A comparative research on knitted fabrics washed with eco‐friendly detergent for different washing cycles

Abstract

The laundering process stands as the most commonly employed method for the maintenance of textile products. This investigation focused on boron, a pivotal mineral resource for our nation, and aims to elucidate alterations in fabric properties, specifically about colour changes and pilling, after the utilisation of various washing detergents. Comparative analyses and assessments were conducted across three distinct washing cycles, employing three distinct detergents: a boron‐infused washing detergent, a standard detergent conventionally utilised in textile trials, and a widely adopted commercial detergent. The investigation encompassed three diverse fabric constituents—cotton, polyester, and viscose—subjected to scrutiny in terms of fabric parameters subsequent to 1, 5, and 25 washing cycles. Following the laundering processes conducted at 40°C, evaluations were conducted concerning the pilling degree and colour alteration of the fabrics. Consumer perception regarding colour alterations, and subjective colour assessments was undertaken with a panel of 10 individuals. Furthermore, the research delved into the stain removal efficacy of the boron‐infused washing detergent. To assess stain removal, all fabrics were intentionally stained with six diverse contaminants: ketchup, mayonnaise, coffee, sweetened coffee, tea, and sweetened tea. A post‐washing evaluation of stain conditions was carried out subjectively by an assembled arbitration committee. Over the course of 25 washing cycles, it was observed that the boron‐containing detergent notably diminished colour strength, particularly evident in polyester and cotton fabrics. Pilling outcomes indicated a decrease in pilling as the number of washing cycles increased. Boron‐containing detergent, denoted as detergent B, consistently demonstrated commendable stain removal properties, particularly on cotton fabric.