List of basic washing chemicals & uses in garment washing

1. Detergent

• Chemical Name: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) or Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate (LABS).
• Application: Cleans fabric by removing dirt, grease, and oils; enhances softness and brightness.
• pH Range: 7–10 (mildly alkaline).

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2. Soda Ash

• Chemical Name: Sodium Carbonate (Na₂CO₃).
• Application: Increases alkalinity in the bath; commonly used in enzyme washing and neutralization.
• pH Range: 10–12 (highly alkaline).

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3. Acetic Acid

• Chemical Name: CH₃COOH.
• Application: Neutralizes residual alkali after washing; adjusts pH in acid washing.
• pH Range: 3–4 (acidic).

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4. Hydrogen Peroxide

• Chemical Name: H₂O₂.
• Application: Used as a bleaching agent to lighten fabric and achieve desired shade levels.
• pH Range: 10–11 (alkaline, stabilized with sodium silicate or other stabilizers).

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5. Sodium Hypochlorite

• Chemical Name: NaOCl.
• Application: A strong bleaching agent for creating faded or distressed effects in denim washing.
• pH Range: 11–13 (highly alkaline).

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6. Potassium Permanganate

• Chemical Name: KMnO₄.
• Application: Oxidizing agent used for creating vintage or worn-out effects, especially on denim.
• pH Range: Neutral to slightly alkaline.

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7. Enzymes

• Chemical Name: Cellulase (specific enzyme for removing fuzz and creating a soft hand feel).
• Application: Used for biopolishing, reducing hairiness, and creating abrasion effects on denim.
• pH Range: 5–8 (neutral to mildly acidic, depending on enzyme type).

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8. Softener

• Chemical Name: Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (cationic softener) or Fatty Acid Derivatives (nonionic softener).
• Application: Enhances softness, smoothness, and improves hand feel.
• pH Range: 5–6 (neutral to mildly acidic).

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9. Caustic Soda

• Chemical Name: Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH).
• Application: Used for swelling and softening fibers in mercerization and pH adjustments.
• pH Range: 12–14 (highly alkaline).

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10. Optical Brighteners

• Chemical Name: Stilbene-based compounds (e.g., 4,4'-Bis[(4-anilino-6-morpholino-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino]stilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid).
• Application: Enhances brightness and whiteness by emitting blue light under UV exposure.
• pH Range: Neutral to slightly alkaline.

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11. Sodium Metabisulfite

• Chemical Name: Na₂S₂O₅.
• Application: Neutralizes residual chlorine after bleaching to prevent damage.
• pH Range: 4–6 (acidic).

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12. Wetting Agent

• Chemical Name: Ethoxylated Alcohols or Sulfated Ethoxylated Alcohols.
• Application: Reduces surface tension for better penetration of water and chemicals into the fabric.
• pH Range: 6–8 (neutral).

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13. Anti-back Staining Agent

• Chemical Name: Sodium Polyacrylate or Ethylene Diamine Tetra acetic Acid (EDTA).
• Application: Prevents the redeposit ion of dyes and particles onto the fabric during washing.
• pH Range: 6–8 (neutral).

14.Anticreasing Agent

• Chemical Name: Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) derivatives, fatty acid ethoxylates, or silicone-based compounds.
• Application: Prevents creases during washing, dyeing, or drying by forming a lubricating film on the fabric.
• pH Range: Neutral to slightly acidic (6–7).
• Dosage: 1–3 g/L.
• Benefits: Reduces friction, prevents wrinkles, and enhances fabric quality.