FASH 15 textiles care of textile products

care describes: the cleaning procedures used to remove soil & return products to new or nearly new condition appropriate storage conditions …examine the care labels on the clothing or textile products you have with you today—you can help a neighbor if it is easier …using the following list (pg. 478) are there any care terms that you do not understand

care of textile products

soil & soil removal soil is any substance not intended to be on a textile—classified into several categories bases on: type how it is held on fabric EXAMPLES: gum, mud, wax—held on mechanically & removed mechanically by scraping or agitation lint & dust—held on by electrostatic forces & removed by water which neutralizes charge coffee & other beverages—water-soluble thus dissolves in water

detergency refers to manner in which soap or detergent removes soil adding soap or synthetic detergent to a solvent lowers the surface tension of the solvent—allowing things to wet more quickly soap or detergent molecule: organic “tail” has affinity for organic soils polar “head” has affinity for solvent literally dislodges soil

solvents liquid that dissolves other materials—water most common solvent in laundering water: used in washing because it is cheap, readily available, nontoxic, requires no special equipment hardness, temperature & volume affect cleaning other solvents: organic, used in dry cleaning, spot removal or spotting agents perchloroethylene (perc or PCE) most common in dry cleaning dissolve oils, greases, & other stubborn stains

laundering most common means of cleaning consumer textiles appropriate care for textile product depends on: dyes or pigments fabrication finish product construction other materials—trims, support materials, linings, buttons, etc… type of soil extent of soiling

synthetic detergents & soaps remove and suspend soils minimize effects of hard water alter surface tension of water & other solvents synthetic detergents— mixtures of many ingredients—recipe depends upon type which is related to soil, water conditions, regulations & laws nontoxic, phosphate-free, biodegradable, free of perfumes & dyes, all-in-one soaps— produced from naturally occurring animal or vegetable oils or fats—effective in removing oily or greasy stains

synthetic detergents & soaps—additives surfactants builders enzymes antifading agents dye-transfer inhibitors antiredeposition agents perfumes dyes fluorescent whitening agents soil-release polymer bleach fabric softener disinfectant enzymatic presoaks pretreatments starch or sizing bluing

sorting before cleaning, sort items to minimize problems & remove soil as efficiently as possible sort by: color type of garment— work garments & delicate items type of soil recommended care method propensity of fabrics to lint close zippers & buttons to avoid snagging check pockets check for stains, holes or tears & repair as needed

washing machines most contemporary washing machines allow for easy use by providing predetermined wash cycles for today’s textiles follow care labels on clothing & use instruction booklets top loading machines —(vertical axis) efficient at cleaning; use significant water & energy with every load front loading machine —(horizontal axis) larger capacity due to lack of agitator, use less water, cannot open mid-cycle, do not dry out between loads

drying removes solvent from textile recommended procedure generally specified on label machine drying most severe due to abrasion & agitation other options use less energy but more individual effort & time hang dry/line dry—inside or outside drying flat steam dryers vent-free dryers

dry cleaning solvents other than water used to remove soil from textiles because of concerns regarding toxicity & environmental impact, new solvents are available leather & fur— must remove soil without damaging dye or finish & restore oils that cleaning removes complex & expensive process should be cleaned by specialists (part 1) (part 2)

home solvent cleaning products available to “freshen” dry-clean only items at home stain removal solution bag for use in home dryer solvent treated moist cloth always pre-treat stains & test for colorfastness before use

professional wet cleaning commercial alternative to dry cleaning for items labeled “dry clean only”—almost every type of dry- cleanable fabric can be wet-cleaned more complex than home laundering—requires training in selecting & using proper techniques

storage important aspect to consider for textile products storage conditions may influence: appearance quality performance incorrect storage may result in: permanently set wrinkles discoloration dye or print transfer damage from insects, mold or heat acid degradation

other cleaning methods—carpets & upholstery vacuuming —uses suction to pull particulate soil from carpeting, upholstered furniture & wall or window coverings wet cleaning —uses water-based detergents in foam form & has extended drying times dry-foam cleaning —done by hand with foam sprayed on carpet or by employing a machine that deposits detergent solution foam just ahead of agitating brush

other cleaning methods—carpets & upholstery hot-water extraction —fine-spray of hot-water- detergent solution injected into carpet then removed almost immediately by powerful vacuum which also removes soil absorbent powder cleaning —absorbent powders (combining detergents, water & solvents) sprinkled on surface, worked into pile or fabric, removed by vacuuming ultrasonic cleaning —requires special cleaning facility—high frequency sound waves attract soil and remove it from carpet fibers