Course Description:

Garments Washing Process & Procedure (Beginner Level Guide)

Garments washing is one of the most important steps in textile finishing. It improves the look, feel, comfort, and style of a garment. Washing also helps reduce shrinkage, remove dirt/oil, and create fashion effects like faded, vintage, or worn-out looks.

1. Why Garments washing is needed

To remove:

·         Dirt, dust, oil, chemicals

·         Excess color

·         Hardness or stiffness

To improve:

·         Softness

·         Fit

·         Color fastness

·         Appearance

For fashion looks:

·         Stone wash

·         Acid wash

·         Enzyme wash

·         Vintage, distressed looks

2. Types of Garments Washing

A. Basic Wash (Simple Cleaning & Softness)

·         Normal wash

·         Detergent wash

·         Hot wash

·         Softener wash

B. Medium Fashion Wash

·         Enzyme wash

·         Stone enzyme wash

·         Bleach wash

C. Heavy Fashion Wash

·         Stone wash

·         Acid wash

·         Destroy / Ripped effect

·         Whiskering / Scraping

3. Basic Materials Used in Washing

Chemicals:

·         Detergent

·         Soda ash

·         Caustic soda

·         Hydrogen peroxide

·         Acetic acid (neutralizer)

·         Enzymes (cellulase)

·         Softener

Machines:

·         Washing machine (industrial)

·         Hydro extractor

·         Dryer

·         Boiler

·         Spraying cabin

4. General Garment Washing Procedure (Step‑By‑Step)

This is the basic process used in most washing plants:

STEP 1: Garment Sorting

·         Sort by color, fabric type, wash type, weight

·         Check accessories (buttons, zippers, print compatibility)

STEP 2: Dry Process (If needed)

Some styles require manual dry work before washing:

·         Scraping

·         Whiskering

·         Grinding

·         Destroy

·         PP spray (Potassium permanganate)

(Optional but common for jeans)

STEP 3: Loading in Washing Machine

·         Load garments into the industrial washing drum (70–200 kg capacity)

STEP 4: Desizing

To remove starch and size materials:

·         Add desizing enzyme + water

·         Run machine 20–30 minutes

·         Drain water

STEP 5: Rinsing

·         1 or 2 rounds of normal water rinsing

STEP 6: Main Wash

Depending on wash type:

For Basic Wash:

·         Add detergent + hot water

·         Rotation 10–20 minutes

For Enzyme Wash:

·         Add enzyme

·         Control pH (4.5–5.5)

·         Control temperature (45–55°C)

For Stone Wash:

·         Add pumice stones

·         Tumble with garments

STEP 7: Bleaching (If required)

For lighter color effects:

·         Add hypochlorite / hydrogen peroxide

Bleaching must be carefully controlled.

STEP 8: Neutralization

To stop enzyme/bleach reaction:

·         Add acetic acid

·         Rinse well

STEP 9: Softening

To improve hand‑feel:

·         Add cationic softener / silicone softener

STEP 10: Hydro Extraction

·         Water is removed using hydro extractor

STEP 11: Drying

·         Tumble dryer (hot air)

·         Or line drying

STEP 12: Final Quality Check

·         Measure garments for shrinkage

·         Check color

·         Check look & finish

·         Remove extra threads

5. Beginner Tips for Learning Washing

·         Start with Basic Wash → then Enzyme → then Stone → then Bleach

·         Understand chemical functions

·         Learn pH & temperature control

·         Practice sample testing

·         Observe in a washing plant (if possible)