The Effect of Dry-Cleaning and of Laundering With and Without Fabric Softeners on the Thermal Properties of Blankets1

Abstract

The effects of repeated dry-cleanings and launderings with and without fabric softeners on the thickness, air perme ability, dimensional stability, and thermal insulative properties of two blanket fabrics were evaluated in this study. One of the two softeners used in laundering was added to the rinse, and the other was added to the dryer. Changes in the thermal-transmittance properties of the test fabrics were determined with a guarded hot/cold plate. After repeated dry-cleanings and launderings, the blanket fabrics exhibited a significant reduction in thickness. Fabric dimensions were altered sifinificantly during the first few washings. Laundering and dry-cleaning also significantly changed the air permeability of the blanket fabrics: the permeability increased for one blanket fabric and decreased for the other. There was no significant change, however, in the thermal conductivity of the blanket fabrics after repeated launderings with or without fabric softeners or after repeated dry-cleanings. Thus, the thermal insulative properties of the blanket fabrics were not affected by repeated cleanings or by the use of fabric softeners during the washing or drying cycle of laundering._