Washing Chemistry Factors Impact on Wool Fabric Shrinkage

Abstract

The washing Chemistry Variables such as water, mechanical agitation, temperature, and spinning are responsible for the efficient washing of fabrics but may cause fabric shrinkage. This study intends to investigate the washing variables above and washing programs designed by the manufacturer so that the textile care service providers may have depth knowledge of their roles in maintaining delicate fabrics such as wool and preventive measures. The approach to this method is an experimental study. The variables under investigation were subjected to real-life washing operations in a washer extractor under varying conditions at a constant load for gravitation effects. The results showed that the machine manufacturer’s program for wool does not prevent wool
shrinkage. Also, the findings indicated that percentage area shrinkage increases as the temperature rise from 300C to 400C, and area shrinkage steadily approaches equilibrium at 600C. Furthermore, findings suggested that percentage area shrinkage was not directly proportional to an increase in spinning speed. Machine default programs variables manipulation indicated a significant reduction in fabric shrinkage provided other variables remained fixed.