Influence of Household Fabric Softeners and Laundry Enzymes on Pilling and Breaking Strength

摘要

This study was undertaken to examine the unresolved questions surrounding the influence of household fabric softeners and cellulase-en-zyme containing laundry detergents on pilling and strength of selected fabrics. Results showed that dryer sheet softeners were not associated with an increase in pilling, a greasy hand, nor increased breaking strength losses in any of the cotton or polyester fabrics included in this study. This was true for both the recommended dose and an overdose of dryer sheet softeners. In contrast, rinse cycle softeners (both the recommended dosage and an overdose) were associated with increased pilling and/or an increase in the size of pills formed on all cotton-containing fabrics, as well as increased breaking strength losses in both the cotton flannel and polyester woven fabric. Cellulase enzyme detergent additives significantly reduced the amount of pilling on all cotton fabrics, except the cotton interlock knit. It appears that rinse cycle softeners negated some of the beneficial effects of cellulase enzymes on pilling which is another reason to avoid rinse cycle liquid softeners when laundering cotton flannel clothing. The cellulase enzyme detergent additives had no significant negative effects on breaking strength in either of the cotton or polyester woven fabrics included in this study.