Because the life of an article of clothing may be prolonged by good care, it is necessary to know how to take care of one\u27s clothing. Hence it is necessary to know when, where and how to use various cleansing agents on different fibers.
An old or out of style garment may, still be, if properly cleaned of service to the wearer. Therefore the purpose of this paper is to present the results of the use of various cleansing agents, after careful experimentation.
In experimenting the author tried to include that which is most interesting and important for others as well as herself. It is the aim to secure an understanding of cleansing agents which either help or harm according to the way they are used

Basey, Venella M.

English

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Prairie View A&M University Digital Commons @PVAMU All Theses 8-1938 The Effect of Various Cleansing Agents on Fibers Venella M. Basey Prairie View State Normal and Industrial College Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.pvamu.edu/pvamu-theses Recommended Citation Basey, V. M. (1938). The Effect of Various Cleansing Agents on Fibers. Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.pvamu.edu/pvamu-theses/269 This Undergraduate Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by Digital Commons @PVAMU. It has been accepted for inclusion in All Theses by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @PVAMU. For more information, please contact hvkoshy@pvamu.edu. THE EFFECT OF VARIOUS CLEANSING AGENTS ON FIBERS By ^ V Venella M. Basey . <$»* A Thesis in Home Economics Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Science \ in the Division of Home Economics of the Prairie View State Normal and Industrial College Prairie View, Texas August, 1938 Dedicated To my Mother Mrs. Mattie Fletcher ACKNOWLEDGMENT Grateful acknowledgment of my appreciation Is made to Miss Elizabeth C. May, Head of the Division of Home Economics at Prairie View State College for her service in supervising criticising and suggesting chang­ing in the writing of this thesis. Special thanks is due to my mother, Mrs. Mattie Fletcher as she was my greatest source of encouragement throughout my school career. Venella M. Basey. THE EFFECT OF VARIOUS CLEANSING AGENTS ON FIBERS OUTLINE I. Introduction A. Purpose of Making Study B. Method of Procedure II. Types of Cleansing Agents to "be used in this study and their effects upon the following fibers: Cotton, linen, silk rayon and wool. A. Liquids r 1. Benzine 2. Energine 3. Gasoline 4. Sweet milk 5. Turpentine 6. Oxalic Acid 7. Chloroform 8. Carbon tetra chloride B. Powders 1. Borax 2. Cornmeal 3. Gold dust 4. Perline 5. Sodium borate C. Solids 1. Laundry soap (a) Strong 4 OUTLINE (Continued) (b) Medium (c) Mild 2. Chalk 3. Fuller's earth D. Flakes 1. Fabs 2. Lux 3. Ivory flaked 4. Super Suds III. Types of Stains to be used in Experiments. 1. Grease 2. Fruit and Coffee 3. Iron Rust 4. Ink 5. Blood 6. Paint 7. Grass IV. Summary V. Conclusion VI. Bibliography CHAPTER I THE EFFECT OF VARIOUS CLEANSING AGENTS ON FIBERS INTRODUCTION Personal cleanliness applies to clean clothes as well as to clean skin. Clothes are laundered or dry cleaned to keep them fresh, hygienic and attractive. When soiled clothes are washed in water they are laundered; when they are washed in gasoline or naphta, they are dry cleaned. Sometimes a garment that is otherwise clean becomes spotted. Fresh spots are more easily removed than old ones and for this reason all experiments were made on spots as soon as possible after they had appeared. All spots were removed before washing or cleaning the entire garment because the cleaning process may sometimes set certain kinds of stain. If one knows the nature of the spot the work is simplified. Two precautions were kept in mind in removing any kinds of stain: First to protect the finish of the material and second to avoid damaging the color or dye. It is more difficult to remove spots from colored material than from white because of this danger. It is a good plan to experiment on a small piece of goods of silk material or on the edge of a seam so as to be able to determine the effect on the color, and the material. This applies not only to colored fabrics but to all delicate fabrics. 2 Purpose of Making Study -Because the life of an article of clothing may be prolonged by good care, it is necessary to know how to take care of one's clothing. Hence it is necessary to know when, where and how to use various cleansing agents on different fibers. An old or out of style garment may, still be, if properly cleaned of service to the wearer. Therefore the purpose of this paper is to present the results of the use of various cleansing agents, after careful experimen­tation. In experimenting the author tried to include that which is most interesting and important for others as well as herself. It is the aim to secure an understanding of cleansing agents which either help or harm according to the way they are used. As far as possible authors have been given credit in the proper places. The author feels indebted to Miss E. C. May, Head of the Division of Home Economics at Prairie View College for ideas and assistance in treating this thesis properly: The Effect of Various Cleansing Agents on Fibers. Method of Procedure: - In selecting material for this thesis the author finds it necessary to give informa­tion from text books and various other references as given in the bibliography. Information was secured from various Home Economics instructors in Washington County and by experimentation. 