Washing your mid layer properly helps maintain its performance and longevity. The process typically involves using a technical wash designed for outdoor gear and following specific drying instructions.
Essential Steps for Washing Mid Layers
Caring for your mid layer garment involves a few key steps to ensure it remains clean and functional. Always check the specific care label on your garment first, as instructions can vary.
Preparation
Before washing, take a few moments to prepare your mid layer:
- Empty Pockets: Remove everything from pockets.
- Close Zippers: Zip up all zippers (front, pockets, vents). This helps maintain the shape of the garment and prevents damage to the zippers or the washing machine.
- Secure Cords/Straps: Loosen any adjustable cords or straps and ensure they are not tangled.
Washing
For best results, use a technical wash specifically formulated for synthetic or fleece garments. Avoid using regular detergents, fabric softeners, or bleach, as these can clog fibers, reduce breathability, and damage technical fabrics.
- Choose the Right Detergent: Use a technical wash like those from Nikwax or Grangers.
- Load the Machine: Place your mid layer into the washing machine. Wash similar items together if possible (e.g., other mid layers), but avoid overloading the machine.
- Select Cycle: Use a gentle or delicate cycle with cold or lukewarm water.
- Run the Wash: Start the washing machine cycle.
Drying & Reactivating DWR
Drying is a crucial step, especially if your mid layer has a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish, as heat can help reactivate it.
- Drying Method: We would recommend running a drying cycle on medium heat.
- Why Medium Heat? The heat helps to reactivate the DWR after washing, restoring some of its water-repellent properties.
- Drying Time: Dry only until the garment is completely dry. Over-drying can damage some materials. If machine drying isn't suitable or the label advises against it, air drying on a line or flat is an alternative, though it won't reactivate DWR as effectively.
Quick Care Guide
Here is a simple table summarizing the key steps:
| Step | Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Prepare | Empty pockets, close zippers, secure cords. | Prevents damage to garment and machine. |
| Wash | Use technical wash on gentle cycle with cold/lukewarm water. | Avoid regular detergents, softeners, bleach. |
| Dry | Machine dry on medium heat. | Heat helps reactivate DWR. Check care label for suitability. |
| Air Dry | If machine drying isn't an option or advised against, air dry. | Won't reactivate DWR as well as heat. |
By following these steps, you can keep your mid layer performing at its best in various conditions.
