When buying a Smartwool or Accap thermal undergarment in a travel store, we want to get comfort when used in various weather conditions and certainly want to prolong the preservation of the decent appearance and functionality of the base layer as much as possible. The feeling of comfort depends on the correct choice of the type of thermal clothing; As for the duration of the life cycle of any clothing, it depends on many factors and one of the most important is proper care and washing.

There are a few simple rules for taking care of functional underwear:

- Do not allow heavy pollution and accumulation of odor, wash thermal underwear regularly. This applies primarily to synthetic products.

- Follow the manufacturer's recommendations, written or indicated in the form of icons, on the packaging or on a label sewn to the product. They can be different for different materials.

Synthetic thermal linen: washable at a temperature of up to 30°, do not bleach, do not iron, dry cleaning is not allowed, machine drying is not allowed.

Thermal merino wool: wash in warm water on a gentle cycle, wash with similar colors, do not bleach, machine dry low, iron at low temperatures, do not iron decorative elements, do not dry clean.

- Before starting the wash, turn the underwear and socks inside out - this way the epidermis (particles of the outer layer of our skin) will be better rinsed from the material.

- Use the chemistry optimally selected for this type of fabric, recommended by the manufacturer. Choose for thermal underwear made of merino wool - means for washing wool; for the care of synthetic products - means for washing sports fabrics or universal means.

These can be both well-known manufacturers of household chemicals and companies specializing in the production of products for the outdoor market and sports clothing. Wash with liquid detergents - they are better rinsed from the fabric structure.

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Recommendations for the selection and use of special detergents can be obtained from sales consultants in tourist shops.

- Choose the washing mode in the washing machine with the spin cycle at minimum speed.

- As mentioned before, do not tumble dry. Dry the thermal underwear in unfolded form - this way it will not stretch.

- Do not dry the products on very hot radiators/surfaces, in some cases this may leave marks.

- And a separate advice for tourists – do not dry socks very close to the fire during the hike, synthetic socks can melt, and wool socks can simply burn.