Understanding Garment Washing Techniques

Sadman Samin
B.Sc. in Textile Engineering
Textile Engineering College, Zorargonj, Chattogram

Introduction:
Garment washing is a transformation process, in which raw fabrics are transformed to fashionable textiles. It is a complex mixture of art and science, where various techniques are used to modify the appearance, texture or feel of fabrics. We’ll explore the world of garment washing, looking at different techniques, their uses and creative possibilities which designers and manufacturers can take from them.

Understanding Garment Washing Techniques:
A wide range of techniques, each of which has its own characteristics and uses, are used in garment washing. Enzyme washing, stone washing, acid washing, bleach washing are among the most commonly used methods.

There are mainly two types in garments washing.

Dry Wash
Wet Wash

A. Dry Wash:
“Dry wash” typically refers to a garment cleaning process that does not involve the use of water. Dry cleaning processes use chemicals rather than water based solvents to remove stains and dirt from the fabric. The term “dry wash” also refers to a method of washing clothing in which dry processes like brushing, sanding or spray are taken into account so as to achieve the desired effect on fabric appearance and texture with no water consumption. For delicate fabrics or clothing that may be damaged by traditional wet washing methods, this method is particularly suitable. There are five types or more than in the dry wash.

Sand Blasting
Whisking
Hand Scrapping
Potassium per-magnet spray
Destroying etc.

1. Sand blasting:
Sandblasting is a process in which a stream of abrasive material is forced against the surface under high pressure to clean, strips, or etch the surface. In view of the health and environmental concerns associated with sand particles, different types of abrasives, such as garnet, aluminum oxide, glass beads, and steel grit, are commonly used today, although sand has traditionally been the primary abrasive material used for sandblasting.

Here’s a brief overview of how sandblasting washing typically works:

Preparation: The surfaces must be sufficiently prepared before the sandblasting process begins. The removal of any loose paint, rusty or contaminants from the surface to be treated may be part of this process.
Equipment Setup: Sandblasting requires specialized equipment such as a sandblasting machine or sandblaster, an air compressor, abrasive blasters and corrosive materials. In order to contain the abrasive material and to prevent it from spreading uncontrollably, the equipment shall be set up in a controlled environment.
Abrasive material selection: The specific application and type of surface to be treated shall determine which abrasive materials are chosen. The hardness, size and shape of the different abrasives can have a bearing on the efficiency and effectiveness of sandblasting.
Adjustment of pressure and flow: On the basis of the surface to be treated and the desired result, the pressure and flow of the abrasive material shall be adjusted. For more vigorous cleaning and washing tasks, higher pressure or flow rates may be preferred while lower settings are suitable for sensitive surfaces such as etched designs.
Execution of Sandblasting: Once the equipment is set up and the parameters are adjusted, the operator directs the blasting nozzle towards the surface to be treated and activates the sandblasting process. The abrasive material is driven at high speed by compressed air, which is capable of removing contaminants, coatings, or unwanted layers from the surface.
Cleaning and inspection: In order to ensure that the desired result is achieved, the treated surface shall be checked after sandblasting. The surface shall be cleaned of any residual abrasive material and debris and appropriate measures shall be taken to dispose of or recycle the waste material in a safe manner.

Sandblasting washing is used in a variety of industries, including automotive, construction, manufacturing and restoring. It can be used for tasks such as removing paint or rust from metal surfaces, cleaning building facades, etching designs or patterns onto glass or stone, and preparing surfaces for painting or coating applications. In order to minimize health risks and environmental impacts, it is of utmost importance that the safety protocols and regulations in place are followed during sandblasting.

2. Whisking:
“Whisking” refers to a technique used to dry clean delicate fabrics or clothing, in the context of a “dry wash”. Dry cleaning is a method of cleaning clothing and textiles using a solvent other than water, which is called dry cleaning. In this case, the whisking process involves agitation of the solvent and the fabric to remove dirt, stains and odors without the use of water.

