PROBLEMS OF CLEANING TEXTILES.

During the past five years, high phosphate (12. 3%P) built detergents have dropped from representing about 75% of the volume of home laundry detergents to less than 10%, as a result of anti-pollution regulations at the state and local governmental levels. In areas where water hardness is less than 50 ppm, these formulations will prevent calcium carbonate precipitation on garments and washing machine surfaces. Since many areas (about 30% of the population) have higher calcium and magnesium hardness, graying of whites, stiffening of hand, and increased abrasion wear will be experienced due to the deposit of crystalline calcium carbonate. Indications are that the best detergents, used in the recommended amount at 90-110 degree F wash temperature, will clean all but the most soiled garments. Most apparel manufacturers are using the cleaning performance instructions provided by the fabric supplier. They do not actually wash or dry-clean finished garments to check out appearance retention properties.