Lesson “Care of clothes made from chemical fiber fabrics.”

Polyester is a material containing polyester fiber as its base. It is a durable fabric obtained through special processing. What are the features of this material, its advantages and disadvantages, as well as types and areas of application, will be discussed today.

Caring for knitwear

As you know, knitwear requires special care. Therefore, in order for knitted home clothes to serve you longer, you should adhere to some rules and recommendations for caring for knitted products, namely:

• First of all, you need to read the label on the product to find out the appropriate washing, spinning, and drying modes.

• Knitwear made from cotton, wool, chemical fibers and their mixtures should be washed in warm water up to 40°C in a soap solution, using mild detergents specifically designed for washing knitwear, otherwise deformation and shrinkage of the items may occur. When washing in the washing machine, use a gentle, delicate wash cycle.

• It is advisable to wash any knitwear by hand and squeeze it rather than rub it, otherwise pilling may appear on it.

• When washing knitwear, you should not use detergents containing all types of bleaches, bioadditives (enzymes), alkalis and their compounds, or colored granules.

• Products of different colors must be washed separately from each other, since lint from one product may stick to another product, and subsequent cleaning will be labor-intensive.

• It is not recommended to soak the product for a long time, no more than 20 minutes. The water should be cool, because in hot water the knitwear shrinks and falls off.

• Products made from artificial and synthetic threads, light-colored products with colored patterns or finishing materials, products with hot-melt patterns, three-dimensional printing or embroidery cannot be soaked or boiled.

• Rinse knitwear first in warm and then in cold water.

• To keep knitted items soft and fluffy, add glycerin to the water when rinsing in a ratio of 1 teaspoon per 1 liter of water. And then rinse again in cold water with the addition of ammonia in the same proportion.

• Knitted items should be wrung out gently, without twisting. It is recommended to briefly wrap the product in a dry towel or sheet.

• Knitwear should be dried flat on a horizontal surface at room temperature. Hanging knitted items is not recommended, as they can stretch and lose their shape.

• It is necessary to iron knitted items from the wrong side and in the direction of the loops with a moderately heated iron, no more than 110°C.

• Remember, if a knitted product has finishing inserts made of suede, leather or fur, it is better not to experiment and take it to the dry cleaner.

• Knitwear has a loop structure, so when wet, you can slightly change the linear dimensions: lengthen or shorten the sleeves, change the length of the product.

• Due to improper care of knitted products, lumps of matted fibers - pellets - often form on them. It is best to remove pellets with a special brush or a special peeling machine.

• Also, if you do not wear the item for a long time, you should store it folded, since hangers can distort the shape of the knitwear. When storing knitted clothes, it is recommended to use plastic boxes to protect them from bugs and moths.

Areas of application

As for the scope of application of polyester, it is very wide. This material can be used to make items that are in demand in a wide variety of fields and industries.

Polyester can be used in the cases listed below.

• When creating travel accessories, including for sewing tents, bags and backpacks, a sleeping bag and even ropes. Due to the properties of the material, the products will withstand extreme weather conditions well.
• For sewing work clothes. Jackets, overalls, and various special items are made from the in-demand material. Such clothes will last a long time, they are practical, convenient and comfortable.
• Polyester fibers are also used to create home textiles, for fillings, toys, and bedding sets.
• Used for interior decoration. This material is used to create wallpaper, furniture upholstery, insulation, and decorative elements.
• Fabrics with polyester fibers are also used for sewing casual clothes. Products made from them will look presentable and beautiful for a long time.

Polyester can be used not only for banners, tailoring and home textiles.

This material has also found application in medicine. Thus, during surgical operations, non-absorbable braided threads coated with silicone are used. It is used in various branches of medicine, ranging from ophthalmology to plastic or cardiovascular surgery. This is a very durable material that does not lose its qualities over time. Products made from it are safe, non-toxic and sterile.

