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.

Bhaskar Industries- Producing Denim That Befriends Environment

Bhaskar Denim Industries, the largest denim fabric manufacturers is equipped with all the necessary machines and processes to produce quality denims that give a makeover to the style statement of many.

Apart from incorporating efforts into making of denim fabrics, Bhaskar Industries holds a big heart for environment. Fabricating quality denim which does not harm the environment is what sets us apart from the rest. It is difficult to keep a check on environment friendly measures while producing a widely used fabric that undergoes many chemical processes, but for Bhaskar Industries nothing is difficult. Conducting chemical processes that are favourable and do not harm the environment is the priority for us.

Guided by the thought of “Go Green” and following the three R’s Reduce, Reuse and Recycle we have successfully achieved the ISO 14001 certification by operating under an effective environment management system. This has added feathers to our cap.

Following are few glimpses of our contribution towards maintaining a healthy environment:

•   Going Paper-less: We have replaced paper documentation with professional software like SAP to reduce the use of paper and contribute our part towards saving paper and indirectly saving the trees from deforestation. 

•  Recycling and reusing the water: Manufacturing of denim requires a large amount of water. We understand that water conservation is need of the hour. With depleting resources and increasing concerns towards water saving, we try our best to use 100% recycled water in almost all the process of denim fabric products manufacturing. To use water efficiently into the processes we have also developed a Rain water harvesting mechanism that supports our cause.

 

•  Planting Trees: To do our part into saving environment, we conduct few in-house activities to encourage more and more plantation of trees. Every level of employees and management is involved in such activities and actively contribute in planting trees in our vicinity.

 

•  Implementing Energy conservation mechanisms: Eliminating the usage of non-essential power and contributing effectively into saving every mode of energy adds to our environment as well as adds to the economic and social values. We try to adopt such practises that lead us to save energy.

Saving environment by all means is one of our values which we will carry forth as the basis of our existence.

5 Denim Fabric Mantras by Bhaskar Denim Industries

If you have never bothered about wearing denim, then probably you have missed the best part of your life. Denims fabric is one of those “do-it-all’ fashion symbols which transcends your style into an altogether different one. Forget which size you are, which body type you are and what age are you. You have got all the rights to make denim your fashion icon. 

But there are few mantras you should take care of while wearing a denim jeans or any other denim apparel.

•  Wash your denims less frequently:

Whenever you wash a new pair of jeans, it bleeds out the indigo colour without letting it stabilise. And further frequent washing will prevent it from bringing the natural faded appearance which is one of the desired wishes of everyone. Let the denim face the natural way of aging.

• Look for a right-fit:

With the advent of stretchable denim & cotton blend fabric, almost every body type can try out a pair of jeans. But it is always advised to know your right size and have patience while trying out different sizes to achieve the perfect fit. Much loose or tight jeans may destroy your fashion sense.

• Avoid over distressed jeans:

A distressed jean is indeed in fashion but overdoing it may lead you to become an undesirable centre of attention. Distressing is meant to embellish the jeans and give it a rough look, but over ripping off may not look decent.

• Check the compatibility of footwear with your denim:

A right pair of shoes may make or break your entire look. Choose to wear footwear that match up the length of your jeans and look good when you walk or sit. You may have different pair of jeans which will not match with a single pair of shoes.

•  Try some wash for a fresh look:

A plain black jeans or a pair of dark jeans may help you look slimmer and will flaunt your slender legs but it is nevertheless boring to try out a washed jeans to attain a different look. There are number of washes in jeans that look flattering and voguish.