The use of an engineered oxidatively stable alkaline protease with broad operating temperature and pH ranges offers flexible alternative processes for backstaining clean-up, improved contrast of denim finishes, and reduced residual cellulase on fabric. A significant reduction in backstaining can be achieved at much lower temperatures than the conventional process by using small amounts of protease (C) combined with soda ash either at the end of the cellulase washing step or during the rinsing step. By adding the protease treatment at the end of the cellulase wash step, one rinse step is eliminated offering savings in time and energy. A significant reduction of residual cellulase is also achieved by these processes at lower temperatures. These same processes can be used to reduce residual cellulase after bio-finishing of other cellulosic goods.
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