Here’s how the process generally works:

Preparation: Stains and damage must be checked in the garment. Before the drying process is started, any obvious stains shall be washed with a disinfectant.
Placing in the Machine: The garment is placed in a dry cleaning machine, which resembles a large front loading washing machine. The machine uses a solvent, typically perchloroethylene (PERC), or a hydrocarbon based solvent, instead of water.
Agitation (Whisking): Once the garment is in the machine, it undergoes a cycle of agitation. This agitation, which is often referred to as “whisking,” involves the drum’s rotation in a washing machine. The movement of the drum helps the solvent penetrate the fabric, loosening and removing dirt, stains and odors.
Drying and Rinsing: The solvent is removed from the machine after an agitation cycle; a fine flow of warm air circulates through the drum to remove any remaining solvents in the fabric.
Finishing: In order to ensure a clean and polished appearance, the garment may be subjected to other processes such as steaming, pressing or spot treatment after drying.

The term “dry washing”, which is commonly used to refer to methods of cleaning at home that do not use water, such as using dry laundry kits or spot treatments, should be borne in mind. Nevertheless, the process involves use of specialized equipment and solvents to ensure a thorough and efficient cleaning while minimizing damage to fragile fabrics in professional drying services.

3. Hand Scraping:
“Hand scraping” is often used in metalworking or woodworking for the purpose of performing a manual machining technique intended to improve the flatness or smoothness of an object. There is a more precise explanation for this:

Process: In order to remove small amounts of material from the surface, hand scraping involves the use of a scraper, a hand tool with a flat blade. The scraper is mounted at a shallow angle to the workpiece, and the operator applies controlled pressure to remove high spots or irregularity.
Purpose: In order to achieve a high degree of flatness, smoothness, and precision on the machined surface, the primary purpose of hand scraping is to achieve a high degree of precision. For the purpose of refining surfaces to precise specifications, this process is frequently employed in conjunction with machine tools such as milling machines, lathes and surface grinders.
Technique: Hand scraping is a skill that requires precision and attention to detail. The scraper is carefully guided over the surface, alternately moving up and down to remove material in order to achieve a clean finish. To achieve very precise tolerances and surface finishes which may be hard or not possible to achieve with the use of a machine only, experienced hand scrapers are capable of doing so.
Application: In many industries such as precision machining, tool and die making, vehicle manufacturing or metalworking, hand scraping is very common. In production of precision components where tight tolerances and fine surface finishes are essential, for example in the aeronautics or medical device sectors, it is commonly used.
Advantages: Hand scraping offers a number of advantages compared to purely machine based surface finishing techniques. It allows for greater precision and control, compensates for minor machine errors or wear, and produces superior surface finish. In addition, when compared to investment in specialized machining equipment for small runs of production or one individual custom component, hand scraping may be more cost efficient.

Overall, hand scraping is an excellent technique for manufacturing and machining operations that enables the production of high quality components with exceptional accuracy and surface finish.

4. Potassium permanganate spray:
Potassium permanganate is a chemical compound that can be used in different ways, such as dry cleaning of some types of textiles. We’ll look at this in more detail:

Permanganate potassium: A potent oxidizing agent widely used in various industrial applications, including water treatment, laboratory studies and medical procedures, is a compound with the chemical formula KMnO4. It can be used as part of a stain removal process in the case of dry cleaning.
Stain Removal: Potassium permanganate is particularly effective to remove naturally occurring stains, e.g. from foodstuffs, beverages or other bio indicators like blood. In dry cleaning, a dilute solution of potassium permanganate may be sprayed onto stained areas of the fabric as a pre-treatment before the garment undergoes the dry cleaning process.
Application: Using special equipment or spray bottles, the potassium permanganate solution is typically used to stain areas of fabrics. The solution reacts with the organic compounds causing the stain and breaks them down into smaller, more soluble molecules that are easier to remove during the dry cleaning process.
Caution: Potassium permanganate is a potent chemical and should be handled cautiously. The solution may cause skin irritation and stains, so it is necessary to take appropriate precautions when handling the solution such as wearing protective gloves and goggles.
Effectiveness: Potassium permanganate may be efficient in the removal of certain types of stains, but it is dependent on a number of factors such as fabric type and stain characteristics. In some cases, sufficient results may need to be achieved by a combination of several treatments or alternative stain removal techniques.

