Bio-foam is a biopolymer that makes down socks perfectly warm while being lightweight, thin, and easy to care for. It is often used in other applications as well. This kind of material can be washed either by hand or in a machine. At the same time, there are a number of rules which, if followed, will preserve the original appearance of the product for a long time.
What is bio-foam
Bio-foam was invented “by mistake” in the 1970s and was later used in American astronaut clothing. After identifying the unique properties of this material have been actively used for other purposes.
Organic down is a new generation comforter. The kimono was used to make clothing and sleeping bags for the people who lived in the northern regions and for polar explorers. Today, however, it is also often found in ordinary down jackets, in fishing and hunting clothing, in fillings for blankets, pillows, and children’s toys.
This environmentally friendly material is hypoallergenic, resistant to deformation, moisture and wear. With proper care, it does not roll up, does not crumple. Bio-foam retains its volume over time and is resistant to dust mites and mold. It dries in the natural environment and takes minimal time.
There are also disadvantages: this material does not tolerate high temperatures, as well as accumulates static electricity. It is flammable, has low hygroscopicity and is more expensive than ordinary down.
General recommendations
The optimal temperature for washing your garment is 30-40°C. If you set the temperature lower, you can not get rid of dirt, and if higher – the filler will roll away.
The detergent to use is gel powder, as standard dry detergent creates white spots and unsightly streaks. Special detergents for washing down and wool products are suitable because they do not contain sodium perborate, which provides a more acidic environment, as an alkaline environment risks destroying the fibers of bio-foam.
Bleach and conditioner should not be used.
Be sure to read the information on the garment label. The manufacturer specifies the maximum temperature of water for washing, the ability to wash the product in the machine and use an iron. So, if the label indicates the image of a basin with a palm, then such a product can only be washed by hand, and if the basin is crossed out, you’ll have to settle for dry cleaning or dry-cleaning.
Preparatory steps
If there is a hemline on the hood, remove it. The same goes for any removable fittings.
If there are heavily soiled areas on the surface of the jacket, wash them using laundry soap. Soft brushes and sponges are also effective for hard-to-remove dirt.
Do not soak organic down.
This concludes the preparatory steps.
How to wash bio-foam in the machine
You should not add any other things to a product with bio-foam. If there is some free space, this is good: the clothes will be better washed and the detergent residues will be completely eliminated.
Here’s how it works:
- Select “Delicate”, “Hand wash”, “For wool” or “For silk” mode.
- Turn off the spin, and a suitable number of revolutions is 600 (otherwise the filler risks bunching up).
- Set the rinse. If you add detergent in addition to the powder, rinse at least twice.
- Turn the garment inside out, zipper up all zippers.
- Place the garment in a drum and add 2 to 3 tennis balls inside. Plastic beads can also be used.
Plastic balls are specially designed for washing things with fillers – you can find them in hardware stores. Such balls prevent down from bunching and also increase the effect of the gel or other detergent. These cleaners completely remove detergent residue during the rinse cycle, preventing unsightly streaks from forming.
Warning! You should not wash down in the machine too often, otherwise it will lead to accelerated wear and tear.
How to wash bio down by hand
Washing products with bio-foam by hand is more labor-intensive, because the wet down becomes heavier, which complicates the washing and rinsing. But still, hand washing is the most gentle and careful way to clean the product of dirt.
First of all, you need to shake the down jacket to rid it of dust, and then – to check the pockets, fasten zippers, unhook the fur trim, turn the jacket.
The next step is to wash stubborn dirt, using a soft sponge and soap. Do not pre-soak the product. Fill the tub with warm water and add a suitable detergent.
Wash the down jacket, clean the places of contamination with a sponge and rinse it several times in clean water. Ensure that the water is completely clear after rinsing.
Features of drying
Wring the down gently to avoid deforming it. Do not twist the jacket hard, otherwise the down will crumple. It is enough to put the down at the bottom of the bathtub for 20-30 minutes to let the water flow naturally.
Next you need to put the thing on the floor dryer, laying rags underneath. This is to get rid of most of the moisture. Then you should hang the down on the hangers – in no case in a bended in half form, otherwise even the iron will not be able to cope with the resulting creases.
Next, simply place the product in a dry, cool room, away from heating appliances. If the down jacket is dried on the street, it should not be in direct sunlight.
In case the down pillows have been washed, you should dry them horizontally, on a metal dryer, or on the surface of several ropes on the balcony. Turn them over to the other side every 1-2 hours to ensure they dry evenly.
On average, bio-foam dries completely in 3-4 hours. To speed up the drying process, you can put the product in the dryer, selecting the mode “For down products. If this is not available, simply set the temperature to the minimum.
Shake the down down gently after it has dried completely. This way the filling can be spread out and the jacket can be shaped properly. Then the product can be ironed by placing gauze on top. Use a steamer instead of an iron to help preserve the integrity of the fabric and the bio-fillings.
Store bio down clothing in the cupboard when unfolded and in low season in a dust-proof cover. Do not use vacuum bags – otherwise the down would be creased.
