NCERT Textbook: Care and Maintenance of Fabrics | Home Science for Class 11 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

 Page 1


203
11
Care and 
Maintenance of 
Fabrics
Learning Objectives 
After completing this chapter the learner is able to —
•	 understand 	 the	 aspects	 of 	 car e	 and 	 maintenance	 of	 dif fer ent	
fabrics. 	
•	 know 	the	pr ocedur e	of	 r emoving	 dif fer ent	stains.
•	 identify	the	 pr ocess 	of	laundry.
•	 describe 	 the	r ole 	 of	water ,	 soaps	and 	deter gents	in	 laundering.
•	 describe	 use	 and	 car e	 of	 the	 fabric	 in	 r elation	 to	 their 	
pr operties.
11.1 Introduction
Y ou	 lear nt	 in 	 some	 of 	 the	 pr evious	 chapters	 about	 the	 significance 	 of 	 fabrics 	
ar ound 	 us.	 They	 pr otect	 and	 enhance	 humans	 and	 their	 surr oundings.	
Car e 	 and	 maintenance	 of	 fabric	 pr oducts,	 e.g.,	 clothing,	 fur nishing,	 or	
any	 other	 use	 within	 the 	 household, 	 is	 very	 important. 	 Final	 selection	 and	
pur chase	 of	 any	 pr oduct	 or	 material 	 is 	 lar gely 	 based	 on 	 its 	 appearance	 in	
ter ms 	 of	 colour	 and	 textur e,	 its	 quality	 and 	 its	 functionality.	 It	 ther efor e	
becomes 	 very	 important 	 that	 these	 characteristics 	 ar e	 r etained	 for	 the 	
expected 	life	 of	the 	material.	 Car e 	 and	 maintenance	 may 	 thus	 include:	
•	 keeping 	 the	material	 fr ee	of	 physical	damage;	
•	 r etaining 	its	appearance:
–	 Removal 	of	stains	and	 dirt	without	damaging 	its	colour	
–	 Retaining	 or	 r efurbishing 	 its	 brightness	 and	 textural 	 characteristics	
such 	as	 softness, 	stif fness	 or	 crispness 	
–	 Keeping	 it	 fr ee	 of 	 wrinkles 	 or	 r etaining 	 cr eases	 or	 r emoving 	 wrinkles	
and	adding	cr eases 	 wher e	r equir ed
unit_4_as_26_7_09_magenta-Final.indd (M).indd   203 2/9/2023   12:04:45
2024-25
Page 2


203
11
Care and 
Maintenance of 
Fabrics
Learning Objectives 
After completing this chapter the learner is able to —
•	 understand 	 the	 aspects	 of 	 car e	 and 	 maintenance	 of	 dif fer ent	
fabrics. 	
•	 know 	the	pr ocedur e	of	 r emoving	 dif fer ent	stains.
•	 identify	the	 pr ocess 	of	laundry.
•	 describe 	 the	r ole 	 of	water ,	 soaps	and 	deter gents	in	 laundering.
•	 describe	 use	 and	 car e	 of	 the	 fabric	 in	 r elation	 to	 their 	
pr operties.
11.1 Introduction
Y ou	 lear nt	 in 	 some	 of 	 the	 pr evious	 chapters	 about	 the	 significance 	 of 	 fabrics 	
ar ound 	 us.	 They	 pr otect	 and	 enhance	 humans	 and	 their	 surr oundings.	
Car e 	 and	 maintenance	 of	 fabric	 pr oducts,	 e.g.,	 clothing,	 fur nishing,	 or	
any	 other	 use	 within	 the 	 household, 	 is	 very	 important. 	 Final	 selection	 and	
pur chase	 of	 any	 pr oduct	 or	 material 	 is 	 lar gely 	 based	 on 	 its 	 appearance	 in	
ter ms 	 of	 colour	 and	 textur e,	 its	 quality	 and 	 its	 functionality.	 It	 ther efor e	
becomes 	 very	 important 	 that	 these	 characteristics 	 ar e	 r etained	 for	 the 	
expected 	life	 of	the 	material.	 Car e 	 and	 maintenance	 may 	 thus	 include:	
•	 keeping 	 the	material	 fr ee	of	 physical	damage;	
•	 r etaining 	its	appearance:
–	 Removal 	of	stains	and	 dirt	without	damaging 	its	colour	
–	 Retaining	 or	 r efurbishing 	 its	 brightness	 and	 textural 	 characteristics	
such 	as	 softness, 	stif fness	 or	 crispness 	
–	 Keeping	 it	 fr ee	 of 	 wrinkles 	 or	 r etaining 	 cr eases	 or	 r emoving 	 wrinkles	
and	adding	cr eases 	 wher e	r equir ed
unit_4_as_26_7_09_magenta-Final.indd (M).indd   203 2/9/2023   12:04:45
2024-25
Human Ecology and Family Sciences
204
11.2 Mending 
Mending 	 is 	 the	 general	 ter m 	 we	 use	 when	 we	 try 	 to 	 keep	 the	 material	 fr ee 	
of 	 damage	 occurring	 in	 nor mal	 use 	 or	 due	 to	 accident. 	 It 	 includes 	 the	
following. 					
–	 Repairing	 cuts, 	tears,	holes	
–	 Replacing 	buttons/fasteners,	 ribbons,	laces	or	fancy 	attachments
–	 Restitching 	seams	and 	hems	if	they	open 	up
These	 ar e 	 best 	 taken 	 car e	 of	 as	 and	 when 	 they 	 occur . 	 It	 is	 absolutely	
essential 	 that	 they	 be	 attended 	 to	 befor e 	 laundering 	 as 	 the	 strain 	 of 	 washing	
may 	lead	 to 	gr eater	loss 	to	 the	fabric.