In general, potassium permanganate spray can be an effective tool in the arsenal of dry cleaners to treat certain types of stains on fabrics but it must be applied with caution and according to safety guidance.

5. Destroying:
“Destroying” refers to the accidental or intentional damage of clothing and textile products during cleaning. Dry cleaning is the use of solvents, heat and mechanical pressure to remove dirt, stains or odors from clothing without using water. However, if the handling is not properly performed, some fabrics or clothing may become vulnerable to deterioration.

Here are some ways garments could be “destroyed” during dry cleaning:

Shrinkage: When exposed to heat or certain chemicals, certain fabrics, such as wool or silk, may shrink. During the dry cleaning process, incorrect temperature control or solvent selection may cause garments to shrink, resulting in a loss of size or shape.
Color degradation or bleeding: When exposed to solvents or other cleaning agents, certain dyes used in textile may not be stable and can fade or bleed. This may result in discolorations or stain of the garment, which can cause it to look ugly.
Fabric Damage: Aggressive mechanical action or abrasive cleaning agents used during the dry cleaning process can cause physical damage to delicate fabrics. This may include tearing, pilling or abrasion which can significantly shorten the garment’s life cycle.
Chemical damage: Some fabrics may, through the use of chemicals applied during dry cleaning processes, be subject to a negative reaction that results in discoloration, loss of fibres and other forms of chemical damage.
Embellishment or Decoration Damage: If not treated properly, garments with delicate embellishments like sequins, beads and embroidery may damage easily during the drying process. These decorations may lose or fall off, and the appearance of the garment may be compromised by contamination or contact with harsh cleaning products.

Overall, the term “destroying” refers to unwanted or intentional damage which may be caused by clothing and textiles during cleaning procedures. This damage may occur in a variety of ways, such as shrinkage, color fading, textile degradation, chemical deterioration or embellishments. In order toreduce the risk of garments being destroyed during dry cleaning, it is necessary to ensure proper handling, selection of solvents and maintenance of equipment.

B. Wet Wash:
“Wet wash”refers to the process of washing clothing which involves the use of water and various chemical substances to clean, soften, and alter the appearance or texture of the fabric. The wet cleaning techniques may include, but are not limited to, enzyme washing, stone wash, acid wash, bleach wash and so on.Depending on the desired result, fabrics are typically immersed in water with specific chemicals or additives during wet cleaning. These chemicals may include detergents, enzymes, bleaches, softeners, and dyeing agents. To achieve this effect, the fabric has to be agitated, washed and sometimes soaked.In the textile industry, wet washing is commonly employed to achieve different finishes, effects and styles of clothing such as fading denim or damaged cotton shirts. It enables manufacturers and designers to take into account market requirements and preferences in terms of appearance, texture or taste when designing fabrics.

Types of wet wash:
There are seven types or more than in the wet wash.

Normal wash
Pigment wash
Enzyme wash
Stone wash
Bleach wash
Bleach-stone wash
Acid wash etc.

1. Normal wash:
“Normal wash” is usually used to refer to a standard wash cycle that uses detergents and water for cleaning clothing or fabrics in the context of laundry care. When discussing “normal wash” in the context of wet washing (traditional laundry using water and detergent), it usually implies a regular washing cycle without any special settings or treatments.

Here’s what a “normal wash” cycle in wet washing typically involves:

Sorting: To avoid color bleeding and to ensure a proper cleaning, it is necessary to sort your laundry by color, fabric type or soil level before starting the wash cycle.
Loading: Load the sorted laundry into the washing machine, being careful not to overload it. Overloading may prevent clothes from getting clean and could lead to excessive wear on the device.
Adding detergents: Either adds a suitable amount of detergents to the detergent bottle or directly into your washing machine’s drum. Depending on factors such as load volume, soil level and water hardness, the amount of detergent required may be different.
Selecting settings on your washing machine: Select a normal wash cycle. In order to remove excess water from clothing, this setting will normally use hot water for washing and rinsing cycles then spinning cycles.
Start the cycle: Start your washing machine and it’ll start. To remove dirt and stains, the machine uses an agitation of clothes in a mix of detergents and water.
Rinsing and Spinning: To remove the detergent residue, soapy water shall be drained from the washing machine after it has finished its wash cycle. In addition, before the cycle is over, the machine will be spinning clothes at a high speed to draw water out of them.
Drying: After washing cycle is complete, remove the cleaned clothes from the washing machine and place them in a drier or hang them to air dried according to their fabric type and individual preferences.

