Care and Maintenance of Fabrics in Institutions | Class 12 Home Science Notes
By ConceptScroll Team · Published on 17 July 2026 · 4 min read
Care and Maintenance of Fabrics in Institutions – this guide gives you a concise, exam-ready overview of Care and Maintenance of Fabrics in Institutions from Class 12 Home Science, written by ConceptScroll editors and reviewed against the latest NCERT textbook.
Process of laundry functioning in hospitals
Hospital laundry follows a systematic process to ensure hygiene, efficiency, and timely availability of clean fabrics. The steps include: (1) Collection of soiled linen from emergency, operation theatres, outpatient departments, wards, and specialized centers; (2) Transportation of linen from collection points or linen banks to the laundry plant; (3) Unloading and sorting of dirty linen into categories such as clean, mildly soiled, and very soiled bed linen, patients' dress, doctors' dress, and blankets; (4) Washing in large washing machines with capacities around 100 kg per load; (5) Hydro-extraction using centrifugal hydro extractors that remove 60–70% moisture; (6) Drying using driers; (7) Pressing, ironing, folding, and stacking; (8) Mending and segregation of condemned articles; (9) Packing; and (10) Distribution back to hospital departments. Hospitals require large stock due to frequent linen changes, especially in critical areas, maintaining a minimum of six sets per bed. Records are meticulously kept to track receipt and delivery of washable linen, ensuring accountability and efficiency.
📊 Diagram: Table on page 9 (20×4) listing hospital washable linen items with quantity and remarks.
🔗 Connection: Prepares for the section on Preparing for a Career in fabric care and maintenance.
Table on page 9 (20×4)
| S.No | Name of the clothing | No. | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bed Sheet | ||
| 2 | Draw Sheet (White) | ||
| 3 | Draw Sheet (Green) | ||
| 4 | Patient’s Kurta | ||
| 5 | Patient’s pajama | ||
| 6 | Doctor’s Kurta | ||
| 7 | Doctor’s Pajama | ||
| 8 | Doctor’s Gown | ||
| 9 | Towel split | ||
| 10 | Towel Hand | ||
| 11 | Face mask | ||
| 12 | Baby Frocks | ||
| 13 | Blanket Big/ Baby | ||
| 14 | Pillow Cover | ||
| 15 | Slings | ||
| 16 | Apron | ||
| 17 | Dirty Linen Bag | ||
| 18 | |||
| 19 |
Frequently asked questions
1. What are the two aspects of care and maintenance of fabrics?
The two aspects of care and maintenance of fabrics are: 1. Cleaning: Removing dirt, stains, and impurities from the fabric to maintain its appearance and hygiene. 2. Storage and Handling: Proper storage and handling to prevent damage such as fading, tearing, or deterioration of the fabric.
2. What are the factors which affect the process of cleaning of fabrics?
The factors affecting the process of cleaning of fabrics include: 1. Type of fabric: Different fabrics require different cleaning methods. 2. Type of stain or soil: The nature of the stain (oil-based, water-based, protein-based) determines the cleaning agent and method. 3. Age of the stain: Fresh stains are easier to remove than old stains. 4. Water quality and temperature: Hardness and temperature of water affect cleaning efficiency. 5. Detergent or cleaning agent used: The chemical composition
3. How are the different sections organised in a commercial or institutional laundry?
In a commercial or institutional laundry, the work is organised into different sections to ensure efficient processing. These sections typically include:
1. Sorting Section: Clothes are sorted according to type, colour, and degree of soiling. 2. Pre-treatment Section: Stains are identified and treated before washing. 3. Washing Section: Clothes are washed using appropriate machines and detergents. 4. Drying Section: Clothes are dried using dryers or air drying methods. 5. Ironing and Finishing
4. What are the differences in processing laundry work in commercial laundries and hospital laundries?
Differences between commercial laundries and hospital laundries include:
1. Nature of Laundry:
- Commercial laundries handle everyday clothes and household linen.
- Hospital laundries deal with medical textiles requiring strict hygiene.
2. Cleaning Standards:
- Commercial laundries focus on appearance and general cleanliness.
- Hospital laundries require sterilisation and disinfection to prevent infections.
3. Processing Methods:
- Commercial laundries use standard washing and finishing metho
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