11 Types of Garment Washing Techniques

Vintage style apparel is hot trending nowadays. Such like, acid wash t-shirt, stone wash hoodie, and denim jean is one of the most popular.

Denim is not the same as casual pants. The fabric of jeans can be worn only after washing. Therefore, washing is an important process for making denim clothing. So, what are the washing processes for denim and garment?

Garment Wash

It is basically like doing laundry at home but on a much larger scale washing machine. Warm water swirling around at about 60°-90°C, and we add just the right amount of detergent. After about 15 minutes of washing, we give it a gentle spin to dry it a bit. We can also some softener to clean water, making the fabric super soft, cozy, and giving it a natural, clean look.

Depending on how long we wash it and the amount of chemicals we use, we can categorize garment wash into three types: light washing, garment washing, and heavy washing. Light washing usually takes around 5 minutes, normal washing around 15 minutes, and heavy washing about 30 minutes (but hey, the timing isn’t set in stone). The great thing is, there aren’t any strict rules about which method to use—it all depends on what we’re trying to achieve.

Stone Wash

It’s a technique where we literally toss in some stones of a specific size while washing clothes. It’s a physical process that gives denim that faded look we all love.

To get the best results, we need to make sure the clothes are fully soaked by controlling the water level. In a washing tank, we mix the denim with the stones and let them roll and rub against each other. The longer we let them go at it, the lighter the color of the denim becomes, creating a sharp contrast effect.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. We can use different types of stones like yellow, white, AAA, or even artificial ones, and we can also throw in rubber balls and whatnot to achieve different washing effects. It’s like playing with different tools to create unique styles!

But hey, there’s a catch. After the washing process, the cloth surface ends up looking all worn-out and sometimes the clothes can even get slightly or seriously damaged. It’s like giving them that “vintage” or “worn-in” appearance, but we gotta be careful not to go overboard.

So there you have it—the magic of stone washing! It’s a bit risky, but it’s what gives denim that awesome faded and lived-in vibe.

Acid Wash

Compare with stone wash, acid washing is a method that chemically fades the color of fabrics. Depending on the ration of chlorine to the water, the fabric can have a faded color style or a bleached white style.

Snow Wash

Alright, let’s talk about the awesome process of snow washing! It’s all about giving clothes a unique burnished look using special stones soaked in potassium permanganate.

Now, let’s break down the general process of snow washing:

1. We start by soaking pumice stones in a potassium permanganate solution.
2. Once the stones are ready, we go ahead and dry-grind them together with the clothes. This is where the magic begins!
3. As the clothes go through the process, they acquire that desirable snowflake effect we’re aiming for.
4. Once the desired effect is achieved, we take out the clothes and wash off any stone dust remaining on them. We use water in the washing tank to make sure they’re squeaky clean.
5. To neutralize any remaining effects of the process, we apply oxalic acid.
6. After that, we give the clothes a general wash to ensure they’re fresh and ready to wear.
7. And finally, to add an extra touch of comfort, we apply some softener to make the fabric even softer.

It’s a fascinating process that gives clothes a unique and eye-catching appearance.

Enzyme Wash

Enzyme wash is an intriguing technique that involves immersing garments in water infused with a special type of cellulose. Through the action of enzymes, the fiber structure undergoes controlled degradation, resulting in a gentle fading effect on the cloth surface. This process creates a unique and subtle worn-out appearance, adding an element of fascination to the transformation.

Moreover, enzymes play a remarkable role in removing unwanted hairiness from the fabric, leaving a smooth and soft texture known as the “peach skin” effect. The softness achieved through enzyme wash persists even after washing, ensuring a luxurious feel that is undeniably appealing.

Let’s delve into the fascinating combination of enzymes and stones known as enzyme stone wash. This collaborative process synergizes the enzymatic action with the distinctive effects of stones, resulting in an intriguing interplay of nature and craftsmanship. The outcome is a captivating display of textures and aesthetics that elevates the overall appeal of the garments.

Enzymes possess an extraordinary capability to degrade cellulose in cotton fibers. This unique property allows them to wash away not only the fibers but also the indigo dye, which adheres to the surface of the yarn. The result is a captivating transformation, as the cloth unveils a different character and charm, free from its previous indigo hue.