Overall, the term “normal washing” in wet washing refers to a standard washing cycle using detergents and water to clean clothes without any special treatment or setting.

2. Pigment wash:
The term “pigment wash” refers to a particular technique used for coloring and changing the appearance of clothing with pigment dyes, when it comes to dry cleaning or customary laundry methods. Pigment wash is a method of applying pigment dyes directly to finish clothing, unlike traditional garment dyeing processes in which fabrics are dyed prior to being cut and fitted into clothes. In wet washing, this is how pigment washing is usually carried out:

Preparation: In order to remove any dirt, oils or impurities that may affect the dyeing process, clothing for pigment washing shall be rinsed and cleaned before being applied. This step ensures that the pigment dyes are uniformly applied to the surface of the fabric.
Pigment application: The surface of the garment is treated with pigment dyes, which are insoluble colorants suspended by a carrier medium. Different methods, such as spraying, brushing or washing the garment in a solution of pigment dye may be used for this purpose.
Penetrating and fixing: Once the pigment dye has been applied, it penetrates the outer fibers of the fabric and adheres to the surface. To help set the pigment dye and to increase colorfastness, heat, pressure or chemical fixing agents may be used.
Wash and Rinsing: The clothing shall be washed and rinsed in order to remove any excess dye and then set the color after application and fixing of a pigment dye. This step will help to keep the dye well on the fabric and reduce the risk of color bleeding or fading after another wash.
Drying and finishing: Pigment washed garments shall be dried in accordance with suitable methods, e.g. air dry or tumble driers. In order to achieve specific textures and appearances, additional finishing techniques such as enzyme washing, stone cleaning or sandblasting may be used depending on the desired effect.

The wet washing of pigments allows for a variety of effects, such as distressed, vintage, or worn in look, to be achieved.

3. Enzyme wash:
To achieve specific effects on fabrics, in particular denim and cotton textiles, enzyme washing is a textile finishing technique used by the garment industry. This is where enzymes are used to alter the appearance, texture and hand feel of fabric. The enzyme wash generally works the following way:

Preparation: In order to remove any dirt, oils or impurities which may affect enzyme treatment, the garments intended for enzymatic cleaning shall first be dried.
Enzyme application: The fabric is treated with enzymes, which are biological catalysts. Celluloses, which break down cellulose fibers in cotton and denim textiles, are the most commonly used enzymes for enzyme wash. These enzymes selectively attack the fabric surface, loosening and removing excess dye particles as well as fibrils resulting in a softer and smoother textile surface.
Reaction time: A controlled enzymatic reaction may take place in enzyme treated clothing for a specific period of time. Enzymes are working on the fabric during this time, breaking down the fibers and removing impurities.
Neutralization: The enzyme activity is interrupted by neutralizing the pH of the fabric once the desired reaction time has passed. This prevents further enzymatic action and ensures that the desired effect is achieved without damage to the fabric.
Wash and rinse: All the dye treated clothing must be washed with soap to remove all remaining enzymes, as well as any loosened dyes particles or impurities. This step ensures the fabric is free of dust and ready for further processing or finalization.
Drying and finishing: Enzymatically washed fabrics are cleaned using the correct methods, e.g. by air or hot water. For the purpose of achieving a particular texture or appearance, other finishes may be used to achieve that effect, e.g. stone washing or sandblasting.

Enzyme wash offers several benefits, including:

Making the fabric soft: By breaking down the surface fibers of the cloth, enzymes make your hand feel softer and more comfortable.
Fading or irritating: Enzymes are capable of selectively removing excess dye particles from the fabric, which can lead to a faded or distressed appearance.
Eco-friendly: Enzyme wash is considered more environmentally friendly compared to traditional chemical treatments, as enzymes are biodegradable and have minimal environmental impact.

