As operators and practitioners of the laundry industry, deeply knowing the characteristics of all kinds of textile fibers is the basis of providing professional services, avoiding laundry accidents, and improving customer satisfaction. Natural fibers have been widely applied in high-end clothes and home textiles because of their natural origin and comfort. However, their washing requirements are more complicated. This article will systematically analyze the characteristics of four natural fibers and their professional requirements for the washing and drying process, and provide corresponding equipment solutions.
Cotton Fiber
The cotton fiber has strong moisture ability, about 25% to 30%. But this also easily causes shrinkage, about 4% to 10%, and develops mold. It has good resistance to alkalinity. Alkaline solutions can be used for mercerizing to make it shinier. However, it’s easily damaged by strong acids like sulfuric acid. Also, cotton starts to yellow above 120°C and will char if the temperature is 250°C.
- Key Points of Professional Laundry and Care
– Water washing is allowed. But it is suggested to wash the fibers gently to prevent shrinkage and deformation.
– The chlorine bleach can bleach white cotton textiles, but the concentration must be controlled.
– Although it is heat-resistant, the drying temperature should be low. This helps prevent yellowing and brittleness.
- Kingstar Washer SHS-2015P and Kingstar Dryer SDR-2015
The Kingstar washing machine SHS-2015 has multiple water levels, temperature control, and spinning speed adjustment. It can use the programs for cotton to wash the cotton textiles so as to achieve low-temperature washing and complete rinsing. This effectively reduces the shrinkage rate. The accompanying Kingstar dryer SDR-2015 adopts a precise temperature control system to maintain the inlet air temperature between suitable ranges, like 60℃ to 80℃. This avoids fiber damage caused by overheating and maintains the softness and luster of the cotton textiles.
Linen Fibers
Linen fiber is the strongest and crispest natural fiber. It quickly absorbs moisture and releases heat, so it isn’t easily moldy. It is also relatively stable when facing acids and alkalis. It can be treated with the mercerizing method. However, high-concentration chlorine solutions easily damage the linen fibers.
- Key Points of Professional Laundry and Care
– Vigorous rubbing and twisting should be avoided during washing to avoid fiber breakage and fuzzing.
– It is suitable for air drying or machine drying at a middle temperature or low temperature. High temperatures easily cause excessive dryness and brittleness.
– The chlorine bleach should be used with caution. It is suggested to use oxygen-based bleach.
- Kingstar Wet Cleaning Machine SHS-2025P and Kingstar Dryer SDR-2025
Kingstar wet cleaning machine SHS-2025P adopts mild mechanical forces and professional wet cleaning solvents, so it can protect the strength of fibers and effectively remove the stains on linen textiles. Kingstar dryer SDR-2025 has a moisture monitoring function that can accurately detect and stop drying when the textiles reach the suitable moisture content. This perfectly maintains the characteristics of linen fibers and avoids over-drying.
Silk Fibers
Silk is a protein fiber with elegant luster, and it’s very delicate. Acids don’t damage it, but alkalis will damage it. Sunlight makes it fade and turn yellow. Salt (like sweat) can leave yellow marks. Chlorine bleach and strong oxidizers should also be avoided.
- Key Points of Professional Laundry and Care
– Professional wet cleaning and gentle hand washing are better. Neutral or weakly acidic detergents should be used.
– Chlorine bleaching and direct sunlight should be avoided.
– The ironing temperature should be low or moderate, and silk clothes should not be twisted vigorously after washing.
- Kingstar Wet Cleaning Machine SHS-2025P and Kingstar Dryer SDR-2025
Kingstar wet cleaning machine SHS-2015P is the ideal choice for delicate fabrics like silk and cashmere. It uses precisely controlled humidity, temperature, and gentle tapping to remove stains and provide care for clothes. This avoids the possible shrinkage, wrinkles, and damage caused by water washing. The inner cylinder is smooth to effectively prevent thread snagging.
Wool Fibers
Wool is warm, but it cannot resist heat. When the temperature is over 100℃, it will become yellow and brittle. It can resist acid, but it cannot resist alkali. Alkaline solutions can dissolve wool. The biggest washing risk is felting. In the joint action of heat, alkali, and mechanical forces, the little scales on the fibers lock together, so the fabric shrinks and hardens.
- Key Points of Professional Laundry and Care
– Neutral or weakly acidic detergents, cold water, or water at room temperature should be chosen.
– Strong mechanical forces like rubbing and high-speed spinning should be avoided.
– Clothes should be laid flat and air-dried. If machine drying is used, the drying temperature should be low and the drying time should be short.
Kingstar Solutions
Kingstar wet cleaning machine SHS-2025P is especially designed for the wool mode for wool textiles. This program removes the problems of lint shrinkage, deformation, and fiber damage caused by excessive mechanical force and loss of control over temperature and humidity by simulating the gentle movements of hand washing, strictly controlling water temperature, and extremely low dehydration speed. Low-temperature machine drying or flat air-drying helps maintain the original quality of the textiles.
For delicate and diverse natural fabrics, traditional washing methods have many risks. They can easily cause damage to the material, hurt brand reputation, and trigger customer complaints. Kingstar is committed to providing professional equipment: Kingstar wet-cleaning machines, washers, and dryers. All use precise temperature control, adjustable mechanical action, and specialized programs for different fibers. Complicated fabric knowledge is turned into simple, one-touch operations.
