6 May 2008
Wash Care for Athletic Wear Constructed with Technical Fabrics
Wash & Dry: rules to live by
· Read and follow the wash care guidance provided by the manufacturer.
· Cold water, gentle cycle, or hand wash. Close all zippers, attach “hook and loop” closures (the “hook portion will ruin any other piece of clothing that it might contact while in the wash).
· Never use detergents with fabric softeners, perfumes or any additive type product. The general rule of thumb is the simpler the better. Many detergents with additives leave “surfactants” behind on the fabric’s fibers that inhibit the technical performance. Typically the best detergents will have “Clear” or “Free” in their names.
· Don’t pour the detergent directly on the clothing; put it in the washer first, when you start the water, add clothing as the water and detergent combine.
· When the cycle is complete, give them a quick “smell” test. It should not smell soapy, perfumed or “springtime fresh:” this is an indication that some of the detergent is still stuck in your clothing. Rinse them until you can no longer smell the detergent: now it’s clean!
You can use the dryer…carefully:
· If you use a dryer be sure to use the “Low” heat setting. The “Low” heat will often restore the water and wind repellant qualities of outerwear, and can help “freshen up” most our stretch fabrics.
· Don’t use any fabric softener, anti-static “dryer sheets,” they’ll leave behind some of the same kinds of particles that you just rinsed out, and you’ll have to start over again.
· If in doubt, hang the clothing to dry, preferably indoors, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
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