Do you love winter sports but don’t want to keep worrying that your clothes might get wet? Do you feel you need to keep a comfortable body temperature to enjoy your time outdoors? Has the rain caught you at the worst moments, ruining your mood and the clothes you had just bought? Then you’re in the right place!
Seriously, we know you’re not a fan of umbrellas, especially on a mountain. Whether you’re going on a short hike, a run, a bike ride or dreaming of those perfect, well-lit Instagram shots, you need clothes that are waterproof and comfortable. Without rain protection, a weekend walk can quickly become a nightmare – but with a waterproof jacket and the right trousers, not even a cloudy sky is a limit. Still, buying quality waterproof gear is only half of the solution.
The secret lies in cleaning and caring for it, so the fabric keeps its properties for as long as possible and you can enjoy your clothes – and unique moments. Fortunately, Mura Laundry – the first modern eco Wet Clean dry cleaner in Pitești – has the right solution for you. But let’s start at the beginning.
What does waterproof mean?
Waterproofing is a material’s ability to stop a fluid – especially water – from passing through it. There are several types of such materials on the market, the most important being waterproof, water-repellent and water-resistant fabrics.
The terms are often confused. Although we tend to think there is no difference between them, there is one, and it’s worth understanding – especially if you want to spend a few nice days outdoors or go hiking in the middle of winter. Waterproof materials are either naturally so or become so through factory processes.
A waterproof material is designed to resist water trying to get in while letting moisture out from the inside. Such products are made for limited contact with water (drizzle, light rain, accidental splashes), but are not suitable for torrential rain, heavy snow or puddles.
Water-repellent indicates greater resistance: the product repels water on contact. However, even with a generous DWR coating, the material cannot permanently stop liquid getting in. One example is the Gore-Tex membrane.
Water-resistant indicates the highest degree of protection: a product with a waterproof surface that seals the inside very well. Gear with satisfactory waterproofing is rated 15,000 WR, while optimal waterproofing is 20,000 WR.
Higher ratings may mean the material is less breathable. Cheap waterproof products without special membranes that let the skin breathe while keeping water out mean less comfort and clothes that wear out faster.
What is Gore-Tex?
Introduced in 1969, Gore-Tex is a special membrane made of porous Teflon – waterproof yet breathable. Most clothing in shops for hiking, climbing and winter sports uses Gore-Tex, as it is the most widespread waterproof material. How does it work? More than 1.4 billion microscopic pores sit on every square centimetre of the membrane; being 20,000 times smaller than a drop of water, they stop water getting in but let water vapour from sweat pass through easily. That’s why Gore-Tex garments need extra care and special maintenance to stay in top condition for as long as possible. Because at Mura Laundry we use water instead of chemical solvents, garments are protected throughout the wash cycle.
Why do clothes need waterproofing and re-proofing?
When you bought your first waterproof jacket, you probably noticed how water beaded on the fabric. Unfortunately, water-resistant products lose their properties as they are worn, so a product that is perfectly waterproof when new won’t stay that way for its whole life. Over time the DWR coating can be damaged by dirt or contact with other substances, or scratched through repeated use. All of this reduces the effectiveness of the protective layer – and water is an enemy that waits patiently. It sounds a bit dramatic, but it’s true. That’s why textiles need re-proofing from time to time. To test whether a water-resistant garment needs it, lay it flat and spray some water on it. If the water runs off, it is still protected. If the fabric absorbs the drops, it has lost its waterproofing and the coating needs restoring.
Mura Laundry offers waterproofing and re-proofing for every type of fabric, including jackets with Gore-Tex membranes. Waterproofing treatments help a lot – especially if you don’t want a jacket that keeps the cold in rather than the warmth. The treatment can even be applied to items that were never waterproofed, to improve the quality of the material.
Why use a professional waterproofing service?
From cashmere sweaters, down jackets and mohair scarves to wool coats and feather jackets, these fabrics need cleaning that protects them and preserves their properties, colours and texture. Made of technical materials, ski clothes should not be washed at high temperatures and, above all, should not go to a chemical dry cleaner. High temperatures and the solvents used by classic dry cleaners destroy the properties of technical membranes – the waterproofing and breathability described above. Special waterproofing solutions protect the material and keep its qualities. Mura Laundry offers this service, plus free pickup and delivery. Just give us a call and take one worry off your mind. Yes, it’s that simple!
