Interactions of Fiber, Finish, and Wash Conditions in Laundering Cotton-Containing Fabrics'

Two shortcomings are attributed to all-cotton durable press fabrics: inadequate wear life and high energy demand care practices. This study reports some specific solutions to these problems. Chemical degradation of durable press treated cotton fabrics due to chlorine/resin reactions can be eliminated by proper resin selection and adequate cure procedures. Physical degradation of durable press treated cotton fabrics resulting from the mechanical process of laundering can be minimized by liquid ammonia pretreatment; which makes all-cotton durable press last longer and also provides a longer lasting wash-wear appearance. Cotton fabrics, even durable press treated cotton fabrics, out perform cotton/polyester blends for soil release and resistance to soil redeposition, even at low wash temperatures. Here again the ad vantages of liquid ammonia pretreatment were evident.