This critical finishing step involves running the textile through a hot detergent bath after dyeing or printing. It clears away surface dye that has not chemically bonded to the fibers, preventing future color bleeding or crocking. Proper execution of this wash ensures the fabric meets commercial colorfastness standards and feels soft to the touch.
Heard on the job
We need to soap off the reactive prints at 90 degrees Celsius to ensure they don't stain the white grounds.
Also heard as
- soaping
- afterwash
Related terms
Crock
To transfer dye from a fabric to another surface through rubbing.
Piece-dye
To color a continuous length of woven or knitted fabric after it has been manufactured.
Discharge
To remove dye from a previously dyed fabric using chemical bleaching agents.
Lab dip
A small swatch of fabric dyed by a mill for color approval.