DLI?s Fabricare Resource Journal publication concentrates on technical data and practical, how-to solutions to garment-care challenges, as well as concise and informative bulletins on cleaning methods.
Plus essential industry alerts—including Textile Analysis Bulletins (TABs) that will keep the cleaner informed of the very latest problem garments seen in our acclaimed testing laboratories.
Other bulletins compiled in the Journal include: Fabrics and Fashions, Wetcleaning, Industry Focus, Not in Vogue, Laundry Procedures, and Technical Operating Information.
These publications keep you current with changes that affect your business…and opportunities that propel a company’s growth!
The following are excerpts from DLI?s Fabrics and Fashions bulletins series:
SWEATER AND KNIT CARE
Identification and Use
In recent years, sweaters and knit garments have become a large part of consumers’ wardrobes. Sweaters don’t just keep you warm in the winter, they also add a light, casual attitude to summer dressing. Sweaters and knits are made from a variety of fiber types, from cotton to wool, and in many constructions, from the simple jersey knit to complex novelty knits.
Knit fabrics can be easily identified by their looped construction. Once a knit garment has been identified, it should be handled with care according to its care label to preserve its appearance.
Problems and Responsibility
Sweaters and knit garments, depending on their fiber type, are susceptible to various problems including stretching, shrinkage, pulls, and pilling both from use and cleaning. Therefore, it is important to check the garment at the counter for any damage that could worsen with cleaning.
FOAM CUPS AND SHOULDER PADS
Identification and Use
Many types of apparel contain shoulder pads or foam cups for shape, design, and/or enhancement purposes. These items may be constructed of layers of non-woven batting or polyurethane foam encased in a fabric shell, or may be made of cotton or polyester. The covering of the shoulder pad may be made form synthetic materials or form the same fabric used to make the garment.
Foam cups are often used as enhancers or stabilizers in women’s apparel, especially in wedding gowns and other types of formal attire. The foam cups may be sewn into place, encased in pockets, or attached with self-sticking materials.
Problems and Responsibilities
- The foam materials used in shoulder pads and foam cups may discolor when exposed to drycleaning solvent. A similar discoloration may result as the foam material decomposes with age. This damage often may be progressive and not noted until after a prolonged period of time.
- Changes in shape, such as crumpling due to decomposition of the foam, may also occur in drycleaning. When the foam decomposes, a powdery or gritty residue from the foam material may be noted.
- Some of the materials used in foam pads are solvent-soluble; when immersed in drycleaning solvent, the material may soften and dissolve. The solubilized material may then leach through to the surface, resulting in stiff, stained areas. This damage is often progressive and will become more prominent with each cleaning.
- On sheer or light-weight fabrics, damage may be noted at the seams where large shoulder pads are attached. During cleaning, the shoulder pads may retain large quantities of cleaning solutions. Due to the increase in weight, they may tear away from the shell fabric.
- Shifting and distortion may be noted on some shoulder pads. This damage is directly related to the construction. If the shoulder pads are not stitched properly, the materials will shift readily, which can contribute to distortion.
In addition to details on identification and use, problems that may be encountered in processing, the bulletins give details on stain removal and finishing details as well as appropriate drycleaning and wetcleaning procedures.
These bulletins are only available to DLI members.
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