One popular material for reusable bags is non-woven fabric. Can the consumer wash it to keep it clean? And what can be done to make this fabric last longer? Check out today's article for the solution.
General information of non-woven fabric
What is non-woven fabric?
Non-woven fabric is a versatile material formed from fibers that are bound together rather than woven or knitted. Non-woven fabrics include fibers that are distributed randomly and held together by a variety of techniques, in contrast to woven fabrics, which have threads interwoven in a regular pattern.
How many times do you have to use a reusable bag to equal a plastic bag?
Non-woven fabric can be made from:
- Natural fibers derived from plants and animals, such as bamboo, cotton, wool, and linen.
- Synthetic fibers: man-made materials such as polyester, polypropylene, and nylon.
- Regenerated fibers: These are natural fibers that have been chemically processed, such as viscose and rayon.
- Blend: This material is a mix of natural and synthetic fibers.
- Meltblown fabrics: Made from tiny polymer fibers, they provide outstanding filtration and are used in air filters and respirators.
- Bonded films: For specific applications such as packaging and geotextiles, non-fibrous materials such as films and nets can be bonded together.
Made from a variety of materials, non-woven fabric has different key features, including:
- Randomly bonded: No weaving, just fibers stuck together.
- Super absorbent: Great for wipes, diapers, and filters.
- Amazing filter: Traps particles in air and liquids.
- Keeps you warm: Perfect for insulation like carpet padding.
- Strong and durable: From geotextiles to construction.
- Bonus: Can be breathable, soft, flame-retardant, washable, and more!
What are advantages of non-woven fabrics?
Made from a variety of materials, here are the main advantages of non-woven fabrics:
- Versatility: Can be made from various materials for diverse applications.
- Unique properties: Absorbent, breathable, insulating, filtering, etc.
- Fast and efficient production: No weaving or knitting needed.
- Cost-effective: Often cheaper than woven fabrics.
- Lightweight and flexible: Easy to handle and shape.
- Disposable or reusable: Options for both single-use and long-lasting needs.
What are disadvantages of non-woven fabrics?
Aside of benefits, this type of fabric has several back draws, including:
- Generally weaker than woven fabrics: May not hold shape or resist wear as well.
- Limited breathability in some types: Can be uncomfortable in hot weather.
- Less durable in certain materials: May not withstand heavy use or washing.
- Environmental concerns: Some synthetic materials are not biodegradable.
- Potential chemical additives: Some bonding methods involve chemicals.
What types of non-woven fabric can and can’t be washed?
There are various forms of non-woven fabric, yet not all of them can be washed. Here's a summary of which varieties can and cannot be washed.
What types of non-woven fabrics can be washed?
- Non-woven polypropylene fabric: strong, water-resistant, and lightweight. Medical masks, wipes, filters, packaging, and geotextiles can all be made with it. You can use water to wash this kind of nonwoven fabric.
- Polyester non-woven fabric: this fabric is long-lasting and wrinkle-resistant. It maintains its shape well and comes in a variety of thicknesses and textures. Polyester non-woven fabric can be washed, although hot water should be avoided.
- Nylon non-woven fabric: Nylon non-woven fabric is both robust and flexible. It resists chemicals well and has a smooth feel. While it can be cleaned with water, fabric softeners shouldn't be used.
- Rayon non-woven fabric is breathable, soft, absorbent, and biodegradable. Wet wipes, medical wipes, cleaning cloths, disposable diapers, and mulch for agriculture can all be made with it. This sort of non-woven fabric can be washed, but not in hot water.
- Cotton non-woven fabric: This material is soft, absorbent, and biodegradable. Wipes, hospital gowns, diapers, tea bags, filters, and décor for the home can all be utilized with it. It can be washed with water, but it must be done gently to avoid damage.
What types of non-woven fabrics cannot be washed?
- Meltblown non-wovens: These delicate fabrics are produced from very fine polymer fibers that lose their structure and filtering capabilities when washed. Their ability to filter particles effectively can be compromised by washing them, as it can harm their complex web-like structure.
- Bonded-film nonwovens: For structure, these textiles use films or nets rather than fibers, and the bonding processes frequently deteriorate with water. The films or nets may come off after washing, allowing the cloth to disintegrate.
- Non-woven with heavy chemical treatments: To improve their qualities, some non-wovens are treated with flame retardants, water repellents, or other chemicals. The fabric's intended purpose may be jeopardized if these treatments are removed by washing.
How to Wash Non-woven Fabrics?
Non-woven materials can be washed in a variety of ways. These are some popular methods and how they work for non-woven materials.
- Washing Machine Method
- Suitable for: Cotton, rayon (some types), polyester (some types)
- Pros: Efficient and convenient for large quantities.
- Cons: Can damage delicate fabrics, risk of shrinkage, harsh on environment.
- Tips: Use gentle cycles, cold water, mild detergent, air dry.
- Hand Wash Method
- Suitable for: Delicate non-wovens like rayon, nylon, and some polyester types.
- Pros: Gentle on fabric, ideal for spot cleaning.
- Cons: Time-consuming, requires careful handling.
- Tips: Use lukewarm water, gentle detergent, avoid wringing or twisting, air dry.
- Dry Cleaning Method
- Suitable for: Non-wovens with heavy chemical treatments, some nylon and polyester types.
- Pros: Preserves fabric integrity, removes tough stains.
- Cons: Expensive, potentially harmful chemicals, not readily available everywhere.
- Tips: Choose a reputable dry cleaner, check care label for specific instructions.
- Spot Cleaning Method
- Suitable for: All non-wovens, ideal for minor spills and stains.
- Pros: Quick and easy, minimizes water usage.
- Cons: May not remove deep stains.
- Tips: Use a clean damp cloth with gentle detergent, test on an inconspicuous area first, air dry.
- Ironing Method
- Suitable for: Some cotton and polyester non-wovens, check care label carefully.
- Pros: Removes wrinkles, improves appearance.
- Cons: Can damage delicate fabrics, use low heat and ironing cloth.
- Tips: Iron on the inside of the fabric, avoid direct heat contact, start with low heat and adjust as needed.
Tips when washing to make non-woven fabrics last longer?
To make non-woven fabrics last longer, here are some tips that can help you:
- Wash your non-woven fabrics regularly, but avoid using hot water or fabric softeners.
- Avoid overloading your washing machine or handwashing basin with fabric.
- Always follow the washing instructions provided by the manufacturer.
- Store your non-woven fabrics in a dry and cool place away from sunlight and moisture.
- Avoid exposing your non-woven fabrics to harsh chemicals or solvents.
- Follow the care label instructions religiously. This is your golden rule! Each fabric type has its own washing needs.
- Use gentle cycles and cold water. Harsh wash settings and hot water can damage delicate fibers.
- Choose mild detergents and avoid fabric softeners. Harsh chemicals can break down the fabric, while softeners can reduce absorbency.
- Air dry whenever possible. This minimizes shrinkage and energy consumption.
- Spot clean minor spills and stains promptly. Don't let dirt set in and become harder to remove later.
In short, not every kind of non-woven fabric is suitable for washing. To clean non-woven fabrics, the proper washing technique must be used.
