Scoobychick

iTrader: (1)

I know this is an odd question to ask on a car forum full of rufty tufty blokes but the Scoobynet font of all knowledge has never let me down before

I've got a couple of Berghaus Polartec fleeces, the care labels of which both advise against the use of fabric conditioner when washing them. Why is this? The only reason I can think of is that it may affect the fibres and consequently the breathability in some way

After a quick Google all I could come up with was a paragraph of blurb telling me that fabric conditioner made clothes fluffier and quicker to dry. I normally use fab con in my washing but don't want to damage my good stuff by using it but, then again can't bear the thought of having horrible rough clothes against my delicate girly skin

What does it do to fleece?

ajm

From http://www.thegorgeoutdoors.co.uk/ac...mation_10.html

I guess it's the same principle that makes towels less absorbant when you use conditioner on them.

Not that I know anything about laundry of course....

Scoobychick

iTrader: (1)

I knew you wouldn't let me down ajm

I didn't know that using conditioner on towels made them less absorbant but I suppose it's better that than like cardboard.

So, my next question is how does it affect the ability of the product to draw perspiration vapour through it's fibres? I want science!

ajm

It's probably because the fleece absorbs moisture on the inside and draws it through to the outside using capillary action where it subsequently evaporates into the atmosphere. So anything affecting the absorbancy will reduce the effectiveness of the fleece!

Scoobychick

iTrader: (1)

Capillary action, hmmm, yes yes, good, am liking that

ajm

You know it makes sense!

Jye

And make sure you turn them inside out before washing as well (so my gf told me)

Jye

btw, as a hillwalker scoobychick you should know all about wicking systems

Scoobychick

iTrader: (1)

Yup, I'm a big fan of the wicking system even down to my wicking knickers That's kind of why I asked the question because I didn't want to sacrifice my wickability for the sake of fluffier, softer fleece. Btw, I'm sure wickability isn't a word but I kinda like the way it sounds

I'm off to think of another scientific question I can ask ajm....