In the food, chemical and petroleum industries, technical polyester filter fabric is used, which has certain properties:

• insensitive to aggressive environments;
• has high fire resistance;
• is moisture resistant;
• has good drainage properties;
• characterized by a long service life;
• environmentally friendly

In the food industry, the material is used in the form of filters used for the preparation of juice, syrup, and dairy products. In the metallurgical field it is in demand as a filter fabric for air purification. Chemists use polyester to produce pigments and purify highly concentrated products. The material is also used as a catalyst in tire, rubber and asbestos cement production.

Polyester coating is relevant in the production of metal tiles, finishing of facade panels, parts for cars and bicycles, as well as road signs and advertising.

Caring for cotton products

Cotton fabrics are durable and resistant to high temperatures, and also absorb moisture well. May shrink when washed.

• For cotton items, it is recommended to hand wash in warm water at 30 - 40°C, or machine wash on a delicate cycle. For colored products, a powder labeled “Color” is recommended. It is not recommended to use powder with bleaching additives, and such products cannot be bleached.

• If the product sheds a lot, it should be washed in cold water and dried flat immediately after rinsing. For rinsing, it is recommended to add salt to the water (1 tablespoon per 10 liters of water).

• If the product is slightly colored, just fill it with hot water with the addition of soda and leave for 10 - 12 hours, then wash and rinse several times.

• Use the dryer only if recommended by the manufacturer. If you dry a product outdoors, you must take into account that fabrics can fade in the bright sun, and negative temperatures can promote bleaching, which is undesirable for colored and black products.

• Ironing is an equally important process, in which you also need to know some subtleties. Cotton is ironed wet from the front side, and if the fabric has embroidery or a print, it is ironed from the back.

• You can iron cotton with a high temperature iron.

Production Features

The material is created by extrusion. Its production is carried out by preliminary melting, then pressing through molds. After the air has cooled, the fabric is drawn and cut to obtain a fiber of the required density.

After such a complex process, it is possible to obtain wear-resistant material with different characteristics. Among the disadvantages, it should be noted that during the production process, toxins are released, which does not have the best effect on nature. But for humans, according to experts, this material is absolutely harmless.

Caring for viscose products

Viscose fiber, when processed differently, can resemble silk, cotton or even wool in its luster and density. Products made from viscose absorb moisture well, but when wet they lose strength, so they require especially careful washing.

• Viscose can be washed in a washing machine on a gentle cycle at a temperature of 30 – 40°C or by hand with washing powder for delicate fabrics or using mild detergents.

• Viscose cannot be rubbed, twisted, much less squeezed in a centrifuge.

• Viscose items can be hung to dry without wrung out, or they can be rolled into a sheet and gently wrung out.

• Iron viscose products damp or through a damp cloth at a temperature of 150°C, with the iron thermostat set to “silk”.

• Products made from viscose fabric can be dry cleaned.

Jacquard

Jacquard fabrics can be different in composition, but they always look impressive due to the large relief pattern formed by a special interweaving of threads. Jacquard products are strong and durable, they do not stretch, retain their shape and rich color. Tablecloths, drapes, curtains, suits and dresses made of jacquard look luxurious.

To prevent expensive fabric from losing its spectacular appearance, you must follow the following rules of care:

• Washable with regular powder at temperatures up to 30°C
• do not use bleach or dry in direct sunlight
• iron only inside out

Caring for modal products

Modal is a modernized viscose fiber, so it needs to be cared for in the same way as viscose products.

• When washing modal items, it is advisable to turn them inside out and avoid using bleaches, as they can cause pilling.

• Due to the fact that the smooth surface of this fiber does not allow detergents to remain on the fabric, making it hard to the touch, modal products remain soft and elastic even after repeated washing, and almost do not shrink, so they are easy to care for.

The best manufacturers

The best manufacturers in Russia producing synthetic material include those listed below.

• VNIISV (Tver). This is the only company in Russia and the CIS countries that includes not only a plant, but also an institute engaged in experimental development. For more than 60 years, the company has been creating various materials from synthetic fibers and fibrous materials.
• "Technoelectrostandard" (Tver region, Tver). This manufacturer specializes in the supply of polyester premixes and other materials.
• "Mogilevkhimvolokno" (Mogilev). Among manufacturers producing polyester products, this company has held a leading position for almost 50 years. It strives to meet consumer demands by providing safe working conditions and reducing negative impacts on the environment.
• JSC "VKhZ" (Vladimir). The plant produces a series of polyethers, which are used to produce polyurethane foam, a foam stabilizer.

