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How to Wash a Softshell Jacket？
If you are very interested in outdoor activities, then a softshell jacket should undoubtedly become an indispensable part of your outdoor clothing wardrobe. Softshell jackets have many advantages. They are widely used. They can be used as an outer layer in different weather conditions to protect against wind and rain, and can also be worn as an inner layer. They are also practical and fashionable, making you comfortable and stylish when traveling outdoors.
However, it also has its headaches. Due to the complex outdoor environment, softshell jackets are often frequently exposed to bad weather. Over time, dirt and debris are easily accumulated on the jacket, which not only affects the appearance, but may also have a certain impact on its performance. I guess at this time, you are thinking about how to clean a softshell jacket.
Here’s a guide to cleaning your softshell jacket, along with some tips on what to avoid.
Can you wash your softshell jacket in a washing machine?
--Generally speaking, softshell jackets can be washed in a washing machine, but there are many key points to note during this process, and we can follow the relevant guidance given by the manufacturer.
--Specifically, softshell jackets are suitable for gentle washing in cold water, and detergent can be used at the same time, but the premise is to ensure that the selected detergent is a mild solution.
--This is because the fabrics of softshell jackets and their functional coatings are relatively "delicate", and mild detergents can effectively remove stains while minimizing damage to the clothing itself.
--When washing softshell jackets, we strongly recommend that you avoid using fabric softeners or liquid detergents.
--The reason for this reminder is that both types of solutions contain a variety of chemicals. When they come into contact with softshell jackets, they are likely to damage the waterproof coating on the surface of the jacket.
--You must know that the waterproof coating is an extremely important protective barrier for softshell jackets. Once damaged, the original waterproof and other protective functions of the jacket will be gradually stripped away, and then it will not be able to function normally, which will undoubtedly greatly reduce the use value and wearing experience of the softshell jacket.
Here is a detailed step-by-step guide on how to effectively wash your softshell jacket. Following these steps will help you better clean and maintain your softshell jacket:
Step 1: Check the manufacturer's instructions
Before you start washing your softshell jacket, the first thing to do is to carefully check the manufacturer's instructions on its label. Different brands and different materials of softshell jackets often have their own special points that need to be paid attention to when washing, such as whether they can be machine washed, what water temperature requirements they have, whether specific detergents can be used, etc. This key information will directly affect the accuracy of the subsequent washing steps and whether the jacket can be protected from damage, so be sure to check carefully and don't be careless.
Step 2: Arrange the details of the clothing
Next, you need to do some detailed sorting of the softshell jacket. Make sure all fasteners, such as buttons and snaps, are properly closed, and zippers are fully closed to prevent them from snagging on the fabric during the washing process. In addition, any loops and hooks also need to be tightened to prevent them from loosening during the machine agitation, thereby causing damage to the jacket itself or the inside of the washing machine, and to prevent them from being lost and affecting the normal use of the jacket later.
Step 3: Prepare the Washing Machine
Before putting your softshell jacket in the washing machine, you need to prepare the washing machine. Carefully check if there is any fabric softener and detergent residue in the washing machine. If there is, clean these residues thoroughly. This is because the chemical ingredients contained in fabric softener may damage the fabric of the softshell jacket, and if there is any detergent residue, it may over-irritate the fabric during the washing process, affecting its performance and appearance. If you ignore this preparation step, it is very likely to cause irreparable damage to the softshell fabric, so you must pay attention to it.
Step 4: Place the jacket and set the parameters
After completing the above preparations, you can gently put the softshell jacket into the washing machine. Then, set the water temperature according to the manufacturer's label recommendations. It is usually appropriate to set the temperature to 30 or 40 degrees, but be sure to check the label first to confirm the specific requirements. Never set the temperature arbitrarily. At the same time, pay attention to the amount of water in the washing machine. The water volume should not exceed two-thirds of its full capacity. If there is too much water, it may not be guaranteed that the jacket is thoroughly rinsed during the rinse process, and it is easy to leave detergent and other substances, which will affect the quality of the jacket.
Step 5: Start the washing machine and rinse
Once the jacket is in place and the parameters are set, you can start the washing machine to start washing. To ensure that all detergent residues are thoroughly washed out, to ensure the jacket is clean after washing and to avoid residues from adversely affecting the jacket fabric, it is recommended to rinse the jacket twice. This will allow the jacket to maintain good wearability while cleaning stains.
Step 6: Choose the right drying method
Most softshell jackets can be dried in a tumble dryer, but there are many things to pay attention to when doing so. Set the dryer to medium heat and dry for about 40-50 minutes. However, be sure to strictly follow the manufacturer's instructions throughout the drying process, especially avoid using fabric softeners. As mentioned above, the chemicals contained in fabric softeners are very likely to damage the softshell fabric, causing its waterproof and breathable functions to be impaired, affecting the normal use of the jacket.
Step 7: Ensure complete drying
After the drying operation is completed, do not rush to store the jacket. Let it sit in a well-ventilated place for a while to ensure that it is completely dry before the next wear. Only when the jacket is completely dry can it be stored better, and it can also prevent the growth of bacteria and odor caused by residual moisture, thereby extending the life of the jacket and ensuring a comfortable experience when wearing it.
In short, following the above series of detailed step-by-step guides to clean softshell jackets can effectively remove stains while protecting the fabric and various functions of the jacket to the greatest extent, so that your softshell jacket will always be in good condition and better accompany you to participate in various outdoor activities.