11.3 Laundry
Every 	 day 	 care 	 of 	 the 	 fabrics 	 generally 	 consists 	 of 	 washing 	 to 	 keep 	 it 	 clean	
and 	 ironing 	 to 	 get 	 a 	 smooth 	 wrinkle 	 free 	 appearance. 	 Many 	 materials 	 often	
require 	 special 	 treatments 	 to 	 get 	 rid 	 of 	 accidental 	 stains, 	 overcoming 	 the	
grayness 	 or 	 yellowness 	 that 	 occurs 	 due 	 to 	 repeated 	 washings 	 and 	 adding	
stif fness 	 or 	 crispness. 	 Laundering 	 includes 	 — 	 stain 	 removal, 	 preparation 	 of	
fabrics 	 for 	 washing, 	 removing 	 dirt 	 from 	 clothes 	 by 	 washing, 	 finishing 	for 	 its	
appearance 	 (blueing 	 and 	 starching) 	 and 	 finally 	 pressing 	 or 	 ironing 	 for 	 a 	 neat	
appearance 	 so 	 that 	 they 	 can 	 be 	 stored 	 ready 	 for 	 use.
 Stain Removal
A 	 stain	 is 	 an	 unwanted 	 mark 	 or	 colouration	 on	 a 	 fabric 	 caused 	 by	 contact 	
and	 absorption	 of	 for eign	 matter ,	 which	 cannot	 be 	 r emoved 	 by 	 nor mal	
washing 	 pr ocess 	 and 	r equir es	special 	tr eatment.
In 	 or der	 to	 use	 the	 right	 pr ocedur e	 for	 r emoving	 the 	 stain,	 it	 is	 important	
to	 identify	 the 	 stain	 first.	 Identification	 may	 be	 done	 on 	 the 	 basis	 of 	 colour ,	
smell	 and	feel. 	The 	stains 	can 	 be 	classified	 as:
 (i) Vegetable stains:	 tea,	 cof fee,	 fruits,	 and	 vegetables. 	 	 These 	 stains 	
ar e	acidic	by	 natur e	and 	can	 be 	 r emoved	by	alkaline	 medium.
 (ii) Animal stains:	 blood,	 milk,	 meat,	 eggs,	 etc. 	 These	 ar e	 pr otein 	 in	
natur e	 and 	 r emoved	by	deter gents	in 	cold	 water	only.
 (iii) Oil stains: 	 oils, 	 ghee,	 butter , 	 etc.	 These 	 ar e 	 r emoved 	 by 	 the 	 use	 of	
gr ease	 solvents	 and	absorbents.
	 (iv)	 Mineral stains: 	 ink, 	 rust, 	 coal 	 tar ,	 medicine,	 etc. 	 	 These 	 stains 	 should	
be 	washed	first 	in 	acidic	 medium	and	 then	in	al kaline	medium
	 (v)	 Dye bleeding:	 colour 	 fr om	 other 	 fabrics. 	 These 	 stains 	 can	 be	 r emoved	
either	 by 	 dilute	 alkalies 	or	acids	 depending 	 on 	the 	fabric	type.
unit_4_as_26_7_09_magenta-Final.indd (M).indd   204 2/9/2023   12:04:45
2024-25
Page 3


203
11
Care and 
Maintenance of 
Fabrics
Learning Objectives 
After completing this chapter the learner is able to —
•	 understand 	 the	 aspects	 of 	 car e	 and 	 maintenance	 of	 dif fer ent	
fabrics. 	
•	 know 	the	pr ocedur e	of	 r emoving	 dif fer ent	stains.
•	 identify	the	 pr ocess 	of	laundry.
•	 describe 	 the	r ole 	 of	water ,	 soaps	and 	deter gents	in	 laundering.
•	 describe	 use	 and	 car e	 of	 the	 fabric	 in	 r elation	 to	 their 	
pr operties.
11.1 Introduction
Y ou	 lear nt	 in 	 some	 of 	 the	 pr evious	 chapters	 about	 the	 significance 	 of 	 fabrics 	
ar ound 	 us.	 They	 pr otect	 and	 enhance	 humans	 and	 their	 surr oundings.	
Car e 	 and	 maintenance	 of	 fabric	 pr oducts,	 e.g.,	 clothing,	 fur nishing,	 or	
any	 other	 use	 within	 the 	 household, 	 is	 very	 important. 	 Final	 selection	 and	
pur chase	 of	 any	 pr oduct	 or	 material 	 is 	 lar gely 	 based	 on 	 its 	 appearance	 in	
ter ms 	 of	 colour	 and	 textur e,	 its	 quality	 and 	 its	 functionality.	 It	 ther efor e	
becomes 	 very	 important 	 that	 these	 characteristics 	 ar e	 r etained	 for	 the 	
expected 	life	 of	the 	material.	 Car e 	 and	 maintenance	 may 	 thus	 include:	
•	 keeping 	 the	material	 fr ee	of	 physical	damage;	
•	 r etaining 	its	appearance:
–	 Removal 	of	stains	and	 dirt	without	damaging 	its	colour	
–	 Retaining	 or	 r efurbishing 	 its	 brightness	 and	 textural 	 characteristics	
such 	as	 softness, 	stif fness	 or	 crispness 	
–	 Keeping	 it	 fr ee	 of 	 wrinkles 	 or	 r etaining 	 cr eases	 or	 r emoving 	 wrinkles	
and	adding	cr eases 	 wher e	r equir ed
unit_4_as_26_7_09_magenta-Final.indd (M).indd   203 2/9/2023   12:04:45
2024-25
Human Ecology and Family Sciences
204
11.2 Mending 
Mending 	 is 	 the	 general	 ter m 	 we	 use	 when	 we	 try 	 to 	 keep	 the	 material	 fr ee 	
of 	 damage	 occurring	 in	 nor mal	 use 	 or	 due	 to	 accident. 	 It 	 includes 	 the	
following. 					