In addition, I want to o . The factory produces different types of fabric from polyester threads. This company has been operating on the market since 2002.

Caring for polyester products

Products made from polyester are easy to wash and dry in a machine and can withstand dry cleaning well. Polyester should be removed from the machine immediately after the drying cycle is complete. When ironing, the iron should be warm, but not hot.

• Polyester can be washed in a washing machine at 40°C. At higher temperatures, wrinkles form on the fabric, which are then almost impossible to remove. True, some polyester fibers tolerate temperatures of 60°C.

• White fabrics should be washed with universal powder, colored fabrics with powder for delicate fabrics.

• Polyester can only be slightly dried in a machine at a low temperature, but in no case to dryness. In this case, it is necessary to follow the care instructions indicated on the label so that difficult-to-remove wrinkles do not appear.

• Polyester does not require ironing, but if it is still needed, it must be ironed with a moderately heated iron through a damp cloth, the iron thermostat should be in the “silk” position.

• Polyester items can be dry cleaned.

Kinds

In the textile industry, a wide variety of fabrics are produced based on polyester fibers, which have different densities, differ in texture, appearance, and have different areas of application. The most popular fabrics include polyester, acrylic, microfiber and polyester silk. In this case, the ratio of polyester to other materials can be 30–67%.

Polyester

Polyester products can be used in various industries. This material is usually used to make upholstery for furniture, bedspreads, sofas, and armchairs. This is a great option for creating casual wear and uniforms. Thanks to its durability, water-repellent properties and ease of maintenance, this material has gained considerable popularity. Polyester can be easily dyed in a wide variety of colors; products made from it will not fade or fade under sunlight. Even after a long time after use, plain-dyed fabric will remain attractive.

Lavsan

Lavsan is a synthetic material obtained in the 50s of the last century. It was at this time that it received its name, but in other countries the fabric is called differently. Lavsan has excellent characteristics, it is easy to care for, it does not fade in the sun, and is easily painted in a variety of shades.

Acrylic

Acrylic fabric with a polyurethane coating is quite dense, so it is often used in the manufacture of wallpaper, roller blinds, and stretch ceilings. This is an excellent material suitable for making trade awnings and stalls, banners with advertising slogans and other products that will be used outdoors.

Microfiber

Microfiber is made from the finest polyester fiber. The material has good breathability and water resistance. Microfiber products are quite in demand. This is especially true for people involved in active sports, professional athletes, and amateurs. Suits for sports activities, T-shirts, clothing and linen for the home, etc. are sewn from microfiber.

Polyester silk

Outwardly, it will be difficult for an ordinary person to distinguish products made from natural silk from polyester. As for the density of the fabric, this figure should not exceed 160 kg/m3. The material is used for sewing textiles for the kitchen, curtains, and bedding.

Polyester silk is used to create flags, banners, and is used to make various symbols.

It is also worth noting the supplex, which is a canvas stretching in different directions. This fabric is partly made from polyester. In addition, the composition of supplex may include elastane, lurex, nylon or microfiber fibers.

Polyester is also included in fleece, which was invented in 1979 by scientists from America. It is used when sewing various items with fleece. This material perfectly repels moisture and retains heat. Special treatment of the fabric prevents the formation of pellets on the surface and prevents fire.

Basic symbols

Symbols indicating washing conditions

How to iron things correctly

Ironing things is a labor-intensive process that takes a lot of time. Nevertheless, ironed items look more neat and tidy and absorb dirt and sweat less well. Therefore, you shouldn’t give up ironing. To make the process easier, more enjoyable and faster, use a good iron with continuous steam, burst of steam and spray function. They will help you quickly deal with wrinkles. And the anti-scale protection and self-cleaning function will protect your clothes from stains and marks.

However, it is worth following the ironing rules: temperature conditions, sequence and other recommendations. Some fabrics are better not to iron at all (you should use a steamer instead).

