What is the Process of Stone Wash in 2025?
Garment washing has become a crucial step in the fashion industry, particularly for achieving a unique look and feel. Among the various types of washes, Stone Enzyme Wash is one of the most popular processes for giving garments a soft hand feel and a vintage look. This article will guide you through the Stone Enzyme Wash process with a detailed flow chart, breaking down each step for better understanding.
What is Stone Enzyme Wash?
Stone Enzyme Wash is a garment washing process that uses pumice stones and enzymes to create a worn-out, soft, and distressed look in the fabric. The enzymes break down cellulose in the fabric, while the stones abrade the surface, creating a visually appealing, aged effect.
Stone Enzyme Wash is a popular technique used in the textile and garment industry to enhance the appearance and feel of fabrics, particularly denim. It combines two distinct processes: stone washing and enzyme washing, both of which are used to give fabric a worn-in, soft, and faded look while improving its texture.
Flow Chart of Stone Enzyme Wash Process
Here is a step-by-step flow chart that outlines the Stone Enzyme Wash process in garment finishing:
1. Garment Loading
- Load the garments into the washing machine according to capacity.
- Ensure that the load is balanced to avoid damage during washing.
2. De-sizing
- Purpose: Remove starch and size materials from the fabric.
- Process: Use a de-sizing agent, typically an enzyme (like amylase), for effective removal.
- Key Chemicals: Amylase enzyme, caustic soda.
- Duration: 15–30 minutes at a temperature of 60–70°C.
3. Stone and Enzyme Addition
- Pumice Stones: Add the required quantity of pumice stones (size and amount depend on the desired abrasion effect).
- Enzyme: Add cellulase enzyme, which will break down cellulose in the cotton fabric to soften the garment.
- Water Level: Maintain a low water level to enhance contact between stones and garments.
- Duration: 30–60 minutes.
4. Enzyme Reaction
- Temperature: Maintain at 50–55°C for optimal enzyme activity.
- pH Level: Adjust pH between 4.5 and 5.5 for efficient enzyme functioning.
5. Abrasion (Stone Action)
- Purpose: Stones tumble with the fabric, causing surface abrasion and lightening effects.
- Duration: 30–60 minutes, depending on the desired fading effect.
6. Draining
- Drain the enzyme solution and stones.
- Rinse the garments to remove excess stones and enzyme residues.
7. Neutralization
- Purpose: Neutralize the garment’s pH by adding a neutralizing agent such as acetic acid.
- Duration: 5–10 minutes.
- pH Level: 6.5–7.
8. Softening
- Purpose: Add a softening agent (silicone or cationic softener) to enhance the softness of the garments.
- Duration: 10–15 minutes.
9. Final Rinse
- Thoroughly rinse the garments to remove any remaining chemicals and ensure softness.
10. Hydro Extraction
- Extract excess water from the garments using a hydro extractor to reduce drying time.
11. Drying
- Tumble dry the garments until they reach the required moisture level.
- Temperature: Typically 60–80°C depending on fabric type.
12. Finishing and Inspection
- Inspect the garments for quality control.
- Perform necessary repairs (if any) and prepare the garments for packaging.
Stone Enzyme Wash
- Enhanced Fabric Softness: The enzymes break down the fibers, making the fabric feel softer to the touch.
- Vintage Look: The pumice stones create a distressed look, perfect for casual and trendy fashion.
- Eco-Friendly Option: Enzyme washes reduce the need for harsh chemicals, making it a more sustainable option in garment finishing.
- Durability: Stone enzyme washes provide an aesthetically pleasing, long-lasting finish to garments.
Keywords:
- Stone enzyme wash process
- Enzyme wash in garments
- Garment washing techniques
- Stone wash vs enzyme wash
- Enzyme wash flow chart
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- Pumice stone washing in textiles
- Garment finishing techniques
- Softening fabrics with enzymes
- Vintage look garment wash
FAQs :
1. What is the difference between stone wash and enzyme wash?
- Stone wash uses pumice stones to abrade the fabric, creating a distressed look. Enzyme wash uses cellulase enzymes to soften the fabric by breaking down fibers. Stone enzyme wash combines both methods for enhanced effects.
2. Why is enzyme wash eco-friendly?
- Enzyme wash uses biodegradable enzymes rather than harsh chemicals, reducing environmental harm and water pollution.
3. How long does the stone enzyme wash process take?
- The process typically takes about 2–3 hours, depending on the fabric type and desired effect.
4. What type of garments is suitable for stone enzyme wash?
- Stone enzyme wash is ideal for cotton-based fabrics, such as denim, t-shirts, and casual wear, as these materials respond well to abrasion and enzyme action.
5. Can stone enzyme wash damage garments?
- If done improperly, the process can cause excessive abrasion, leading to fabric weakening or damage. It’s essential to control the amount of stones and enzymes used.
Conclusion
Stone Enzyme Wash is a popular technique for achieving soft, vintage-look garments. Understanding the step-by-step flow of the process and its benefits can help manufacturers and designers deliver high-quality fashion pieces. By following this guide, you can ensure an efficient and eco-friendly garment washing process that enhances fabric texture and appeal.
While stone enzyme washing produces desirable results, it requires careful control of the process. Too much abrasion or enzyme action can weaken the fabric, leading to a loss of strength. Therefore, proper monitoring and usage of the right type of enzyme and stone are crucial to achieving the desired outcome without damaging the fabric.
In summary, stone enzyme wash is a textile treatment that combines the abrasion effects of stone washing with the enzymatic action to create a soft, worn-in look and feel on fabrics, particularly denim.
Reference:
- https://garmentsmerchandising.com/flow-chart-of-stone-enzyme-wash/
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* Types of Chemical Used in Garment Washing in 2025 – Garments Educations
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