Sand Wash

Let’s explore sand wash, an intriguing process that involves washing fabric or garments with alkaline and oxidizing additives. The objective is to achieve a soft and distressed look for the fabric.

When sand wash is combined with the use of stones, a fascinating effect occurs. A layer of soft and white fluff forms on the surface of the cloth, adding an extra dimension to its appearance. This creates a distinctive texture that sets it apart.

To further enhance the comfort of wearing the fabric, softeners can be added. These softeners work wonders by making the fabric fluffy and soft after the wash. Just imagine the cozy feeling when you put on a garment that has undergone this process—it’s pure comfort!

Sand wash is a remarkable technique that not only achieves a desired distressed look but also elevates the tactile experience of the fabric. It’s all about finding that perfect balance between aesthetics and comfort. So, whether you’re aiming for a unique fabric texture or enhanced coziness, sand wash with stones and softeners is the way to go.

Bleach Wash

Bleach washing is a process that involves treating fabric or garments with bleach to achieve a specific effect. Bleach, which is a chemical agent, is used to lighten the color of the fabric or create a faded, worn-out appearance. It can be applied to the entire fabric or selectively to create patterns or distressed effects.

Bleach washing can create a range of effects, from subtle color variations to more dramatic fades. It is commonly used in denim and other fabrics to achieve a distressed or vintage look. However, it’s important to note that bleach can be a harsh chemical, so clothing with bleach washing is not as durable as normal clothing.

Destroy Wash

Once the garment undergoes the polishing process with stones and treatment with additives, certain areas such as the joint positions, collar, and hem may experience some degree of damage. As a result, the clothes exhibit noticeable worn-out effects after washing.

In some cases, for a more pronounced distressed effect, grinding machines are employed after the washing process. These machines work to intensify the level of destruction, adding an extra touch of character to the garment.

It’s important to note that the extent of damage and worn-out effects can vary depending on the specific techniques and treatments applied. The aim is to achieve a desired aesthetic that embodies a worn-in and well-loved appearance, providing a unique and individualized touch to the garment.

Whiskers

Whisker, often referred to as the “mustache effect,” is a distinctive faded look that appears on the thighs of jeans. This effect is achieved through a hand-brushing technique that creates patterns resembling a mustache.

Whiskering is a popular and intricate craftsmanship, with various styles and techniques. It can be categorized into different types, including ordinary whiskers, 3D whiskers, hand-stitched whiskers, monkey whiskers, hand-grabbed whiskers, and resin whiskers. Among these, resin whiskers stand out as they provide a truly three-dimensional whiskering effect.

The art of whiskering adds depth and character to denim, enhancing its vintage appeal. It’s a skilled technique that requires precision and expertise to create the desired fading patterns and whisker shapes. Whether it’s a subtle touch or a more pronounced effect, whiskering adds a unique visual element to jeans, capturing the essence of classic and worn-in denim style.

Spray Stone Wash （Monkey Wash）

Spray stone wash, also known as monkey wash, is a specialized denim washing technique where stones and chemicals are sprayed onto the fabric using high-pressure guns. This process creates an uneven distribution of fading and distressing effects, mimicking the natural wear and tear of aged denim.

By strategically targeting specific areas, such as the thighs and knees, spray stone wash achieves a unique and textured appearance.
This technique offers a versatile approach to denim finishing, allowing for customization and the creation of various levels of distress and vintage appeal.

Pigment wash/pigment dyed wash

Pigment wash, also referred to as pigment-dyed wash, is a method used to color garments by applying pigment dyes onto the fabric surface.

Unlike traditional dyeing techniques that penetrate the fibers, pigment wash involves the use of pigments that adhere to the fabric’s surface. This results in a washed-out, vintage look with a slightly faded and irregular color distribution. Pigment wash offers a range of possibilities for achieving unique and weathered effects on garments, adding a worn-in charm and individuality to the finished product.

Wrapping up

That’s my brief introduction to 11 different washing processes. If you’re interested in learning more, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. With our extensive experience of 19 years in the clothing industry, we have gained deep expertise and knowledge. When it comes to this industry, we pride ourselves on being the go-to experts.
Feel free to get in touch with us for any further inquiries or to explore the vast world of garment washing.