CINET: Latest Research on International Wet Cleaning Technology (Condensed Version)
Release Time:
2019-02-11 14:39
Source:
Background Introduction
The goal of the Solvetex project is to provide reference documents for the textile cleaning industry. In Solvetex VI, the cleaning performance of wet cleaning processes was evaluated under practical conditions, providing standard guidance for professional textile cleaning practitioners.
So far, the Solvetex project has been executed by the Dutch TKT on behalf of CINET. In recent years, new solvents have entered the market, offering new cleaning solutions. There is also a growing demand in the global professional textile care industry for information on the performance of individual new wet cleaning processes, covering cleaning performance, textile product quality, process conditions (including finishing), and the required technical know-how.
The project’s objective is to evaluate the performance of wet cleaning processes by setting minimum international standards on performance requirements, to realistically reflect the quality of current wet cleaning technology. Quality aspects include stain removal, graying, and dimensional changes. This study is based on six major international organizations: Alliance, BUFA, Cole & Wilson, Electrolux, Kreussler, and Seitz.
Project Execution
Quality aspects of wet cleaning, such as stain removal, graying, and dimensional changes, are judged using a textile combination. These tests are conducted by independent research institutions.
A representative textile combination, including:
· Men's sports jacket (polyester/wool)
· Men's sports jacket (100% wool)
· A pullover (100% wool)
The test materials evaluated were:
· Model color swatches with standard stains for spot removal
· Gray wool model fabric
To properly compare cleaning performance, we tested the complete cleaning system, including equipment, detergents or cleaners used, required finishing processes, and the settings or programs used. Pre- and post-spot treatments or any other special pre- and post-treatments are not included. Process conditions are provided by the cleaning system suppliers.
Evaluation is based on the following criteria:
· Stain removal (simulated soils on multiple soil test samples)
· Wool graying (on test samples)
· Determination of textile package appearance
· Dimensional changes of garments after finishing
2.1 Stain Removal
Stain removal is measured using standard water-soluble or non-water-soluble stain samples with standard stains.
· Non-water-soluble stains: pigment/sebum (wool), cocoa/wool grease, olive oil/pigment, machine oil/pigment, pigment/sebum (PET/cotton), pigment/sebum (cotton), egg yolk, grass, cosmetics, and lipstick.
· Water-soluble stains: red wine, coffee, tea, blood/milk/ink, blood, spinach.
The amount of stain removal is measured by a reflectometer's y-value and expressed as % soil removal, defined as: Equation
2.2 Graying
After 10 washes, graying is measured on 100% wool white cloth. Graying is measured by using a reflectometer to measure the y-value of the test fabric, defined as:
2.3 Determination of Visual Appearance
Research institutions visually evaluated bubbles, creases, and ripples on the following garment parts:
· Back of the garment
· Seams
· Front of the garment
· Collar/Lapel
· Covering
After 3 wash cycles, the appearance of garments in these areas was rated as grade 1 (good), grade 2 (medium), or grade 3 (poor).
Dimensional changes were measured by measuring the distance between two marks on the garment before and after 3 wash cycles, expressed as a percentage of dimensional change DC, as shown in the figure.
Dimensional changes of garments were determined by measuring the dimensional change DC (%) at the following garment parts:
· Left arm
· Back length
· Right arm
· Back width
International Standards
· For stain removal, the standard is the total percentage % of soil removal, as shown in formula 1. The removal rate for all non-water-soluble stains should be >100, and for water-soluble stains should be >125.
· The standard for graying is defined in formula 2, and after 10 washes should be <10.
· For visual appearance evaluation, all aspects should be rated 1 or 2 after 3 washes.
· After 3 washes, the dimensional change of garments should be 2% or less. Dimensional changes are measured after finishing.
Results
Process performance tests of six suppliers were completed by an independent testing agency. The stain removal test results are shown in the figure below.
Figure 3 shows the graying change results after 10 cycles.
The dimensional change results of garments after 3 washes are shown in Figure 4.
No supplier received a grade 3 for visual appearance. In summary, the results for stain removal, graying, and post-wash visual appearance meet the wet cleaning quality standards set by CINET. The size variation of coats made of 100% wool and polyester/wool also meets the specified wet cleaning quality standards. The size variation of sweaters is larger. This may be because, contrary to industrial practice, these delicate sweaters are washed and dried together with jackets, so the drying and cleaning processes for coats and sweaters cannot be optimal for both, nor can the finishing process be optimal for both. The applied pressure is set the same, which may not accommodate processes with specific cleaning requirements. If the washing and drying processes for sweaters are optimally set, combined with the optimal setting of the finishing process, this result should be improved.
Conclusion
CINET believes The following suppliers' cleaning performances all meet CINET wet cleaning standards:
• Alliance
• Büfa
• Cole & Wilson
• Electrolux
• Kreussler
• Seitz
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