11.5 Factors Affecting Fabric Care · Part 2

it is weaker when it is wet; careful handling is required in washing of silk Only gentle friction should be used while washing Damaged by strong alkalis, organic acids are used in the finishing Mild detergents should be used for washing Dry cleaning solvents and spot removing agents do not damage silk Bleaches have to be used with care Does not stretch or shrink on washing, has medium resilience due to which it wrinkles during use Needs to be ironed Scorches easily if ironed at high temperature using dry heat It should be thoroughly damp and ironed at low temperature Perspiration also damages the fabric Need to be dry-cleaned and aired properly before storage. Silk gets weakened if exposed for long time to sunlight Should not be dried in sun Resists attack by mildew and bacteria but are eaten by carpet beetles Should not be stored if soiled Rayon Strength of most of the rayons is relatively low and further decreased when the fibers are wet Require careful handling in laundering Chemically identical to cotton, but may be damaged by strong alkalis It is safer to use mild soaps and detergents It is resistant to dry-cleaning solvents and stain removing agents Rayon shrinks on washing Care has to be taken while laundering Fabrics made of rayon tend to wrinkle and stretch easily as their elastic recovery and resilience are low. However, it is easy to iron Mildew and silverfish are harmful to rayon, they are subject to harm by the rot producing bacteria Should be stored in absolutely clean and dry condition and atmosphere. Nylon Very good strength, retains much of its strength when wet It requires no special care Is not affected by alkalis but acids may destroy the fiber Should be rinsed well if acidic reagents are used Dry cleaning solvents, stain removing agents, detergents and bleaches can be used safely. Can absorb dirt from other soiled articles Should be washed separately Does not absorb water and therefore dries up quickly Sunlight is destructive to nylon and causes a marked loss of strength after extended exposure. Not