–	 Repairing	 cuts, 	tears,	holes	
–	 Replacing 	buttons/fasteners,	 ribbons,	laces	or	fancy 	attachments
–	 Restitching 	seams	and 	hems	if	they	open 	up
These	 ar e 	 best 	 taken 	 car e	 of	 as	 and	 when 	 they 	 occur . 	 It	 is	 absolutely	
essential 	 that	 they	 be	 attended 	 to	 befor e 	 laundering 	 as 	 the	 strain 	 of 	 washing	
may 	lead	 to 	gr eater	loss 	to	 the	fabric.
11.3 Laundry
Every 	 day 	 care 	 of 	 the 	 fabrics 	 generally 	 consists 	 of 	 washing 	 to 	 keep 	 it 	 clean	
and 	 ironing 	 to 	 get 	 a 	 smooth 	 wrinkle 	 free 	 appearance. 	 Many 	 materials 	 often	
require 	 special 	 treatments 	 to 	 get 	 rid 	 of 	 accidental 	 stains, 	 overcoming 	 the	
grayness 	 or 	 yellowness 	 that 	 occurs 	 due 	 to 	 repeated 	 washings 	 and 	 adding	
stif fness 	 or 	 crispness. 	 Laundering 	 includes 	 — 	 stain 	 removal, 	 preparation 	 of	
fabrics 	 for 	 washing, 	 removing 	 dirt 	 from 	 clothes 	 by 	 washing, 	 finishing 	for 	 its	
appearance 	 (blueing 	 and 	 starching) 	 and 	 finally 	 pressing 	 or 	 ironing 	 for 	 a 	 neat	
appearance 	 so 	 that 	 they 	 can 	 be 	 stored 	 ready 	 for 	 use.
 Stain Removal
A 	 stain	 is 	 an	 unwanted 	 mark 	 or	 colouration	 on	 a 	 fabric 	 caused 	 by	 contact 	
and	 absorption	 of	 for eign	 matter ,	 which	 cannot	 be 	 r emoved 	 by 	 nor mal	
washing 	 pr ocess 	 and 	r equir es	special 	tr eatment.
In 	 or der	 to	 use	 the	 right	 pr ocedur e	 for	 r emoving	 the 	 stain,	 it	 is	 important	
to	 identify	 the 	 stain	 first.	 Identification	 may	 be	 done	 on 	 the 	 basis	 of 	 colour ,	
smell	 and	feel. 	The 	stains 	can 	 be 	classified	 as:
 (i) Vegetable stains:	 tea,	 cof fee,	 fruits,	 and	 vegetables. 	 	 These 	 stains 	
ar e	acidic	by	 natur e	and 	can	 be 	 r emoved	by	alkaline	 medium.
 (ii) Animal stains:	 blood,	 milk,	 meat,	 eggs,	 etc. 	 These	 ar e	 pr otein 	 in	
natur e	 and 	 r emoved	by	deter gents	in 	cold	 water	only.
 (iii) Oil stains: 	 oils, 	 ghee,	 butter , 	 etc.	 These 	 ar e 	 r emoved 	 by 	 the 	 use	 of	
gr ease	 solvents	 and	absorbents.
	 (iv)	 Mineral stains: 	 ink, 	 rust, 	 coal 	 tar ,	 medicine,	 etc. 	 	 These 	 stains 	 should	
be 	washed	first 	in 	acidic	 medium	and	 then	in	al kaline	medium
	 (v)	 Dye bleeding:	 colour 	 fr om	 other 	 fabrics. 	 These 	 stains 	 can	 be	 r emoved	
either	 by 	 dilute	 alkalies 	or	acids	 depending 	 on 	the 	fabric	type.
unit_4_as_26_7_09_magenta-Final.indd (M).indd   204 2/9/2023   12:04:45
2024-25
205
Care and Maintenance of Fabrics
Removal of Stains – General Considerations
 y Stain is best removed when fresh.
 y Identify the stain and use the right procedure for its removal.
 y For unknown stains, start with a simple process and move to a complex one.
 y Repeated use of milder reagent is better than one time use of a strong agent.
 y Wash all fabrics with soapy solution after stain removal to remove all traces of      
chemicals from it.
 y Dry fabrics in the sun as sunlight acts as natural bleach.
 y For delicate fabrics try out the chemicals on a small portion of fabric; if they damage 
the fabric, do not use them.
 (i) Techniques of stain removal 
(a)	 Scraping: 	 built	 up	 sur face 	 stains 	 can 	 be	 scraped	 lightly	 using 	 a	
blunt	knife.
(b)	 Dipping: 	 The 	 stained 	 material	 is	 dipped	 into	 the	 r eagent 	 and	
scrubbed.	
(c)	 Sponging:	 The	 stained	 ar ea	 is	 placed	 on	 a	 flat	 sur face.	 The	 r eagent 	
is	 applied	 with 	 a 	 sponge 	 on	 the	 stained 	 ar ea	 and 	 absorbed	 by 	 the	
blotting	paper 	laid	under neath.
(d)	 Dr op	 Method:	 The	 stained 	 cloth	 is	 str etched 	 over	 a	 bowl. 	 The	
r eagent 	is	 put 	 on	it	with 	 a	dr opper .	
(ii) Stain removers/reagents for stain removal: 	 The	 various	 r eagents 	 used	
for	 stain 	 r emoval 	 should	 be	 used	 in	 liquid	 for m	 and 	 in	 concentrations	
r ecommended 	 for	 their	 use. 	 These	 r eagents 	 can	 be	 gr ouped	 as	 follows: 	
(a)	 Gr ease 	 solvents:	 Turpentine,	 ker osene,	 white	 petr ol,	 methylated	
spirit,	acetone,	 carbon	tetra 	chloride	
(b)	 Gr ease 	 absorbents:	 Bran,	 Fuller’s	 earth, 	 talcum	 powder ,	 star ch,	
Fr ench 	chalk	
(c)	 Emulsifiers:	Soaps,	deter gents
(d)	 Acidic	 r eagents: 	 	 Acetic	 acid	 (vinegar),	 oxalic	 acid, 	 lemon,	 	 tomato, 	
sour	milk,	cur ds 	
(e)	 Alkaline	r eagents:	Ammonia,	borax,	 baking	soda
(f)	 Bleaching 	 agents:	
•	 Oxidising 	 bleaches:	 Sunlight,	 sodium	 hypochlorite 	 (javelle	
water),	 sodium	perborate, 	 hydr ogen 	per oxide
•	 Reducing 	 bleaches:	 Sodium	 hydr osulphite, 	 sodium	 bisulphate,	
sodium	thiosulphate
unit_4_as_26_7_09_magenta-Final.indd (M).indd   205 2/9/2023   12:04:45
2024-25
Page 4


203
11
Care and 
Maintenance of 
Fabrics
Learning Objectives 
After completing this chapter the learner is able to —
•	 understand 	 the	 aspects	 of 	 car e	 and 	 maintenance	 of	 dif fer ent	
fabrics. 	