In general, enzyme washing is a flexible textile finishing technique that allows garment manufacturers to produce various effects on fabrics and results in unique and trendy colors.

4. Stone wash:
Stone washing is a garment washing process used in the textile industry to give denim and other fabrics a worn-in or distressed appearance. To achieve a faded, softened and vintage look, it involves washing clothes with pumice stones or other abrasive material. Here’s how stone washing typically works in wet washing:

Preparation: Along with pumice stones or other abrasive materials, the clothes to be stone washed are loaded into a washing machine. These materials help to abrade the fabric and create an effect of weariness.
Wet Washing: The washing machine is filled with water, and detergent may be added to help loosen dirt and debris from the fabric. The machine stirs the fabrics and stones together, creating friction and abrasion between the fabrics and the stones.
Stone Abrasion: Pumice stones or abrasive materials rub against the fabric, causing the surface fibers to break and loosen as the washing machine agitates. This process helps to fade the color of the fabric and makes it softer, more textured.
Rinsing: The garment shall be rinsed thoroughly to remove any remaining detergents, stones, or debris after the desired abrasion has been achieved.
Drying: Appropriate methods, such as air drying or tumble drying, shall be used to dry the stonewashed garment. The desired look and texture of the fabric can be set up by this step.
Drying: Additional drying techniques, e.g. enzyme washing or sandblasting, may be used to further improve the appearance of the fabric depending on its desired effects.

Stone washing offers several benefits, including:

Faded appearance: The abrasion caused by these stones is helping to diminish the color of the fabric, making it look worn or antique.
Softening of texture: The stone wash breaks down the textile’s surface fibers, resulting in a softer and more comfortable feel.
Distressed appearance: With subtle variations in color and texture, the irregular abrasion caused by the stones creates a distressed appearance.

Overall, stone washing is a popular method of cleaning textiles and makes it possible for manufacturers to achieve unique and fashionable finishes on denims and other fabrics.

5. Bleach wash:
“Bleach Wash”, also known as bleach treatment or bleaching, is a garment washing process used to lighten the color of denim or other fabrics, creating a faded or distressed appearance. The use of bleach or bleaching solution to selectively remove and lighten the fabric color is involved. In the case of wet washing, here is how bleach washes usually work:

Preparation: The preparation of the clothes to be washed with bleach is carried out by placing them in a washing machine or another suitable wash facility.
Bleach Application: A solution containing bleach or bleach-based chemicals is added to the washing machine along with the garments. Depending on the desired effect and type of fabric to be treated, the bleach concentration and duration can differ.
Agitation: To ensure that bleach does not come into contact with all parts of the fabric, washing machines are agitated by mixing clothing and bleach solution together. The agitation also helps distribute the bleach evenly and promotes a lightening effect.
Reaction time: For a certain period of time the garment can be subjected to normal bleaching. During this time, the bleach will react with dyes in fabric to break them and lighten their colors.
Rinsing: The garments shall be washed with a thorough rinsing, removing any residual bleach and stopping the bleaching process as soon as the intended bleaching effect has been achieved.
Neutralization: In order to neutralize any remaining bleach and to ensure that the fabric is safe to handle and wear, a neutralizing agent may be used in some cases.
Washing and Drying: The bleach-washed garments are then washed and dried using appropriate methods, such as air drying or tumble drying. The removal of any remaining bleach residue and the setting of the desired appearance of the fabric is facilitated by this step.

Bleach washing offers several benefits, including:

Faded appearance: Bleach washes lighten the color of the fabric, creating a faded or distressed look that’s popular for jeans and casual wear.
Customization: In order to achieve the desired level of brightness or distress, the intensity of the bleaching effect may be adjusted, allowing for a variety of unique and fashionable finishes.
Versatility: Bleach washing may be used on a variety of fabrics, including denim, cotton and blends, which make it an ideal wash method for clothing.

Overall, bleach washing is a popular process used to wash clothing that gives manufacturers the unique and fashionable finish of denim or other fabrics. However, in order to achieve the desired effect safely and effectively, careful handling and attention should be paid.

