With the introduction of easy-care and durable press fabrics the problems of soiling and soil release have become im portant today. Published literature contains mostly conflicting reports in regard to the effect that the chemical and physical characteristics of the fabric surface have on soiling and soil release. In an effort to understand the mechanism of soiling and soil release better, the various factors responsible for them have been reviewed. Different experimental techniques, especially those dealing with the surface characteristics of fabrics, have been discussed. Performance char acteristics of the commerically availahle soil released finishes have also been considered. It is clear that the lack of proper understanding of the mechanisms of soiling and soil release is responsible for the limited effectiveness of the com mercially availahle soil release agents. This suggests that there is a need for promoting systematic investigations with a view to acquire basic information on various parameters which contribute to the problem.
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