outdoor clothing, read the tips below.
How to take care of outdoor clothing?
Proper maintenance of outdoor and hiking clothing will keep their properties for longer. Outdoor garmets are usually made from technical materials and many users fear washing them at home, however, it is worth emphasizing that taking care of outdoor clothing has a positive impact not only on the appearance of the product, but also its durability and hygiene. If you are wondering how to maintain your outdoor clothing, read the tips below.
Outdoor clothing – what does it mean?
Professional travel clothing, technical clothes or mountain apparel are some of the synonyms used to describe garments designed for outdoor activities. This type of clothes is equipped with a breathable membrane that ensures waterproofing. In case of laminates and soft shell clothing, its function is to provide optimal breathability. If you want to read more about membranes, click here. Clothes with membranes have to be washed because dirt particles block micropores and reduce the vapour permeability of the material. During washing you shouldn’t use detergents because they feature hydrophobic properties and after the contact with them the material will absorb more water. Use special detergents for technical clothing. Before choosing the right temperature for washing, read the producer"s recommendations on the label. Maximum temperature of washing is 40 degrees Celsius. Always choose low spin speed.
Drying membrane clothes
Using tumble dryer is very comfortable but hanging clothes in the open air is much better for the clothes. If you decide to use tumble dryer, choose delicate cycle and leave the clothes in the drier for less than half an hour. Don’t be scared that warm air will damage the DWR layer, on the contrary, it will help it regain its hydrophobic properties. If you don’t have access to a tumble dryer and the weather doesn’t allow you to dry the clothes outside, use the iron. However, this method won’t work for every type of material. Additionally you have to be careful with the temperature and resign from using vapour. We recommend extreme caution when ironing, this is not the safest way to dry outdoor clothes, two previous methods are much better.
Impregnation of clothes with membrane
Clothes with membrane have to be impregnated after each washing. Why is it so important? The purpose of impregnating is to reinforce the DWR layer i.e. hydrophobic finish that covers the garments. In order to do this, you can use agents for impregnating outdoor clothing, usually in the form of a washing machine liquid or spray. Remember that it is forbidden to impregnate fleece or thermo active underwear. If a jacket is equipped with an insulation layer, you should detach it before impregnating.
How to maintain outdoor clothes for kids?
Young enthusiasts of outdoor activities also need special clothes. Thanks to the protection against negative impact of external factors, kids are able to enjoy the activities and exploration. Children’s outdoor clothes should be maintained in the same way as clothing for adults. However, kids dirty their clothes more often. In general, outdoor clothes should be washed every other season, but outdoor garments for kids ought to be washed more often because the dirt reduces the material’s properties. Outdoor clothing for children is adjusted to the needs of the youngest users and requires proper maintaining.
Cleaning outdoor footwear
Technical tourist boots also require special treatment. Properly maintained outdoor boots will serve you for longer. Before cleaning your boots, check the material they are made of. It"s usually grain leather or nubuck, you will find the cleaning instruction on the upper. Start with removing the outside dirt by using some water and a brush. Nubuck is a delicate material and it requires more regular cleaning. Brushing is the basis of the proper maintenance, however, sometimes it is necessary to use special shoe cleaners. Note that shoes require handwashing. Always remember to clean the inside of the shoe, wash the insoles and use agents that neutralize the growth of bacteria. The next step as in the case of outdoor clothes, is the waterpoofing. More about the maintenance of leather shoes can be found here.