Soil Remaining on Fabrics after Laundering as Evaluated by Response Surface Methodology

Abstract

Response surface methodology was used to visualize the interactive effects of de tergent concentration, agitation time, and wash temperature on removal of soil from fabrics. Plots of the whiteness index of fabrics after repeated soiling and laundering indicated that maximum whiteness occurred at approximately 0.20% detergent con centration. The wash temperature required for maximum whiteness varied with fabric type. Changes in length of agitation time within the limits of the study had a minor effect on soil removal. Labeled components of synthetic sebum could be completely removed from acrylic and nylon fabrics. Both polar and nonpolar components became trapped in the cotton fibers. Removal of nonpolar triolein from polyester was in complete and decreased as wash temperature increased. Particulate soil, as measured by x-ray fluorescence of silicon, could be completely removed from all fabrics except the acrylic.

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