Chapter Eleven: Care and Renovation of Textiles
Objectives
Understand how laundering and dry cleaning affect textiles.
Understand principles of soil removal for different soil types via laundering or dry cleaning.
Classify soiling of textiles into various types.
Relate textile materials to appropriate care requirements.
Key Terms Related to Textiles
Additives: Substances added to cleaning processes to enhance effectiveness.
Soaps & Detergents: Agents for washing.
Bleaches: Chemicals for whitening and stain removal.
Enzymes: Biological substances aiding in stain removal.
Hydrocarbon Cleaners: Organic solvents used in dry cleaning.
Laundering: The process of washing textiles.
Dry Cleaning: Cleaning process using organic solvents instead of water.
Fabric Softeners: Products making fabric softer to touch.
Water Repellents: Finishes preventing water absorption.
Soil Types:
Water-soluble (e.g., soda, coffee).
Non-water-soluble (e.g., grease, oil).
Laundering Process
Uses water combined with soaps, detergents, and additives for soil removal.
Solvent: Water acts as a natural solvent for many soils.
Organizing Factors: Soap/detergent type, water quality, temperature, and fabric weight-to-water ratio.
Considerations: Color separation to prevent fading, optimal temperatures for cleaning, and adhering to care labels.
Soil Types and Removal Strategies
Water-Soluble Soils: Easily removed by immersion in water (e.g., coffee).
Non-Water Soluble Soils: Require detergents or soaps, potentially with heat; more accumulation is challenging (e.g., gravy).
Mechanical Action: Certain soils can be removed by shaking or brushing (e.g., lint).
Chemical Actions: Some stains may require specific treatments, such as bleach for certain soils.
Cleansers
Soaps: Effective in soft water, less so in hard water due to mineral interaction (forms soap curd).
Detergents: Synthetic, effective in hard water, and often include anti-redeposition agents.
Excess Cleansers: Can cause harsh fabric feel and gray appearance if not rinsed properly.
Chemical Additives for Laundering
Surfactants: Reduce surface tension of water, allowing better penetration into fabrics.
Bleaches: Used to whiten fabrics; can weaken fibers if overused.
Water Softeners: Remove mineral hardness from water, aiding soap effectiveness.
Soil Removal Techniques
Soap and Detergent Functions:
Lower surface tension for better wetting.
Dislodge soil from fiber.
Prevent re-deposition of suspended soils.
Stain Removal Strategies: Specific procedures are provided for various stains (e.g., blood, grease, ink).
Dry Cleaning
Uses organic solvents instead of water, primarily for oily soils (e.g., stains from gravy).
Process involves immersion in a solvent, mechanical tumbling for cleaning, and drying without water.
Key Solvents:
Perchlorethylene: Most common solvent.
Hydrocarbons: Used for milder cleaning tasks.
GreenEarth: An alternative, environmentally friendly solvent.
Effects of Finishes on Textiles
Fabric Softeners: Can cause reduced absorption, leading to a build-up of residues and potential decreased effectiveness of finishes.
Antimicrobial Treatments: Protect fabric from microbial degradation under certain conditions.
Water-Repellent Finishes: Prevent liquid absorption but may require specific handling and care.
Trade Associations in Textile Care
Various trade organizations provide professional support and resources for textile professionals, including education on cleaning and care.
Current Technologies in Textile Care
Ultrasonic Washing: Uses sound waves for effective cleaning.
Nanotechnology: Improves properties of fabrics at the molecular level, providing enhanced stain resistance and other functions.
Study Questions to Consider
Importance of consumer stain identification.
Differences between laundry and dry cleaning.
Comparisons of soil removal techniques.
Effects of accumulated dressing on watercolor safety and care.
Identification procedures for effective textile cleaning.