•	 know 	the	pr ocedur e	of	 r emoving	 dif fer ent	stains.
•	 identify	the	 pr ocess 	of	laundry.
•	 describe 	 the	r ole 	 of	water ,	 soaps	and 	deter gents	in	 laundering.
•	 describe	 use	 and	 car e	 of	 the	 fabric	 in	 r elation	 to	 their 	
pr operties.
11.1 Introduction
Y ou	 lear nt	 in 	 some	 of 	 the	 pr evious	 chapters	 about	 the	 significance 	 of 	 fabrics 	
ar ound 	 us.	 They	 pr otect	 and	 enhance	 humans	 and	 their	 surr oundings.	
Car e 	 and	 maintenance	 of	 fabric	 pr oducts,	 e.g.,	 clothing,	 fur nishing,	 or	
any	 other	 use	 within	 the 	 household, 	 is	 very	 important. 	 Final	 selection	 and	
pur chase	 of	 any	 pr oduct	 or	 material 	 is 	 lar gely 	 based	 on 	 its 	 appearance	 in	
ter ms 	 of	 colour	 and	 textur e,	 its	 quality	 and 	 its	 functionality.	 It	 ther efor e	
becomes 	 very	 important 	 that	 these	 characteristics 	 ar e	 r etained	 for	 the 	
expected 	life	 of	the 	material.	 Car e 	 and	 maintenance	 may 	 thus	 include:	
•	 keeping 	 the	material	 fr ee	of	 physical	damage;	
•	 r etaining 	its	appearance:
–	 Removal 	of	stains	and	 dirt	without	damaging 	its	colour	
–	 Retaining	 or	 r efurbishing 	 its	 brightness	 and	 textural 	 characteristics	
such 	as	 softness, 	stif fness	 or	 crispness 	
–	 Keeping	 it	 fr ee	 of 	 wrinkles 	 or	 r etaining 	 cr eases	 or	 r emoving 	 wrinkles	
and	adding	cr eases 	 wher e	r equir ed
unit_4_as_26_7_09_magenta-Final.indd (M).indd   203 2/9/2023   12:04:45
2024-25
Human Ecology and Family Sciences
204
11.2 Mending 
Mending 	 is 	 the	 general	 ter m 	 we	 use	 when	 we	 try 	 to 	 keep	 the	 material	 fr ee 	
of 	 damage	 occurring	 in	 nor mal	 use 	 or	 due	 to	 accident. 	 It 	 includes 	 the	
following. 					
–	 Repairing	 cuts, 	tears,	holes	
–	 Replacing 	buttons/fasteners,	 ribbons,	laces	or	fancy 	attachments
–	 Restitching 	seams	and 	hems	if	they	open 	up
These	 ar e 	 best 	 taken 	 car e	 of	 as	 and	 when 	 they 	 occur . 	 It	 is	 absolutely	
essential 	 that	 they	 be	 attended 	 to	 befor e 	 laundering 	 as 	 the	 strain 	 of 	 washing	
may 	lead	 to 	gr eater	loss 	to	 the	fabric.
11.3 Laundry
Every 	 day 	 care 	 of 	 the 	 fabrics 	 generally 	 consists 	 of 	 washing 	 to 	 keep 	 it 	 clean	
and 	 ironing 	 to 	 get 	 a 	 smooth 	 wrinkle 	 free 	 appearance. 	 Many 	 materials 	 often	
require 	 special 	 treatments 	 to 	 get 	 rid 	 of 	 accidental 	 stains, 	 overcoming 	 the	
grayness 	 or 	 yellowness 	 that 	 occurs 	 due 	 to 	 repeated 	 washings 	 and 	 adding	
stif fness 	 or 	 crispness. 	 Laundering 	 includes 	 — 	 stain 	 removal, 	 preparation 	 of	
fabrics 	 for 	 washing, 	 removing 	 dirt 	 from 	 clothes 	 by 	 washing, 	 finishing 	for 	 its	
appearance 	 (blueing 	 and 	 starching) 	 and 	 finally 	 pressing 	 or 	 ironing 	 for 	 a 	 neat	
appearance 	 so 	 that 	 they 	 can 	 be 	 stored 	 ready 	 for 	 use.
 Stain Removal
A 	 stain	 is 	 an	 unwanted 	 mark 	 or	 colouration	 on	 a 	 fabric 	 caused 	 by	 contact 	
and	 absorption	 of	 for eign	 matter ,	 which	 cannot	 be 	 r emoved 	 by 	 nor mal	
washing 	 pr ocess 	 and 	r equir es	special 	tr eatment.
In 	 or der	 to	 use	 the	 right	 pr ocedur e	 for	 r emoving	 the 	 stain,	 it	 is	 important	
to	 identify	 the 	 stain	 first.	 Identification	 may	 be	 done	 on 	 the 	 basis	 of 	 colour ,	
smell	 and	feel. 	The 	stains 	can 	 be 	classified	 as:
 (i) Vegetable stains:	 tea,	 cof fee,	 fruits,	 and	 vegetables. 	 	 These 	 stains 	
ar e	acidic	by	 natur e	and 	can	 be 	 r emoved	by	alkaline	 medium.
