Different Forms of Denim Fabric Washing: Mechanical vs Chemical

Bhaskar Denim Industries, the largest denim fabric manufacturer give the complete details of common steps done & followed in denim fabrics washing.

When denim comes out of the factory, it does not have any design or style in it. This denim is then dyed in order to give the desired color. After denim is dyed, it is known as Raw Denim. It is called Raw Denim because no washing has been done on it yet. Once the washing is done, it is called washed denim. Washing is done on Raw Denim to give it an aesthetical finish and to enhance its looks and strength. According to the type of washing, one can get a desired style out of the denim. Mostly the washing is done to give denim a faded and distressed look. There are two types of denim washing – Mechanical Washing and Chemical Washing.

1.     Mechanical Washing

As name suggests, Mechanical Washing is done by the use of machinery. There are two types of mechanical washing–

• Stone Washing: In Stone washing, we put newly dyed jeans in huge washing machines along with the pieces of pumice stones. This gives denim softness and desirable faded look. By varying the composition, shape, size and hardness of the stones, we can get variation in results. It is an expensive process and hence stone washed jeans usually are expensive.

• Micro Sanding: Micro Sanding is done by Sandblasting, Machine Sanding and Hand Sanding. Micro Sanding is done by bombarding an abrasive material in granular or powdered form through a nozzle at very high speed. Micro Sanding smoothes the fabric and gives it a silky touch. It also washes out some dye particle from the surface and gives denim a faded look.

2.     Chemical Washing

In Chemical washing, the washing of denim fabric products is done by the use of chemicals. It is of three types –

• Denim Bleach: Denim Bleaching is done by adding a strong oxidative bleaching agent like sodium hypochlorite during the washing. This leads to the discoloration of the fabric. Amount of discoloration depends on the strength of the bleaching agent.

• Enzyme Wash: Enzyme wash is an environment friendly process. In this process, organic enzymes are applied on the fabric. These enzymes eat away at the fabric, i.e. the cellulose. After achieving the desired color, these enzymes can be stopped with the change in the alkalinity of bath. Enzyme is used to make pockets and hems more noticeable. It also provides contrast effect.

• Acid Wash:This is just like stone wash but in this; the pumice stones used are already soaked in acids like sodium hypochlorite or potassium permanganate. It is done to get a non uniform sharp blue or white contrast.