One mistake can destroy everything, or how to take care of softshell

First, let's explain what softshell is. The market offers us jackets, sweatshirts, pants, hats, gloves etc. This clothing is primarily dedicated to physically active people. In a nutshell - clothes protect us from wind, rain or snow. The material consists of layers:

• external - strong, but not restrictive movements,
• inner - most often fleece lining.

The task of softshell clothing is to provide the best possible protection against adverse weather conditions, while maintaining optimal breathability of the material. The idea is to provide the user with thermal comfort, and excess moisture generated during physical effort to "move" outside. The air throughput of membranes is possible due to micropores, which should be particularly taken care of during washing.

So let's talk about the care. The guidelines are on the label. If we want our clothing to retain its properties as long as possible, we cannot ignore them. Small dirt, such as mud or dust, can be removed with a damp sponge. However, if you notice that the clothes begin to absorb water more and more strongly, it is a clear sign that it is time for washing. At this point we have to choose a method. Hand washing is allowed, but usually the recommended method is washing in an automatic washing machine. Here, however, you should pay attention to some important details:

• the water temperature should not be too high (preferably around 30° C), provided that the price tag says so,
• you should not use tumble dryers, but if you care about drying clothes faster, set the spin speed to the lowest possible,
• it is absolutely unacceptable to use bleaches, strong detergents and softeners.

Each of the above points is important, but let's talk about the last one for a moment. The use of the above-mentioned cleaning agents may lead to clogging of the aforementioned micropores and, consequently, to a reduction in the functionality of the membrane. It means that the fabric will stop "breathing" and the clothing will lose its properties.

A workaround for this problem is very easy. Traditional cleaners should be replaced with a liquid dedicated for washing or impregnating softshell clothing (such an agent can be purchased in most sportswear stores). Before washing, make sure the powder and liquid dispenser is well cleaned, and then pour in the dedicated agent. If we decide on the option of hand washing, we must remember to properly protect your hands - rubber gloves should effectively protect our skin from cleaning age.

The next stage is drying. It is best to let the material dry on its own. It is also good not to wring out clothes. Avoid drying with artificial heat sources such as heaters or radiators. It is best to hang your clothes in some airy place. Ironing is a bad idea, it can damage the membrane.

The market also offers spray impregnating agents. We apply the preparation evenly on clean and dry material and wait patiently for drying. Any excess agent should be removed with a clean cloth. Thanks to such treatments, we will make raindrops run down on us.

Properly washed and impregnated softshell clothing will serve us for years. The wind will not be terrible, rain drops will flow down the surface of the material, and the micropores will not allow us to overheat. We are becoming more and more active. The number of sports enthusiasts increases every year, and softshell - due to its effectiveness - is gaining popularity. Yes, the prices of this type of clothing are usually slightly higher than the counterparts made of other materials, but properly cared for clothes can serve us for years, and their practicality and effectiveness are incomparably higher.

Check out our offer of softshell clothing.

Author: Gniewko Bernecki