Read the information on the label

Different fabrics require a certain temperature treatment and level of moisture. Therefore, be sure to read the information on the label and follow the recommendations provided.

• Crossed-out iron sign: the item cannot be ironed or steamed.
• A crossed out iron with two lines at the bottom: the item can be ironed, but cannot be steamed.
• A regular iron icon with two lines at the bottom: you can steam the item, but you cannot iron it.
• Iron icon without lines: you can iron and steam the item.
• The dots in the iron indicate the maximum allowed ironing temperature. One point - you can iron at temperatures up to 100 degrees, two points - up to 150 degrees, three - up to 200 degrees.

Do not iron dry fabric

It is much easier to remove wrinkles if the item is slightly damp. Therefore, dampen wrinkled items or use the steam function on the iron. Water will significantly speed up and simplify the process.

Start ironing at low temperature

The iron heats up faster than it cools down. To save time and avoid damaging delicate fabrics, start ironing with them (silk, polyester, acrylic). After ironing thin fabrics, move on to cotton and linen.

How to iron different types of fabrics

• Synthetic fabrics can be ironed with a warm iron using damp gauze.
• To iron a silk item, it is better to use a hand steamer. The steam temperature will not spoil the product, and you will quickly complete the task. If you iron a silk item, first dampen it and iron on low heat. Do not spray the fabric while ironing, otherwise dripping marks may remain on the fabric. Iron dark silk through gauze from the wrong side, light silk from the front.
• Woolen items can be left unironed or ironed at a low temperature using a damp cloth. Be careful: if the iron is overheated, the item may shrink. If your wool item shrinks during washing, dampen it before ironing and stretch it to the desired size.
• Nylon is not ironed. After washing, gently smooth out the wrinkles with water.
• Do not wet viscose items and iron them dry.
• Iron velvet and plush from the inside out.
• Fabrics with long pile, camel hair, velor, soft drape should be ironed with steam from the wrong side.
• Knitwear can be ironed with a hot iron (up to 200 degrees), sequentially applying it to the fabric. You should be careful as knitwear can stretch easily.
• Linen must be ironed damp from the reverse side at a temperature of 180–230 degrees. Use steam to make ironing easier.

How to iron a shirt

The easiest way to iron a shirt is with a hand steamer. No special skills are required for this: pour in water, release steam and direct it to the item. Start with small details, then move on to larger ones.

If you iron your shirt, moisten it with a spray bottle or using a spray bottle on the iron. Start with the collar, straightening and ironing it first from the inside and then from the outside. Then move on to the cuffs. Unfasten and straighten them on the ironing board. Use steam to make it easier. Then iron the sleeves, hems and back.

How to iron a dress and skirt

The dress and skirt can be ironed using either a hand steamer or an iron. Start at the top (neckline, collar, shoulders), then move to the hem.

For the skirt, first work on the pockets and waistband, then the seams and zipper, then the main part of the product.

How to iron trousers

1. Start ironing from the inside out. Press all seams, lining and pockets.
2. Turn the trousers right side out and smooth the top of the item and the waistband through damp gauze, moving and pressing the iron.
3. Fold the pants so that the side and inside seams match. Iron the inside of the legs first, then the outside.
4. Iron the arrows.

Useful tips

• Do not iron stained clothes. Such contaminants will subsequently be difficult to remove.
• To keep ironed items in shape longer, hang them on hangers and let them cool. After this, you can put your clothes in the closet.
• If you don’t know at what temperature to iron an item, try ironing it on a small area of ​​fabric from the wrong side.
• To remove “bubbles” from the knees of trousers or jeans, dampen an area of ​​fabric, cover it with a piece of linen and iron it using a very hot iron. The process must begin from the edge of the site, moving towards the center.
• To make things less wrinkled in a suitcase or travel bag, roll them.

Symbols indicating dry cleaning conditions

Symbols indicating drying conditions after washing

The symbols on the labels attached to the clothing are instructions for the care of the products, which must be followed. By following these instructions, indicated by manufacturers on clothing labels, you can significantly extend the service life of your favorite knitwear products!