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How to wash base layers (thermal underwear)?
Thermal underwear (also known as a base layer or thermoactive underwear) is a specific type of functional clothing, which helps keep the skin at the optimum temperature during various physical activities. The underwear provides a feeling of dryness and comfort. In addition, the insulating properties of thermal underwear protect against the cold on cold days, while allowing the skin to breathe. This type of base layer is lightweight, flexible and adapts well to the body so that freedom of movement is not restricted.
In this article, you will learn how to properly wash your thermal underwear so that it does not lose its properties. We will also tell you which detergent to choose for your natural and synthetic base layers to avoid damaging your clothes.
Washing thermal underwear - what you need to know
Thermal underwear is a type of clothing that clings to the skin. As mentioned, its primary function is thermoregulation, i.e. the distribution of heat and moisture in such a way as to minimize the risk of overheating. In addition, thermal underwear protects against the cold, and the level of this protection depends largely on the weight of the fabric.
Due to its technical properties, washing thermal underwear requires the use of appropriate techniques and measures to avoid damaging it.
Washing thermal underwear - hand or machine wash?
Most models of thermal underwear can be washed both by hand and in the washing machine. However, before doing so, it is a good idea to read the information on the product label to be sure which washing method to choose.
The graphic below shows the most common symbols used on clothing labels:
Hand washing of thermal underwear
Hand washing thermal underwear (as opposed to machine washing) gives us greater assurance that it will not be damaged. The materials used in thermal underwear may be too delicate to be machine washed. So, this is a more reliable method, though more time-consuming. Hand washing should be used when the product label recommends it. You can also use this method for minor dirt.
If there is deep dirt on the underwear or the material emits a very intense odor, it is advisable to first soak the clothes in lukewarm water (30 deg. C) for 30-60 minutes before washing the thermal underwear properly. In other cases, this step can be skipped. You can hand wash by following the steps below:
- Pour lukewarm water into a bowl and add the appropriate amount of your chosen thermal underwear laundry detergent.
- Wash the underwear by kneading it (avoid friction as this can damage the garment).
- Rinse the underwear several times with water to remove any residual detergent.
- Gently squeeze off the excess water, then lay the washed underwear on a towel and drain the water.
- Lay out the underwear on a dry towel or dryer (lay it flat, without hanging).
- Leave in a dry and shaded place until fully dry.
Note! Never dry thermal clothing or underwear on a radiator or in direct sunlight. Improper drying of underwear can lead to damage or fading. Avoid also hanging them on washing cords and dryers with clothespins, as such clothes may become deformed. If the use of clothespins is necessary, place them on the seams.
Hand washing is also a good way to prepare heavily dirty thermal underwear for machine washing. Before machine washing, it is a good idea to gently wash the dirtiest area with a small amount of suitable detergent.
Machine washing of thermal underwear
Machine washing of thermal underwear is not significantly different from hand washing. It is necessary to follow similar rules: wash at a temperature of up to 30 deg. C, use appropriate detergents and set the spin to low speed (in the case of underwear made of Merino wool, the spin function should be omitted).
It is worth noting the available washing programs in your washing machine. Most modern devices are equipped with a mode for washing this type of clothing. This is, for example, the “sport” or “thermo” mode. However, if such a program is not available on the machine, you can use the following tips:
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Choose a gentle program or set the temperature to 30 deg. C and spin on the lowest speed.
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Turn the pre-soaked thermal underwear inside out and place it in the washing machine drum; if you are also washing other thermal clothing at the same time, be sure to fasten all zippers.
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Put your most delicate clothing in a special laundry bag to minimize the risk of damage.
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Pour the appropriate amount of liquid or other detergent for thermal underwear into the dispenser.
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After the washing is finished, drain the water from the clothes in the same way as when hand washing; use the same drying method as well.
Note! Do not use softeners, as they can impair the properties of your clothing.
How to wash natural and synthetic thermal underwear?
The choice of the appropriate washing method also depends on the type of material from which the thermal underwear is made.
Typically, the material used in thermal clothing and underwear is divided into three types:
- natural - such as Merino wool,
- hybrid/mixed - for example, wool with synthetic additives,
- synthetic - made entirely of synthetic materials.
Washing of thermal underwear and other thermo clothing made of natural and hybrid materials is done the same way. Although hybrid underwear is made partly of synthetic materials, more attention should be paid to natural materials.
