Influence of household fabric softeners and laundry enzymes on pilling and strength changes of selected fabrics

This study was designed to examine the effect of fabric softeners (rinse cycle and dryer sheet) on pilling resistance, weight change and strength change of cotton, cotton/polyester blend, 100% polyester and 100% [special characters omitted] lyocell regular and lower denier knitted and woven fabrics. The effect of detergent type (with and without enzymes) in combination with household fabric softeners on pilling resistance, weight change and strength change of selected fabrics was also examined. Rinse cycle fabric softeners increased the size of pills formed on cotton fabrics and 50/50% cotton/polyester blended fabrics. On the other hand, rinse cycle softeners reduced pilling (size and number) on 100% polyester fabrics. Fabric weight increased in cotton, polyester and lyocell fabrics when the fabrics were laundered with rinse cycle softeners. Repeated laundering with rinse cycle softeners reduced breaking strength of cotton flannel and the polyester woven fabric. Softener dosage did not affect fabric pilling or breaking strength, but it increased fabric weight gain. Multiple launderings with a detergent containing cellulase enzymes modestly reduced amount of pilling, on all cotton fabrics except, cotton interlock knit; on 50/50% cotton/polyester blended fabrics; and on [special characters omitted] lyocell regular denier fabric. However, enzymes did not affect pill size. Laundering fabrics with detergent containing enzymes did not affect fabric strength or weight because fabrics were not laundered after pilling and therefore there was no chance for pill rub off which may result in weight and strength loss