Today, thermal underwear is firmly included in the everyday life of modern active inhabitants of the planet. It perfectly absorbs moisture, allows the skin to breathe and provides warmth even at extreme temperatures. But such pleasure is not cheap, so it is unlikely that anyone will allow themselves to make a disposable little thing out of it. Contrary to popular belief, thermal underwear can and should even be washed. But not everyone knows how to do it right. After all, putting the kit out of habit into the washing machine, we risk spoiling the product. So, warning you against rash acts, today we will pay attention to the topic of how to wash thermal underwear by hand and in a typewriter. And also give advice on drying underwear sets.
Washing frequency
The texture of the material used for sewing thermal underwear resembles human skin in its structure. Through the small holes between the threads, air enters and moisture is removed. Over time, these "pores" become clogged with dust particles and dirt, which leads to a violation of the thermoregulation process, and the material itself loses its main functions.
It is impossible to determine visually and by smell that it is time to wash the laundry. In the process of tailoring, a special fabric is used that does not absorb foreign odors. So even after a week of daily wear, your kit will not be soaked with sweat.And you can only notice a violation of thermoregulation when you manage to freeze during your next run.
The frequency of washing thermal underwear depends primarily on its type.So, it is recommended to wash sets for daily wear several times a week, and this will be enough to maintain the functions assigned to them. Since in the process of training there is increased sweating, the pores between weaving clog many times faster. So sports thermal underwear must be cleaned after each session. Washing thermal socks is also recommended daily.
Choosing a detergent for thermal underwear
The standard powder for the automatic machine is not suitable for washing thermal underwear, as it clogs the pores in the fabrics. It can be advised to rinse it thoroughly after washing, but this does not always save. In addition, when choosing a synthetic agent, it is necessary to take into account the type of material from which the kit is sewn. You can always find this information on the label. However, as with other manufacturer's recommendations regarding washing, drying and ironing the product.
Now recommendations on how to choose a detergent for thermal underwear:
- For cotton thermal underwear, laundry soap, previously dissolved in water, is well suited. This method is applicable for both hand washing and machine washing. Although cotton sets are still recommended to be washed by hand. Do not use chlorine stain removers or bleaches of any kind. Dry cleaning is also excluded.
- To wash woolen thermal underwear, it is recommended to choose gels, special powders for woolen products or ordinary baby soap. The rule applies to all sets, even if the percentage of wool in the fabric is minimal. As in the previous case, bleaching is prohibited, especially for chlorine-containing products.
- If the product is made of polypropylene, washing thermal underwear in a washing machine is not recommended, only manual cleaning. It is advisable to use special antistatic agents.
- Polyester is considered the most unpretentious material. You can care for it with the help of laundry soap, ordinary washing powder and other means. The only limitation is bleach. Under its influence, your favorite polyester thermal underwear will simply crawl.
A universal option for washing are products designed exclusively for thermal underwear. They are often chosen by buyers.
Washing thermal underwear: basic rules and recommendations
As already mentioned, before pressing the button of the washing machine, you must carefully study the information on the label. Each self-respecting manufacturing company, for example, X-bionic, describes in detail all the recommendations for caring for their product. There you can also see the presence of restrictions on the use of certain products, temperature conditions and cleaning methods.
If the label has been cut off, the manufacturer's information is lost, don't worry. For you, we will announce the main recommendations applicable to most products from the "thermo" category:
- It is correct to wash thermal underwear in the washing machine only in a delicate mode.
- Hot water is detrimental to products, regardless of the material from which they are made.Under the influence of high temperatures, the fabric fibers are stretched, which leads to a violation of the shape of the product and the loss of its main thermoregulatory functions. Therefore, make sure that at all stages of washing the water temperature does not exceed 40 °.
- The squeezing of the product can also disrupt the structure of the fibers, regardless of its intensity. So, when choosing a washing program in an automatic machine, do not forget to press the “no spin” button. The same goes for hand washing.
- Do not use chlorine bleach or regular laundry detergent. Always choose special compositions designed for thermal underwear or other liquid products, guided by the rules described above, taking into account the material of the product.
Hand wash thermal underwear
Because of one set, starting a washing machine does not make sense. Therefore, many people choose the hand washing method. Well, that's a perfectly rational decision. And although manually washing thermal underwear with high quality is somewhat more difficult, the task is quite feasible.
So, the basic rules of home hand washing:
- The optimum water temperature for hand washing is 35-40°. Make the water hot, and the thermal underwear can be thrown away.
- Do not use powder or gel formulation. Manually, you are unlikely to be able to rinse clothes with sufficient quality. Therefore, it is necessary to wash thermal underwear by hand in a soapy solution of low concentration.
- Avoid any mechanical impact on the fabric. Instead of stretching and rubbing your underwear, simply place it in a bowl of soapy water and let it sit for 30-40 minutes.Then rinse in clean water, do not wring. This is enough to wash the accumulated dust and dirt particles.
When the washing of thermal underwear is over, it remains only to dry it. But it’s too early to relax, proper drying is no less important than cleaning itself.
How to dry thermal underwear
Since spinning in the machine and manually is prohibited, the laundry will be hung out completely wet. So think in advance where you plan to dry it. Otherwise, you run the risk of soaking your parquet or carpet with flowing water.
General recommendations for drying thermal underwear are in a well-ventilated area and out of direct sunlight. Drying in the sun is only allowed when hanging outside. Although here it is desirable to choose a place in the shade.
In an apartment for drying thermal underwear, a conventional dryer, a rope on the balcony, or any vertical surface in the room can be used. It is advisable to simply throw the product over the clothesline / crossbar, do not clamp it with clothespins.
Given the lack of spin, you should not count on a quick drying period, especially in the winter season. And it is impossible to reduce this time without damage to the fabric. The most common mistakes:
- drying thermal underwear on the battery;
- the use of electric dryers;
- use of irons and steamers;
- drying clothes in the drum of a washing machine.
Keep this list in mind, and never use thermal-protective materials to care for your underwear unless you plan to update your wardrobe in the near future.
Do not be afraid of all the tips and tricks. In fact, washing thermal underwear is no more difficult than any other products.It's just that wearing these clothes is much more comfortable, whether it's a run in the park or a vacation at a ski resort.