 (ii) Animal stains:	 blood,	 milk,	 meat,	 eggs,	 etc. 	 These	 ar e	 pr otein 	 in	
natur e	 and 	 r emoved	by	deter gents	in 	cold	 water	only.
 (iii) Oil stains: 	 oils, 	 ghee,	 butter , 	 etc.	 These 	 ar e 	 r emoved 	 by 	 the 	 use	 of	
gr ease	 solvents	 and	absorbents.
	 (iv)	 Mineral stains: 	 ink, 	 rust, 	 coal 	 tar ,	 medicine,	 etc. 	 	 These 	 stains 	 should	
be 	washed	first 	in 	acidic	 medium	and	 then	in	al kaline	medium
	 (v)	 Dye bleeding:	 colour 	 fr om	 other 	 fabrics. 	 These 	 stains 	 can	 be	 r emoved	
either	 by 	 dilute	 alkalies 	or	acids	 depending 	 on 	the 	fabric	type.
unit_4_as_26_7_09_magenta-Final.indd (M).indd   204 2/9/2023   12:04:45
2024-25
205
Care and Maintenance of Fabrics
Removal of Stains – General Considerations
 y Stain is best removed when fresh.
 y Identify the stain and use the right procedure for its removal.
 y For unknown stains, start with a simple process and move to a complex one.
 y Repeated use of milder reagent is better than one time use of a strong agent.
 y Wash all fabrics with soapy solution after stain removal to remove all traces of      
chemicals from it.
 y Dry fabrics in the sun as sunlight acts as natural bleach.
 y For delicate fabrics try out the chemicals on a small portion of fabric; if they damage 
the fabric, do not use them.
 (i) Techniques of stain removal 
(a)	 Scraping: 	 built	 up	 sur face 	 stains 	 can 	 be	 scraped	 lightly	 using 	 a	
blunt	knife.
(b)	 Dipping: 	 The 	 stained 	 material	 is	 dipped	 into	 the	 r eagent 	 and	
scrubbed.	
(c)	 Sponging:	 The	 stained	 ar ea	 is	 placed	 on	 a	 flat	 sur face.	 The	 r eagent 	
is	 applied	 with 	 a 	 sponge 	 on	 the	 stained 	 ar ea	 and 	 absorbed	 by 	 the	
blotting	paper 	laid	under neath.
(d)	 Dr op	 Method:	 The	 stained 	 cloth	 is	 str etched 	 over	 a	 bowl. 	 The	
r eagent 	is	 put 	 on	it	with 	 a	dr opper .	
(ii) Stain removers/reagents for stain removal: 	 The	 various	 r eagents 	 used	
for	 stain 	 r emoval 	 should	 be	 used	 in	 liquid	 for m	 and 	 in	 concentrations	
r ecommended 	 for	 their	 use. 	 These	 r eagents 	 can	 be	 gr ouped	 as	 follows: 	
(a)	 Gr ease 	 solvents:	 Turpentine,	 ker osene,	 white	 petr ol,	 methylated	
spirit,	acetone,	 carbon	tetra 	chloride	
(b)	 Gr ease 	 absorbents:	 Bran,	 Fuller’s	 earth, 	 talcum	 powder ,	 star ch,	
Fr ench 	chalk	
(c)	 Emulsifiers:	Soaps,	deter gents
(d)	 Acidic	 r eagents: 	 	 Acetic	 acid	 (vinegar),	 oxalic	 acid, 	 lemon,	 	 tomato, 	
sour	milk,	cur ds 	
(e)	 Alkaline	r eagents:	Ammonia,	borax,	 baking	soda
(f)	 Bleaching 	 agents:	
•	 Oxidising 	 bleaches:	 Sunlight,	 sodium	 hypochlorite 	 (javelle	
water),	 sodium	perborate, 	 hydr ogen 	per oxide
•	 Reducing 	 bleaches:	 Sodium	 hydr osulphite, 	 sodium	 bisulphate,	
sodium	thiosulphate
unit_4_as_26_7_09_magenta-Final.indd (M).indd   205 2/9/2023   12:04:45
2024-25
Human Ecology and Family Sciences
206
Table 1: Common stains and the method of removing them from cotton fabric
Stain Method of removal
Adhesive Tape y Harden with ice, scrape off, apply any solvent
Blood y Fresh stain – wash with cold water
 y Old stain – soak in salt solution, rub and wash
Ballpoint pen y Keep a blotting paper under it and sponge with methylated 
spirit
Candle wax y Soak in cold water immediately, scrape off, dip in white 
vinegar, rinse with cold water
Chewing gum y Apply ice, scrape off, soak in cold water, sponge with a solvent  
Chocolate y Soak in cold water, in hypochlorite bleach (javelle water)
Curry
(Turmeric & oil)
 y Wash with soap and water, bleach in sun. 
 y Keep blotting paper under fresh stain and iron it. Then   
wash with soap and water. 
 y Old stains can be removed by soaking in javelle water
Egg y Wash with cold water, wash with soap and lukewarm water.
Fruits and Vegetables y Apply starch paste on fresh stain. Then rub and wash. 
 y Use borax, salt and hot water to remove it.
Grease y Dip in or sponge with grease solvents — petrol, spirit or 
kerosene oil. Wash with hot water and soap.
 y Apply starch paste and dry in shade. After doing it 2-3 times 
it will be removed. 
 y Soak in javelle water and wash with soap and water.
Ink y Fresh stain can be removed by soap and water.
 y Apply lemon juice, curd or sour milk and salt and dry. 
 y Javelle water can remove stain. 
 y Rub in potassium permanganate solution and then dip in 
oxalic acid.
Ice Cream  y Sponge with a grease solvent, wash in hot soapy water. 
Lipstick y Soak in methylated spirit, wash with soap and water.
 y Rub glycerine, wash with soap.
