1. The most commonly used buffers are acetate, citrate, phosphate and carbonates. All these buffers perform their job well but each has a different pH optimum. Acetates (4.8), citrates (5.4), phosphates (4.5 and 6.8) and carbonates (7.2). To achieve optimum results from enzymes, buffers should be used with keeping the pH optimum in mind.
2. During the softening cycle of cellulosic garments, it is always advisable to use cationic softeners and silicone softeners at the pH of 5.0 to 5.5 and a temperature of 45ºC. It will help in better exhaustion of softeners, thus optimizing on economics and hand-feel.

3. During abrasion cycle with enzymes, non-ionic surfactants can help in wetting out the garment surface and permit the enzyme to penetrate the fabric surface and access down to individual fibres; secondly these help in suspending particulates in the wash liquor, which prevents redeposition onto the garment surface. Therefore a small amount i.e. 0.05 gms/ltr to .025 gms/lts of non-ionic surfactant can be used in order to get better results in the abrasion cycle of denims.

4. Addition of 1 to 3 gsm/ltrs of Primasol Jet/Ocean lube CI to desizing bath before garments are loaded helps in minimizing unwanted crease marks as they provide excellent fibre to fibre
and fibre to metal lubricity.

5. The amount of backstaining is sometimes compared by looking at the pockets of the garments. Generally it should be the back of the denim rather than the pockets, since the pockets are constructed from variety of fabrics. The backstaining on the pocket fabrics do not relate to backstaining on the denim fabric.

6. Polyester blends can pick up dye reaily even when there is to backstaining on denim portion of the garment. In order to keep the pockets away from backstaining is to use 100% cotton pockets and follow with a through clean up.

7. Silicone softener spots not only occurs because of breaking of emulsion but also when used for several loads. It often gets build up around the drums & seals and break during the cycle.

During the use of pumice stones along with the enzyme in garment washing, following factors will help in producing a right garment finish:

1. While using pumice stones, it is advisable to add sequestering agents in the abrasion bath, as pumice stones releases Fe ++, Ca++, Mg++ & other heavy metal ions affecting enzyme adversly.

2. The sequence to be followed in the above mentioned wash cycle is to initiate with setting of temperature followed by adding of stones further adding sequestering agent. After checking the pH add enzyme completing the entire procedure.

3. It is advisable to use small stones as they cover more surface area and tend to give better abrasion with unmatched handfeel.

4. In a wash where stones are run with enzyme, it is advisable to stitch garments from threads made of polyester - cotton core spun yarn as they have more strength to withstand abrasion due to stone.

5. In case streaks are a problem during the use of stones, it is recommended to use a non-ionic polymer based lubricant in the abrasion bath.

6. For garments which are to be stone washed,it is advisable to use p/c pocket lining woven by double ply yarn as it reduces pilling on pocket lining then using single ply yarn woven fabric.

7. After preparation of calcium hypo-chlorite bleach liquor in drums, cover it by wet gunny cloth, it will maintain strength of chlorine in solution.

8. Maintain bleaching bath pH 10 for entire cycle with the help of soda ash.

9. Always add bleaching liquor in diluted form & through linear metering in running machine.

10. Keep m:1 ratio 1:12 during bleaching.

1. While enzyme washing knitted garments it is preferable to maintain the machine RPM between 20 to 24.

2. It has been observed that the use of cold water enzymes not only prevents colour loss but also maintains formal look of cotton trousers.

3. It has been observed that for attaing uniformity in Ocean magic Powder or Pellets treatment on garments(Denims & Knits) use machine with large Diameter (above 48 inches) & run at 32 RPM.

4. It is advisable to cut short all the long loose threads on the garments before washing them in washing machine ,as these threads entangle in washing process & can cause serious damage to garments as well as machine.

NB : While these tips are universal in nature, certain applications and processes might require slight deviation. For any specific technical query on garment wet processing you may kindly contact S&A Impex.