Textiles Use of Textiles Functions of Textiles Selection

Textiles Use of Textiles Functions of Textiles Selection Criteria Textile Care ©PDST Home Economics

Use of Textiles w Household linens e. g. bed linen, kitchen cloths, table linen. w Interior textiles e. g. cushions, floor coverings, upholstery. w Clothing

Functions of Textiles for Clothing Purposes w To enhance appearance and give confidence w To protect against chemicals, disease, fire, injury. w To protect against the weather e. g. waterproof, gloves. w To identify workers e. g. doctors, gardai, students. w To influence others e. g. interviews, advertising. w To express ones individuality and personality.

Textiles for household purposes w To decorate homes e. g. colours, patterns, textures. w To create comfortable atmosphere – carpets, cushions, throws. w To provide warmth and insulation – mats, curtains. w To absorb sounds. w To provide privacy – blinds w To provide absorbency – bath towels

Selection criteria When choosing textiles consider: w w w w Function of item Fitness for purpose Cost – buy the best you can afford Fabric properties Easy care, washable, dry clean only. Aesthetic appeal – appearance, drape, weight Safety – flame resistant

Textile Care of textiles depends on the fibre used, yarn, construction and finishes. Follow the instructions given by the manufacturer. At home remember to: Use detergents that suit the fabric. Choose suitable water temperature. Adding fabric conditioners to reduce static electricity. w Removing excess water – ringing, spinning. w w w

Blends w Different fibres are mixed together to improve the properties of textiles. w The care of blended textiles is in accordance with the fibre present in the highest amount or the fibre requiring a gentler treatment.

Finishes that affect fabric care w Finishes are applied to fabrics to make caring for them easier: 1. 2. 3. 4. Anti-static Crease-resistance Shrink resistance Stain resistant finishes

Safety when choosing household textile items w All natural, synthetic and regenerated fabrics tend to be flammable. w Therefore, non-toxic and durable treatments are applied to fabrics to alter their reaction to flames. w Fabrics with flame-retardant finishes will selfextinguish when the flames are removed. w They do not multiply the flames. w Back-coatings are used on upholstery, carpets etc.

Proban w A durable flame-retardant finish used on fabrics. w A chemical compound containing phosphorus and chlorine is applied to the surface of a textile. w It is then treated with ammonia which forms an insoluble polymer. w Main benefit is the reduced risk of textiles catching fire. w Finishes can be expensive and some may have an allergic reaction to the chemical used.

Fire Safety (Domestic Furniture) Order 1988 w Regulations require that manufacturers use Combustion Modified Highly Resilient Foam (CMHRF) w Covers must pass a cigarette test or match test and loose covers must pass both. w Regulations are implemented by the Dept. Enterprise, Trade & Employment and enforced by the Director of Consumer Affairs

Labels

Fire Safety Order (1988) w Also covers the labelling arrangements for textile products: 1. Swing or display label Shaped like a red triangle, printed on both sides, showing that the filling meets the safety requirements but the filling is not match resistant. A green square, printed on both sides, states that filling & covering meet cigarette and match ignition.

2. Permanent Label w w w Stitched permanently to the product. Provides the name, address of manufacturer or importer, batch number, date of manufacture, description of filling and cover materials. Should state whether or not a fire-resistant inner-liner has been included and a warning “Carelessness causes fire”.