Medicines  y Dip in methyl alcohol, or in a dilute solution of oxalic acid. 
Wash with hot water.   
Mildew  y Sponge with hypochlorite bleach 
Milk or cream y Sponge with a solvent. Wash in cold water. 
Paint or Polish y Rub with kerosene and/or turpentine oil.
 y Bleach with sodium thiosulphate.
Rust y Soak in oxalic acid and rub.
 y Treat as for ink stain.
Scorch y Sponge with hydrogen peroxide. Stain will not be removed 
if ??bre has been damaged. 
Note: 
unit_4_as_26_7_09_magenta-Final.indd (M).indd   206 2/9/2023   12:04:45
2024-25
Page 5


203
11
Care and 
Maintenance of 
Fabrics
Learning Objectives 
After completing this chapter the learner is able to —
•	 understand 	 the	 aspects	 of 	 car e	 and 	 maintenance	 of	 dif fer ent	
fabrics. 	
•	 know 	the	pr ocedur e	of	 r emoving	 dif fer ent	stains.
•	 identify	the	 pr ocess 	of	laundry.
•	 describe 	 the	r ole 	 of	water ,	 soaps	and 	deter gents	in	 laundering.
•	 describe	 use	 and	 car e	 of	 the	 fabric	 in	 r elation	 to	 their 	
pr operties.
11.1 Introduction
Y ou	 lear nt	 in 	 some	 of 	 the	 pr evious	 chapters	 about	 the	 significance 	 of 	 fabrics 	
ar ound 	 us.	 They	 pr otect	 and	 enhance	 humans	 and	 their	 surr oundings.	
Car e 	 and	 maintenance	 of	 fabric	 pr oducts,	 e.g.,	 clothing,	 fur nishing,	 or	
any	 other	 use	 within	 the 	 household, 	 is	 very	 important. 	 Final	 selection	 and	
pur chase	 of	 any	 pr oduct	 or	 material 	 is 	 lar gely 	 based	 on 	 its 	 appearance	 in	
ter ms 	 of	 colour	 and	 textur e,	 its	 quality	 and 	 its	 functionality.	 It	 ther efor e	
becomes 	 very	 important 	 that	 these	 characteristics 	 ar e	 r etained	 for	 the 	
expected 	life	 of	the 	material.	 Car e 	 and	 maintenance	 may 	 thus	 include:	
•	 keeping 	 the	material	 fr ee	of	 physical	damage;	
•	 r etaining 	its	appearance:
–	 Removal 	of	stains	and	 dirt	without	damaging 	its	colour	
–	 Retaining	 or	 r efurbishing 	 its	 brightness	 and	 textural 	 characteristics	
such 	as	 softness, 	stif fness	 or	 crispness 	
–	 Keeping	 it	 fr ee	 of 	 wrinkles 	 or	 r etaining 	 cr eases	 or	 r emoving 	 wrinkles	
and	adding	cr eases 	 wher e	r equir ed
unit_4_as_26_7_09_magenta-Final.indd (M).indd   203 2/9/2023   12:04:45
2024-25
Human Ecology and Family Sciences
204
11.2 Mending 
Mending 	 is 	 the	 general	 ter m 	 we	 use	 when	 we	 try 	 to 	 keep	 the	 material	 fr ee 	
of 	 damage	 occurring	 in	 nor mal	 use 	 or	 due	 to	 accident. 	 It 	 includes 	 the	
following. 					
–	 Repairing	 cuts, 	tears,	holes	
–	 Replacing 	buttons/fasteners,	 ribbons,	laces	or	fancy 	attachments
–	 Restitching 	seams	and 	hems	if	they	open 	up
These	 ar e 	 best 	 taken 	 car e	 of	 as	 and	 when 	 they 	 occur . 	 It	 is	 absolutely	
essential 	 that	 they	 be	 attended 	 to	 befor e 	 laundering 	 as 	 the	 strain 	 of 	 washing	
may 	lead	 to 	gr eater	loss 	to	 the	fabric.
11.3 Laundry
Every 	 day 	 care 	 of 	 the 	 fabrics 	 generally 	 consists 	 of 	 washing 	 to 	 keep 	 it 	 clean	
and 	 ironing 	 to 	 get 	 a 	 smooth 	 wrinkle 	 free 	 appearance. 	 Many 	 materials 	 often	
require 	 special 	 treatments 	 to 	 get 	 rid 	 of 	 accidental 	 stains, 	 overcoming 	 the	
grayness 	 or 	 yellowness 	 that 	 occurs 	 due 	 to 	 repeated 	 washings 	 and 	 adding	
stif fness 	 or 	 crispness. 	 Laundering 	 includes 	 — 	 stain 	 removal, 	 preparation 	 of	
fabrics 	 for 	 washing, 	 removing 	 dirt 	 from 	 clothes 	 by 	 washing, 	 finishing 	for 	 its	
appearance 	 (blueing 	 and 	 starching) 	 and 	 finally 	 pressing 	 or 	 ironing 	 for 	 a 	 neat	
appearance 	 so 	 that 	 they 	 can 	 be 	 stored 	 ready 	 for 	 use.
 Stain Removal
A 	 stain	 is 	 an	 unwanted 	 mark 	 or	 colouration	 on	 a 	 fabric 	 caused 	 by	 contact 	
and	 absorption	 of	 for eign	 matter ,	 which	 cannot	 be 	 r emoved 	 by 	 nor mal	
washing 	 pr ocess 	 and 	r equir es	special 	tr eatment.
In 	 or der	 to	 use	 the	 right	 pr ocedur e	 for	 r emoving	 the 	 stain,	 it	 is	 important	
to	 identify	 the 	 stain	 first.	 Identification	 may	 be	 done	 on 	 the 	 basis	 of 	 colour ,	
smell	 and	feel. 	The 	stains 	can 	 be 	classified	 as:
 (i) Vegetable stains:	 tea,	 cof fee,	 fruits,	 and	 vegetables. 	 	 These 	 stains 	
ar e	acidic	by	 natur e	and 	can	 be 	 r emoved	by	alkaline	 medium.
