Question 1

What are the different aspects of care and maintenance of fabrics?

Accepted Answer

Care and maintenance of fabrics involve several aspects including proper washing, drying, ironing, stain removal, storage, and handling to preserve the fabric's appearance, texture, and durability. It also includes understanding the fabric type, color fastness, and appropriate cleaning methods such as dry cleaning or hand washing. — Proper care ensures longevity of fabrics by preventing damage from dirt, stains, improper washing, and storage conditions. Different fabrics require different care methods based on their fiber content and construction.

Question 2

Define the term 'stain'. What are the different types of stains and what techniques can be used for removing them?

Accepted Answer

A stain is any unwanted spot or discoloration on fabric caused by substances like food, dirt, oil, ink, or other materials. Types of stains include water-soluble stains (e.g., sugar, salt), oil-soluble stains (e.g., grease, oil), protein stains (e.g., blood, milk), and tannin stains (e.g., tea, coffee). Techniques for removing stains depend on the type: water-soluble stains are removed with water and soap; oil-soluble stains require solvents or detergents; protein stains need enzymatic cleaners or cold water; tannin stains are treated with mild acids or detergents. Prompt treatment and correct method prevent permanent damage. — Identifying the stain type helps select the appropriate removal method. For example, hot water can set protein stains, so cold water is used first. Oil stains need solvents because water alone cannot dissolve oils. Understanding stain chemistry is key to effective removal.

Question 3

Write the steps in removing unknown stains from fabrics.

Accepted Answer

Steps to remove unknown stains:
1. Identify the fabric type and colorfastness.
2. Test stain removal method on a hidden area.
3. Blot the stain gently to remove excess material.
4. Use cold water to rinse the stain initially.
5. Apply mild detergent or stain remover suitable for the fabric.
6. Avoid rubbing harshly to prevent fabric damage.
7. Rinse thoroughly and repeat if necessary.
8. Dry the fabric as recommended.
If unsure, seek professional cleaning. — Unknown stains require cautious treatment to avoid fabric damage. Testing on a hidden area prevents visible damage. Cold water prevents setting of many stains. Gentle blotting avoids spreading the stain.

Question 4

What is dirt? How do water, soaps and detergents combine to remove dirt from fabrics?

Accepted Answer

Dirt is unwanted solid or oily particles that adhere to fabric surfaces, making them look soiled. Water alone cannot remove oily dirt because oil and water do not mix. Soaps and detergents contain molecules with hydrophobic (oil-attracting) and hydrophilic (water-attracting) ends. When applied, the hydrophobic ends attach to dirt and oil, while the hydrophilic ends remain in water, forming micelles that trap dirt. This allows dirt to be rinsed away with water, effectively cleaning the fabric. — The cleaning action depends on the surfactant molecules in soaps/detergents that reduce surface tension and emulsify oils, enabling water to wash away dirt. This combination is essential for effective fabric cleaning.

Question 5

How does finishing after washing improve the brightness and textural characteristics of fabrics?

Accepted Answer

Finishing after washing involves processes such as ironing, calendaring, and application of softeners or starch. These processes smooth the fabric surface, remove wrinkles, and enhance luster, thereby improving brightness. Textural characteristics like softness, stiffness, or crispness are also enhanced depending on the finishing agents used. Finishing restores the fabric's appearance and feel, making it more appealing and comfortable to use. — Finishing treatments realign fibers and add surface coatings that reflect light better, increasing brightness. They also modify hand feel and drape, improving the fabric's usability and aesthetic appeal.

Question 6

What is dry-cleaning? What are the types of fabrics where dry-cleaning is recommended?

Accepted Answer

Dry-cleaning is a cleaning process that uses organic solvents instead of water to clean fabrics. It is recommended for fabrics that are sensitive to water or agitation, such as silk, wool, velvet, and some synthetic fibers. Dry-cleaning prevents shrinkage, distortion, and color bleeding that may occur with water washing. It effectively removes oil-based stains and dirt without damaging delicate fabrics. — Since water can damage certain fabrics by causing shrinkage or color loss, dry-cleaning uses solvents like perchloroethylene to dissolve dirt and oils. This method preserves fabric integrity and appearance.

Question 7

What is the primary purpose of care and maintenance of fabric products such as clothing and furnishings?

Accepted Answer

To keep the material free of physical damage and retain its appearance — Care and maintenance of fabrics primarily involve keeping the material free of physical damage, retaining its appearance such as colour and texture, removing stains, and maintaining brightness and texture characteristics like softness or crispness.

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT included in the general term 'mending' for fabrics?

Accepted Answer

Removing stains from fabrics — Mending refers to repairing physical damages such as cuts, tears, holes, replacing buttons or fasteners, and restitching seams and hems. Removing stains is part of laundering, not mending.

Question 9

Which of the following is the correct sequence of steps involved in laundering?

Accepted Answer

Stain removal, preparation, washing, finishing, pressing — Laundering includes stain removal, preparation of fabrics for washing, washing to remove dirt, finishing (like blueing and starching), and finally pressing or ironing for a neat appearance.

Question 10

Identify the type of stain based on the following description: stains caused by tea, coffee, fruits, and vegetables that are acidic in nature and can be removed by alkaline medium.

Accepted Answer

Vegetable stains — Vegetable stains include tea, coffee, fruits, and vegetables. These stains are acidic and are best removed by using an alkaline medium.

Question 11

Which stain type requires removal using detergents in cold water due to its protein nature?

Accepted Answer

Animal stains — Animal stains such as blood, milk, meat, and eggs are protein in nature and require detergents in cold water for removal.

Question 12

Explain why it is recommended to remove stains when they are fresh rather than old.

Accepted Answer

Stains are best removed when fresh because fresh stains have not set into the fabric fibers, making them easier to remove without damaging the fabric. Old stains penetrate deeper and may require stronger chemicals or treatments that can harm the fabric. — Fresh stains are easier to remove as they have not bonded strongly with the fabric fibers. Delaying stain removal allows the stain to set, making removal difficult and increasing the risk of fabric damage during cleaning.

Question 13

Match the following stain removal techniques with their descriptions:
1. Scraping
2. Dipping
3. Sponging
4. Drop Method

Accepted Answer

— Scraping involves lightly removing built-up surface stains with a blunt knife. Dipping means immersing the stained material into a reagent and scrubbing. Sponging is applying reagent with a sponge on the stain placed over blotting paper. Drop method involves placing the cloth over a bowl and applying reagent dropwise with a dropper.

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a grease solvent used for stain removal?

Accepted Answer

Talcum powder — Talcum powder is a grease absorbent, not a grease solvent. Grease solvents include turpentine, kerosene, acetone, methylated spirit, and carbon tetra chloride.

Question 15

What is the role of optical brightening agents in fabric care?

Accepted Answer

Optical brightening agents absorb light at shorter wavelengths and re-emit it at longer wavelengths, giving fabrics an intense bright whiteness that counteracts both yellowness and grayness without damaging the colour of the fabric. — These agents enhance fabric whiteness through fluorescence, improving brightness especially in white and coloured printed fabrics, but they do not bleach or remove colour.

Care and Maintenance of Fabrics

Care and Maintenance of Fabrics — Study Notes

CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF FABRICS

MENDING

LAUNDRY

Practice Questions — Care and Maintenance of Fabrics

All 4 Chapters in Human Ecology and Family Sciences Part II