Merino wool underwear and hybrid underwear washing
Merino wool is a type of specific fabric that is sourced from merino sheep (sheep that live in Asia), which live in a climate where temperatures throughout the year range from -20 to +30 deg. C. Merino wool fibers are very fine - 1/3 the thickness of a human hair with an irregular, twisted structure. The unique structure of the merino fibers creates air chambers between them, allowing them to trap heated air from the body and wick moisture to the outside.
| Merino characteristics | |
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natural, biodegradable and hypoallergenic |
 |
UV protection |
 |
good breathability |
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no unpleasant odors absorption |
 |
stain-resistant |
Because of these advantages, Merino wool thermal underwear is a popular choice for those who enjoy outdoor activities.
How to wash thermal underwear made of Merino wool? Just like other types of wool, that is, gently. If you do not know how to wash this type of underwear, we encourage you to use the information below:
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If you have the option, wash your Merino thermal underwear by hand in water at a temperature of no more than 30 deg. C; higher temperatures can damage the wool fibers (shrink or tighten them).
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When machine washing, choose a program for wool or delicate fabrics; do not use spinning or tumble drying.
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Do not use fabric softeners, as they will smooth out the porous, twisted fibers of Merino wool, making it lose its properties.
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To wash, choose only detergents designed for wool, if you do not have one at the time of washing your thermal underwear, you can use gray soap.
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Always dry Merino underwear laid out in a shaded, airy place.
Wash the hybrid thermal underwear the same way as the natural one.
Synthetic thermal underwear washing
Although it seems that natural underwear would be the best choice, one should not discredit those made of synthetic materials. Such underwear is more resistant to mechanical damage and dries faster. Synthetic underwear is made of polyesters or polyamides often combined with elastane. In addition, some models of synthetic underwear are enriched with antibacterial silver ions, which are used, for example, in dressings.
Washing synthetic thermal underwear is somewhat simpler than wool and hybrid underwear, although this does not mean you can do it carelessly. You can wash synthetic underwear by hand or in a washing machine. When machine washing, use the program for sportswear or delicate fabrics and use detergents for washing thermal underwear.
Dry the same way as with other types of thermal underwear.
Which thermal underwear laundry liquid to choose?
You already know how to do wash various types of thermal underwear, but it is also worth considering what to wash thermal underwear with so as not to damage it. Conventional washing detergents that we use every day are too aggressive for the delicate structure of thermal underwear and clothing, so it is important to use the right products.
To wash thermal underwear, it is best to use products from well-known and reputable brands, such as: Nikwax and Grangers. You can also use these detergents to wash other functional clothing.
How often to wash thermal underwear?
Natural underwear should not be washed too often, as Merino wool can become damaged after repeated washing. If the workout was not too intense and there is no dirt on the underwear (underwear in the form of a T-shirt and leggings/gaiters), just leaving it to air out overnight should be enough.
For synthetic underwear, washing is generally a requirement after each use.
How to wash thermal underwear? - summary
We hope that after reading our article, you already know how and in what to wash your thermal underwear. As a quick reminder, we have included below a list of the most important steps you should remember:
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Read the labels on underwear and thermal clothing - they contain all the necessary information to do the washing properly.
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Only choose detergents designed for the thermal underwear you own - pay attention in the case of natural underwear whether the detergent can be used for this type of underwear. Remember not to use bleach or softeners.
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Fasten the zips, turn the clothing inside out - this will protect it from mechanical damage during washing and also reduce the risk of prints being damaged.
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Soak and pre-wash heavily dirty underwear or underwear that emits a very strong odor - in some cases, simply washing the underwear will be sufficient.
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Choose the right program - set the spin speed to the lowest setting or switch off the function completely. Do not use high temperatures so that your underwear does not shrink or stretch.
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Dry your underwear by laying it flat - do not use tumble dryers and do not lay your underwear on radiators. Try to avoid hanging them on cords with clothespins.
Thermal underwear and thermal underwear washing detergents in the MILITARY.EU
Our shop offers a wide range of men's and women's thermal underwear in various forms - shirts, leggings, gaiters, boxer shorts or bottoms. Our products are made from both Merino wool and synthetic materials. Look out for products from well-known and respected brands, among which you will find: Military Wear, Alpinus, Brandit, Brubeck, M-Tac, Mil-Tec, Fjord Nansen, Helikon, Mil-Tec, Pentagon or Under Armour. We also recommend that you take a look at our range of products for washing thermal underwear, so that it stays fresh and in service for a long time.