 (ii) Animal stains:	 blood,	 milk,	 meat,	 eggs,	 etc. 	 These	 ar e	 pr otein 	 in	
natur e	 and 	 r emoved	by	deter gents	in 	cold	 water	only.
 (iii) Oil stains: 	 oils, 	 ghee,	 butter , 	 etc.	 These 	 ar e 	 r emoved 	 by 	 the 	 use	 of	
gr ease	 solvents	 and	absorbents.
	 (iv)	 Mineral stains: 	 ink, 	 rust, 	 coal 	 tar ,	 medicine,	 etc. 	 	 These 	 stains 	 should	
be 	washed	first 	in 	acidic	 medium	and	 then	in	al kaline	medium
	 (v)	 Dye bleeding:	 colour 	 fr om	 other 	 fabrics. 	 These 	 stains 	 can	 be	 r emoved	
either	 by 	 dilute	 alkalies 	or	acids	 depending 	 on 	the 	fabric	type.
unit_4_as_26_7_09_magenta-Final.indd (M).indd   204 2/9/2023   12:04:45
2024-25
205
Care and Maintenance of Fabrics
Removal of Stains – General Considerations
 y Stain is best removed when fresh.
 y Identify the stain and use the right procedure for its removal.
 y For unknown stains, start with a simple process and move to a complex one.
 y Repeated use of milder reagent is better than one time use of a strong agent.
 y Wash all fabrics with soapy solution after stain removal to remove all traces of      
chemicals from it.
 y Dry fabrics in the sun as sunlight acts as natural bleach.
 y For delicate fabrics try out the chemicals on a small portion of fabric; if they damage 
the fabric, do not use them.
 (i) Techniques of stain removal 
(a)	 Scraping: 	 built	 up	 sur face 	 stains 	 can 	 be	 scraped	 lightly	 using 	 a	
blunt	knife.
(b)	 Dipping: 	 The 	 stained 	 material	 is	 dipped	 into	 the	 r eagent 	 and	
scrubbed.	
(c)	 Sponging:	 The	 stained	 ar ea	 is	 placed	 on	 a	 flat	 sur face.	 The	 r eagent 	
is	 applied	 with 	 a 	 sponge 	 on	 the	 stained 	 ar ea	 and 	 absorbed	 by 	 the	
blotting	paper 	laid	under neath.
(d)	 Dr op	 Method:	 The	 stained 	 cloth	 is	 str etched 	 over	 a	 bowl. 	 The	
r eagent 	is	 put 	 on	it	with 	 a	dr opper .	
(ii) Stain removers/reagents for stain removal: 	 The	 various	 r eagents 	 used	
for	 stain 	 r emoval 	 should	 be	 used	 in	 liquid	 for m	 and 	 in	 concentrations	
r ecommended 	 for	 their	 use. 	 These	 r eagents 	 can	 be	 gr ouped	 as	 follows: 	
(a)	 Gr ease 	 solvents:	 Turpentine,	 ker osene,	 white	 petr ol,	 methylated	
spirit,	acetone,	 carbon	tetra 	chloride	
(b)	 Gr ease 	 absorbents:	 Bran,	 Fuller’s	 earth, 	 talcum	 powder ,	 star ch,	
Fr ench 	chalk	
(c)	 Emulsifiers:	Soaps,	deter gents
(d)	 Acidic	 r eagents: 	 	 Acetic	 acid	 (vinegar),	 oxalic	 acid, 	 lemon,	 	 tomato, 	
sour	milk,	cur ds 	
(e)	 Alkaline	r eagents:	Ammonia,	borax,	 baking	soda
(f)	 Bleaching 	 agents:	
•	 Oxidising 	 bleaches:	 Sunlight,	 sodium	 hypochlorite 	 (javelle	
water),	 sodium	perborate, 	 hydr ogen 	per oxide
•	 Reducing 	 bleaches:	 Sodium	 hydr osulphite, 	 sodium	 bisulphate,	
sodium	thiosulphate
unit_4_as_26_7_09_magenta-Final.indd (M).indd   205 2/9/2023   12:04:45
2024-25
Human Ecology and Family Sciences
206
Table 1: Common stains and the method of removing them from cotton fabric
Stain Method of removal
Adhesive Tape y Harden with ice, scrape off, apply any solvent
Blood y Fresh stain – wash with cold water
 y Old stain – soak in salt solution, rub and wash
Ballpoint pen y Keep a blotting paper under it and sponge with methylated 
spirit
Candle wax y Soak in cold water immediately, scrape off, dip in white 
vinegar, rinse with cold water
Chewing gum y Apply ice, scrape off, soak in cold water, sponge with a solvent  
Chocolate y Soak in cold water, in hypochlorite bleach (javelle water)
Curry
(Turmeric & oil)
 y Wash with soap and water, bleach in sun. 
 y Keep blotting paper under fresh stain and iron it. Then   
wash with soap and water. 
 y Old stains can be removed by soaking in javelle water
Egg y Wash with cold water, wash with soap and lukewarm water.
Fruits and Vegetables y Apply starch paste on fresh stain. Then rub and wash. 
 y Use borax, salt and hot water to remove it.
Grease y Dip in or sponge with grease solvents — petrol, spirit or 
kerosene oil. Wash with hot water and soap.
 y Apply starch paste and dry in shade. After doing it 2-3 times 
it will be removed. 
 y Soak in javelle water and wash with soap and water.
Ink y Fresh stain can be removed by soap and water.
 y Apply lemon juice, curd or sour milk and salt and dry. 
 y Javelle water can remove stain. 
 y Rub in potassium permanganate solution and then dip in 
oxalic acid.
Ice Cream  y Sponge with a grease solvent, wash in hot soapy water. 
Lipstick y Soak in methylated spirit, wash with soap and water.
 y Rub glycerine, wash with soap.
