Wet Cleaning of Textiles

Abstract

Wet cleaning of textiles is a treatment performed in mild acid or neutral water bath with maximum care of textiles. The impart of chemistry (surfactant as main component) is increased while mechanical action, temperature and time are decreased. This process has been developed during the last twelve years with the purpose to safer cleaning compared to those performed in organic solvents. Ecological aspect of wet cleaning is more pronounced than in dry cleaning because waste disposal is not necessary. Water soluble impurities are removed easily while the fat one must be pretreated with water diluted agents before wet cleaning process. Treatment in water is performed with minimal mechanical action at low temperature under addition of special agents which protect fibres from swelling. After the treatment textiles are centrifuged, finished, repeatedly centrifuged and dried in special requested dryer. Depending on the season, wet cleaning process could in the future be an alternative for 30-50 % of dry cleaned textiles.