Terry fabrics are exposed to frequent and intensive washing and must therefore be resistant to water, alkali, washing agents and rubbing. Washing agents frequently contain cellulase enzymes. The influence of two kinds of cellulase enzymes on the properties of a 100% cotton terry fabric was investigated. The whole cellulase mixture and an endoglucanaserich cellulase product were used. Fabric strength, resistance to rubbing, wettability, hand feeling, whiteness and other properties were observed. Moreover the influence of different pretreatment processes on the properties of the terry fabric was investigated. The fabric was scoured with alkali or with pectinase enzymes, and bleached with hydrogen peroxide or peracetic acid. It was established that enzymatic scouring and peracetic acid bleaching consume less energy and water but provide fabrics with lower whiteness and wettability, suitable only for further dyeing in dark or medium shades. Cellulases deteriorate the properties of terry fabrics; however, worse are the whole cellulase mixtures.
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