Medicines  y Dip in methyl alcohol, or in a dilute solution of oxalic acid. 
Wash with hot water.   
Mildew  y Sponge with hypochlorite bleach 
Milk or cream y Sponge with a solvent. Wash in cold water. 
Paint or Polish y Rub with kerosene and/or turpentine oil.
 y Bleach with sodium thiosulphate.
Rust y Soak in oxalic acid and rub.
 y Treat as for ink stain.
Scorch y Sponge with hydrogen peroxide. Stain will not be removed 
if ??bre has been damaged. 
Note: 
unit_4_as_26_7_09_magenta-Final.indd (M).indd   206 2/9/2023   12:04:45
2024-25
207
Care and Maintenance of Fabrics
(a) These are the methods of removing stains from white cotton fabrics. Suitable 
precautions should be taken when applying on other ??bres or on coloured 
materials.
(b) Stain removal is the preparatory step in laundry. It must be followed by washing 
or dry-cleaning and all traces of chemicals used should be removed.                   
Removal of dirt – the cleaning process
Dirt 	 is	 the 	 ter m 	 applied	 to 	 gr ease, 	 grime	 and	 dust	 jammed	 between	 the	
fabric	 structur e. 	 Ther e 	 ar e 	 two 	 types	 of	 dirt. 	 One, 	 which	 is	 held	 loosely 	
onto	 the 	 fabric	 and	 can 	 be 	 r emoved	 easily	 and 	 the 	 other , 	 which 	 is 	 held 	
tightly 	 by 	 means 	 of	 sweat 	 and	 gr ease.	 The	 loose 	 dirt	 can 	 be 	 simply	 brushed	
or	 shaken 	 of f	 or	 will	 be 	 r emoved 	 by	 steeping 	 in 	 water . 	 The	 tightly	 held 	
gr ease 	 can 	 be 	 loosened	 in 	 steeping	 pr ocess, 	 but	 r equir es 	 r eagents	 that	
will	 act	 upon 	 the 	 gr ease 	 to 	 loosen	 the	 dirt.	 Ther e 	 ar e 	 thr ee 	 main	 methods	
of	 r emoving 	 gr ease 	 – 	 by	 the 	 use	 of	 solvents,	 absorbents	 or	 emulsifiers.	
When 	 cleaning 	 is	 done	 by	 solvents	 or 	 absorbents	 it 	 is 	 called	dry cleaning .	
Nor mal	 cleaning 	 –	 washing	 is 	 done	 in	 water	 with	 the	 help 	 of 	 soaps 	 and 	
deter gents, 	 which 	 emulsify 	 the 	 gr ease	 (br eak 	 it	 in	 to	 very 	 small 	 particles).	
This	is 	 then 	rinsed 	 with 	 water .
(i)  Water 	 is	 the 	 most	 valuable 	 agent 	 used	 for 	 laundry 	 work.	 Ther e	 is	 a	
certain 	 adhesion	 between	 fabrics	 and	 water . 	 During 	 steeping 	 water	
penetrates 	 into	 the 	 fabric 	 and 	 cause	 wetting.	 	Pedesis	 or	 the	 movement	
of	 water 	 particles	 helps 	 to	 r emove	 the	 non-gr easy 	 dirt	 fr om	 the	 fabric. 	 	
W ashing 	 in	 water	 alone,	 with	 agitation	 pr ovided	 by	 hand 	 or	 machine,	 will	
r emove 	 some	 loose	 dirt	 and	 particulate	 soils.	 Incr ease	 in 	 temperatur e	
of	 the 	 water	 incr eases 	 its	 pedesis	 and	 its	 penetrating 	 power . 	 It	 is	
further 	 beneficial 	 when	 the 	 dirt	 is	 gr easy.	 	 However , 	 water	 alone	 cannot 	
r emove 	 the 	 dirt 	 that 	 is 	 not	 soluble	 in	 water . 	 It	 also	 does	 not 	 have	 the 	
ability 	 to	 keep	 the	 dirt 	 suspended	 r esulting 	 in	 the 	 r emoved	 dirt 	 getting	
r edeposited 	on	 fabric.		Redeposition	 of	dirt 	is	 the	major	 cause	of 	fabric	
graying 	 over	 r epeated	launderings.
(ii)  Soaps and detergents 	 ar e 	 the	 most	 important 	 cleansing 	 agents 	 used 	 in 	
laundry 	 work.	 Soap 	 r esult 	 fr om	 a	 r eaction	 between	 natural	 oils 	 or	 fats	
and 	 alkali. 	 If 	 alkali 	 is 	 used 	 in 	 excess	 it 	 is	 r eleased	 when 	 soap	 is	 used	 on	
the	 fabric. 	 Synthetic	 deter gents 	 ar e	 synthesised	 fr om 	 chemicals.	 Both	
soaps 	 and 	 deter gents	 ar e	 sold	 in 	 powder ,	 flake, 	 bar	 and	 liquid	 for ms. 	
The 	 type 	 of	 soap	 or	 deter gent 	 to 	 be	 used	 depends 	 on	 the 	 fibr e	 content,	
colour 	and 	 the 	type	 of 	dirt	 on	 the 	 fabric.
	 	 Both 	 soaps 	 and 	 deter gents	 shar e	 a	 critical 	 chemical 	 pr operty 	 –	 they	
ar e 	 sur face–active 	 agents	 or	 sur factants.	 	 In	 other 	 wor ds, 	 they 	 r educe	
the	 sur face 	 tension	 of	 water .	 By	 r educing	 this	 ef fect 	 water 	 soaks 	 mor e	
easily 	 in	 clothes	 and	 r emoves 	 stains 	 and 	 dirt	 faster . 	 	 Sur factants 	 and 	
other 	 ingr edients	 in	 laundry 	 deter gents	 also	 work	 to	 keep	 the 	 r emoved 	
unit_4_as_26_7_09_magenta-Final.indd (M).indd   207 2/9/2023   12:04:45
2024-25