How to wash a raincoat in a washing machine?

It can be difficult to wash a raincoat. Although throwing a raincoat in the washer might seem easy, raincoats are made of special materials and coatings that need to be maintained. A frequent washing cycle may easily rip the material or remove the waterproof coating, making your raincoat less functional against the weather.

When washing your raincoat, it’s important to follow the proper procedures to make sure it stays waterproof and looks nice. It can make a big difference to know what products to use and how to properly set your washing machine. Your raincoat can remain fashionable and useful even after you buy it if you take the right care of it.

Let’s review the most important considerations when cleaning your raincoat in a washing machine. To ensure that you’re prepared for the upcoming wet day, follow these tips to safely clean it.

Instructions for cleaning a raincoat in a washing machine

Always start by reading the factory label. The raincoat’s material is the primary determinant of the washing parameters. Light materials like cotton, linen, and polyester are therefore the most basic and easily cleaned in a machine. A leather or woolen product cannot be loaded into the drum without risking irreversible damage to the object. Additionally, the label will list every requirement for washing in a washing machine:

• delicate mode with a temperature of 30-40 degrees;
• disabling automatic drying;
• minimal spin or turning it off.

You can start getting the raincoat ready after configuring the machine program. It needs to be examined, cleaned with a specialized roller, and any trouble spots should be treated with a soap solution or stain remover if needed. Remember to turn the product inside out, check all of the rivets, and secure the buttons and zippers. The best thing to do is to store outerwear in a mesh bag for protection, or worse, in a duvet cover or pillowcase.

Spinning and drying

The use of automated spinning is not advised. Additionally, avoid twisting it because thin fabrics lose their original shape and become deformed quickly. It is preferable to hand-rinse the raincoat and soak it in a solution containing acetic acid or a mild fabric softener. After that, give the material a gentle press, allow the water to drain, and hang it from a hook directly over the bathtub. Remember to straighten the item and eliminate any folds or creases.

Complete air drying in a room with ventilation, outdoors, or on a balcony. The most important thing is that the cleaned item is not exposed to direct sunlight. The raincoat does not need to be taken off the hangers because it is hung vertically, and with consistent pulling and straightening, it will keep its original shape.

If creases are unavoidable, you can use a steam generator, steamer, or ordinary iron. But keep in mind the ironing guidelines: iron in a vertical position ideally, and set the temperature to no more than 100 degrees for polyester and 200 degrees for cotton and linen. Iron only from the inside and through moist gauze to lower risks.

Follow the basic rules

It’s a good idea to become familiar with a few fundamental raincoat maintenance guidelines before you begin washing. They are easy to remember, but they are nonetheless.

1. Raincoats made of natural silk, wool, viscose and nylon will not withstand the machine. They are only allowed to be hand washed with drying using towels in a horizontal position.
2. Products made of leather, suede and with fur inserts are prohibited from washing in a machine – only dry or dry cleaning is possible.

The information on the product’s manufacturer’s label cannot be disregarded.

1. You cannot save on detergents. You need to purchase delicate compositions without chlorine, aggressive chemicals and abrasives. The best choice will be soft gel-like textures developed specifically for the existing type of fabric.
2. “Components” – belt, collar, hood, trim – are washed separately.
3. Preliminary dry cleaning is required, as well as local removal of stains or dirt.
4. The raincoat is washed separately from other things.
5. Do not exceed the maximum temperature of 40 degrees.
6. To avoid streaks, rinse the cape thoroughly, changing the water at least 3-4 times.
7. Do not use artificial heat sources, batteries, heaters, fans when drying. Direct ultraviolet light is also contraindicated for delicate fabrics.

Additionally, it’s critical to keep an eye on the washing process and adjust as needed. Therefore, it is preferable to attempt to restore the raincoat if it has lost its original color after being in the machine’s drum. Blend a solution of two tablespoons of 9% vinegar and half a glass of water, dab a sponge with the mixture, and gently scrub the surface. When acetic acid is added right away during rinsing for "prevention," the color gets brighter and richer.

Nuances of cleaning raincoat fabric

Raincoat fabric is typically used to sew raincoats, so we advise you to familiarize yourself with it. This fabric is thick, opaque, and matte, and it is machine and hand washable. There are some subtleties, though.

• Pay attention to the quality of the dyeing. If there are no suspicions, then set the water heating to 40 degrees. For items with seemingly unreliable dyeing, the maximum temperature should be lowered to 25 degrees, otherwise the structure will delaminate and the color will wash out.
• Do not take unnecessary actions. Not only machine spinning is prohibited, but also the most careful manual pressing. You should not crush or rub the fabric, otherwise creases, folds and wrinkles will appear. It is enough to rinse the item and allow the water to flow freely from the fibers.
• Dry vertically and in natural conditions. Here, the standard requirements are repeated: place the item in a well-ventilated room or outside, hang it on a hanger and do not forget to straighten it.

We are meticulous about ironing as well. Usually, the fabric’s manufacturer forbids using a hot iron to straighten it. However, one-time exceptions are allowed, but only if the steam is coming from the inside during a cold period.

We wash by hand

Even though the majority of raincoats can survive being drum washed, hand cleaning is preferable. Working with your hands can lessen the possibility of the material deforming, particularly when dealing with the most delicate textiles. However, you’ll need to work much harder and spend much more time. Here’s how to hand wash raincoats:

• water at 30-35 degrees is filled into the bathtub;
• detergent is diluted in water;
• the item is immersed in the solution and rinsed lightly;
• the water is drained, and the raincoat remains at the bottom for 20-30 minutes;
• the bathtub is filled, and vinegar or rinse aid is added to the water;
• the item is rinsed.

To guarantee that the gel has been completely removed from the fabric fibers, rinsing is done multiple times.

An interesting process called drying occurs. After washing, place a terry towel over the raincoat and allow it to absorb moisture. The base is then switched out for a dry one, and the straightened cape is then placed on a table or dryer in a room with good ventilation.

Although washing a raincoat in a washing machine can be a handy way to keep it clean, there are some precautions that must be taken to prevent damage. To learn more about the unique requirements of the fabric, always start by reading the care label. The waterproofing and material integrity of the raincoat can be preserved by washing it on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent.

Before washing, it’s a good idea to fasten any Velcro, buttons, or zippers to keep them from catching on the fabric. Putting the raincoat inside a laundry bag can provide an additional degree of security. Recall that using fabric softeners or bleach can damage the raincoat’s waterproof layer.

To prevent the raincoat from warping or shrinking after washing, hang it up to air dry away from heat sources or direct sunlight. You can prolong the life and appearance of your raincoat by following these easy steps.

Although it may seem difficult, washing a raincoat in a washing machine is completely possible if you follow a few easy instructions. To keep your raincoat in great condition, follow the care label, wash on a gentle cycle, and stay away from harsh detergents.

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