6. Bleach-stone wash:
Bleach-stone wash, also known as bleach and stone wash, is a combination garment washing process used in the textile industry, particularly with denim garments. This entails two steps: bleaching of the fabric to darken it, and subsequently applying a stone wash in order to fade or deteriorate its look. In the case of wet washing, here’s how the bleach-stone wash process works:

Bleaching: If a solution containing bleach or bleach based chemicals is applied to the fabric, the garment to be treated will undergo bleaching. Depending on the desired effect and fabric type, the concentration of bleach and duration of treatment may be different. The bleach reacts with the dyes in the fabric, breaking them down and lightening colors.
Rinsing and neutralization: The garments shall be rinsed thoroughly to remove any residual bleach after the bleaching step. To stop the bleaching process and to guarantee that the fabric can be handled safely, a neutralizing agent may be used at certain times.
Stone washing: The garment is washed with a stone wash after bleaching. In addition to the clothing, pumice stones or other abrasive materials are added to the washing machine. The machine stirs the fabrics and stones together, creating friction and abrasion between the fabrics and the stones. This process will help the color of the fabric to fade further and produce a soft, more subtle appearance.
Drying: The garments shall be rinsed thoroughly before drying, with a view to removing any remaining bleach, stone or debris after achieving the required bleaching and washing effects. Drying is then performed in accordance with suitable methods, such as an air drying or a blow drying process.
Finalizing: In order to further improve the appearance of the fabric, it may be necessary to apply additional finalizing techniques like enzyme washing or sandblasting according to the requirements.

Bleach-stone wash offers several benefits, including:

Fade and distressed look: The combination of bleaching with stone washing results in a fade or damaged appearance which is popular for denims and trousers.
Customization: In order to obtain a variety of unique and fashionable finishes, the intensity of bleaching and stone washing may be changed.
Versatility: Bleaching stone washing may be used on a variety of fabrics, including denims, cotton and blends, which makes it an excellent garment cleaning technique.

Overall, the bleach stone wash process is a popular garment washing process that allows manufacturers to achieve unique and fashionable finishes on denim and other fabrics. However, in order to achieve the desired effect safely and effectively, careful handling and attention should be paid.

7. Acid wash:
Acid wash is a process of textile finishing that mainly uses denim and textiles, with the aim of creating an exceptional and distinctive look. Water and detergents are used in wet washing, unlike dry washing, which usually involves solvent based processes. In wet washing, the acid wash is usually performed as follows:

Preparation: Loading the garment into a washing machine or other suitable washing machines is required to prepare it for acid wash.
Acid application: The fabric is treated with a solution containing a dilute acid, such as sulphuric acid or hydrochloric acid. In order to create patterns and designs, this acid solution is often sprayed or applied directly onto the fabric in specific areas. The acid reacts with the dyes in the fabric and breaks them up, lightens their color. The fabric will have a faded or mottled appearance as a result of this process.
Agitation: In order to ensure that the acid is in contact with all parts of the fabric, the washing machine agitates the garment and aqueous solution together. Agitation helps to distribute the acid evenly and support a desired bleaching effect.
Rinsing: The garment shall be rinsed thoroughly to remove any residual acid and to stop the bleaching process after the desired acid wash effect has been achieved. This step helps to ensure that the fabric is suitable for handling and wearing.
Drying and washing: Suitable methods, such as air cleaning or dry toweling, shall be used to wash and clean the acid washed clothes. This step will remove any remaining acid residues and ensure that the fabric looks exactly how it should.
Finishing: In order to further enhance the appearance of the fabric, additional finishing techniques such as enzyme washing or stone washing may be applied depending on the desired effect.

Acid wash in wet washing offers several benefits, including:

Distinctive appearance: Acid wash creates a unique and fashionable appearance characterized by fading or mottled characteristics.
Customization: In order to achieve various patterns and designs, it is possible to adjust the intensity and distribution of the acid wash effect allowing for a wide range of distinctive finishes.
Versatility: Acid washing may be used on a variety of fabrics, such as denim, cotton and blends, which make it an excellent garment wash technique.

As a general rule, acid wash in wet washing is the most common textile finishing process that allows manufacturers to produce special and trendy finishes for denims and fabrics. In order to achieve the required effect safely and effectively, care must be taken and attention should be paid.