3 CHAPTER II Types of Cleansing Agents -There are various liquid cleansing agents such as, benzine, energine, gasoline. Gasoline is one of the most commonly used agents and many valuable results have been obtained from its use. One author says in the cleans­ing of cotton and linen fibers, a good method to use is to sponge the fabric with gasoline while the stain is fresh. If the stain has become old, other mixtures such as 'ammonia, chloroform and hydrogen peroxide may be used to obtain same results. In the cleansing of wool and silk fibers the same methods hold true. In addition to the method mentioned above the author also states that ben­zine, energine and turpentine gave same results or give the fiber the same appearance and color as gasoline. There are certain stains that are more diffi­cult to remove than others. For example: Ink stains are more difficult to remove than others because different brands of ink are made from different substances. A fresh ink stain can sometimes be washed out in water. Another method is to soak ink spot in sweetmilk for at least twenty-four hours. The milk may be changed as often as it becomes discolored in order to know when the desired re­sults have been obtained. Continued soaking may spoil the appearance and color of the fabric. Milk and water can also be used on silk and wool fibers. In cleaning stains from colored fabrics one should be careful as to what kind 4 of agents to use. Another author says, "It has been found that fibers are cleaned by an acid reagent prepared by transforming fat solvent of various kinds into emulsion which is fixed with water by means of a vegetable gummy fluid that has a thickening action in acid dispersion. Substances such as oxalic, tartaric acid or phosphoric acid that have an acid reaction are also added". Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleach therefore it is comparatively easy on colors. Its effect can be tested upon colored material. The amount to be used should be made slightly alkaline with ammonia solution. When using hydrogen peroxide on colored material quick results with less chance of changing the color may be secured by hold­ing the stain over steam from tea kettle after each appli­cation of the peroxide when removing such stains as grass, fruit juices especially peaches and plums. After experimenting with various liquids, it is found that the compositions for cleaning fabrics that is removing stains such as iron rust, and molds from fabrics, in addition to the usual reagents an innocious water -solvent dye, perferably blue should be used. The purpose of the dye is to indicate the treated parts so that they may receive special attention when the fabric is washed. Such powdered cleansing agents as perline and 1 Trillings and Williams - A Girl's Problem in Home Eco­nomics, page 236. 2 Carl Eudeche and Williams - Chemistry Abstrache -Vol. 25. 5 gold dust are used for the bleaching of white cotton fab­rics, also for sterilization. There is a possibility of using so much of gold dust that it turns the fabric yellow, in which case it is necessary to use one half teaspoon of sodium perborate in a cup of peroxide to one - two gallons of water to remove the yellow stain. For silk material add one tablespoon of borax to one - two quarts of warm water to remove scorched stains. Common materials such as cornmeal and talcum powder are very good cleansing agents for woolen articles. Cornmeal is used to clean felt and various other fabrics that contain wool. In cleaning a felt hat with cornmeal rub the meal on the hat. It is is done properly the hat is in wearing condition again. For a dress that is clean except for a grease spot, sprinkle enough talcum powder, chalk or magnesia to cover the spot. Leave it on the spot for at least twenty-four hours, then brush the powder off with a dry clean cloth. The powder will ab­sorb the grease leaving the fabric clean. There are certain solids that can be used for cleaning. They may be considered as absorbents and include magnesium, fuller's earth and others. These are harmless to fibers and colors; they absorb the stain material and are effective for small fresh stains. To use, place a layer of absorbent over the stain and work the absorbent around until it becomes gummy, then shake it and repeat. 6 Finally use white blotting paper or cloth over and. under the spot and apply a warm iron. Potassium permanganate can be used on any white material except rayon and on many colored materials. Try the effect on the hidden part of the material. The solu­tion is made by dissolving one teaspoon of crystals in one pint of water. The pink or brown stain left by the permanganate may be removed from cotton, linen, or silk by using oxalic acid and from wool by using hydrogen peroxide made slightly acid with oxalic acid. Much care must be exercised in the use of this as it is very poisonous. Soap is formed when a strong alkali like potash or lime is mixed with fats or oils. Laundry soap has an excess of alkali in it, hence it may injure animal fibers such as wool and silk. It is not harmful to cotton and linen in most cases. Neutral soap does not contain any free alkali hence it may be used on wool and silk. One may note the use of a strong soap in laun-drying and notice that it is either yellow colored or has a slight brown tint to it. This is due to the preservative rosin. A little rosin helps in producing suds. Very dark brown suds are objectionable because they serve no useful purpose in laundrying and form a sticky scum which may adhere to the cloth. Much rosin can be easily detected for it gives the soap a pungent odor and a sticky quality. 7 Soap may be classed as strong, medium or mild. A strong soap will have a marked effect on the hands causing them to shrivel and have the appearance known as "wash woman's hands". It has a biting taste when touched with the tongue. Medium soaps contain a smaller excess of soda or other alkaline. Salt is very seldom found. Dirt is removed more quickly and with less dan­ger to silk, wool and all colored delicate fabrics, if the soap is well dissolved, in the water rather than rubbed on. Chips or flakes are dissolved in hot water without special heating, and are constantly used in the boiler, the washing machine or for occasinnal home laun-drying. Cake soap may be passed through a food chopper. 8 CHAPTER III TYPES OF STAINS USED IN EXPERIMENTS S t ain Fabric Reagent Grease Cotton and linen Soap and water Wool and silk Solvent, such as chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, com­mercial cleaning fluid sold under various trade names or gasoline. Fruit and Coffee 'Cotton and linen Wool and silk Boiling water poured from a height. Use warm water. Iron rust Cotton and linen Wool and silk Wet the stain with water, using a few drops of oxalic acid or lemon juice covered with salt. The same method may be used as used in the case of cot­ton and linen. (NOTE: Many applications before results were satis­factory) . Ink Cotton and linen Wool and silk Repeated applications of oxalic acid and Javelle water. Milk and water Blood Cotton and linen Wool and silk Soak in cold water for sev­eral hours, wash with soap, and warm water; ammonia helps to remove old stains. Sponge in cold or luke warm water. Raw starch paste made with cold water. (NOTE: The tests for blood stains were successful on all fabrics). Stain Fabric Reagent Paint Cotton and linen Fresh stains - Sponge with tur­pentine, benzine, or gasoline. Old stains - Mixture of chloro­form and turpentine, Wool and silk The same method can be used as for cotton and linen on wool and silk. Grass Cotton and linen Soap and water. Spots on mate­rials that can be laundered can be removed by sponging with al­cohol . Wool and silk The same method can be used for wool and silk. (NOTE: Fresh stains on all fabrics were successful with soap and water). Tests for old grass stains: Stubbornness; required repeated applications. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION From this paper the author has tried to bring out ideas as to how cleansing agents affect fibers, and that successful stain removal is largely a matter of choosing the proper remover after considering the fabric as well as the stain and then using it correctly. The types of agents used for removing stains are classified as liquids, powders, solids, flakes. Benzine, energine oxalic acid, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, are classified as liquids. Borax, cornmeal, Gold Dust, perline, sodium borate are classified as powders. Laundry soap, chalk, and Fuller's earth are classified as solids. Fabs, Lux, Ivory flakes and Super suds are classified as flakes. Gasoline is used for grease or dirt stains on wool and silk. Chloroform is one of the most satisfactory stain eradicators, but is expensive. Carbon tetrachloride benzine and turpentine are in constant use as a solvent for grease. Hydrochloric, oxalic acids, javelle water, and the alkalies - ammonia, borax have cleansing qualitie Dirts and soiled spots can be removed from garments which 9 do not easily lose their color by the solvents named but garments of delicate color and texture should have such absorbents as French chalk and magnesia used upon them. Ammonia and water are helpful in cleaning woolens. 11 Hydrogen peroxide is considered a mild bleach. Chlorine bleach is stronger than hydrogen peroxide, and should not be used on wools and silks. Oxalic acid is very poisonous. Potassium permanganate is a bleach safely used on all white material except rayons. Before using on a stain any chemical stain re­mover should be tried on an inconspicuous portion of the fabric so as to determine the effect on the color and material. Gasoline, benzine, chloroform are of service in removing grease. Practically all fruit stains can be removed easily while fresh, but peaches, pears and plums in par­ticular are usually stubborn. Once they have turned brown, a more drastic treatment i3 necessary; boiling water then has no effect. Hydrogen peroxide or a chloring bleach must be used. In removing iron rust from fabrics it is best to avoid the use of oxalic acid as it weakens the fibers and is also a dangerous poison to have around. Ink Is not easy to remove for it is made of many different ingredients and it is puzzling to know what to use at any one time. Salts of lemon, oxalic acid and eradicators are the usual remedies for white cotton or linen goods, but cannot be used on colors. Blood stains are set with hot water hence should be treated before washing. Hydrogen peroxide should 12 not be used on colored fabrics without first testing on an inconspicuous place. Fresh paint can be eradicated by sponging with alcohol or turpentine. If on a delicate color, chloroform can be used to a better advantage. Fresh grass stains are easily removed with soap and water from washable materials. Spots on materials that cannot be laundered can be removed by sponging with alco­hol . BIBLIOGRAPHY 13 Balderston, L. Ray -Capper, Arthur Calvert, Maud Matthews Housewifery J. B. Lipplncott, Pages 274 - 278. Chicago, 111. -The Household fopeka, Kansas, 1937 - 1938. ' The New First Course in Home Making Turner E. Smith and Company, Atlanta, Ga., 1932. Pages 303 - 304. • Elementary Home Economics, Little, Brown and Company, Boston. 1927. Pages 408 - 410. McGowan and Waite - Textile Clothing, 1927. Rathbone and Tarpley - Fabric and Press, Houghton Mifflin Company, Dallas. 1930. Rathbone and Tarpley - Laundering, Pp. 336 - 339 Trilling and Williams - A Girl's Problem in Home Economics J. 8. Lipplncott Company, 1926. Chicago, 111. Pages 109 - 133; 195 -196. Van Gilder Woolman, Mary From Thimble to Gown, Allen and Bacon Company, 1930. Dallas Care of Clothing, J. B. Lipplncott, 1926. Pages 173 - 174; 64 - 65. BULLETIN What's New in Home Economics, National Home Economics Newspaper, Chicago, 111. 1937 - 1938. 

The Effect of Various Cleansing Agents on Fibers

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The Effect of Various Cleansing Agents on Fibers

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