U.S. patent application number 13/142102 was filed with the patent office on 2012-12-06 for method and apparatus for cleaning delicate textiles.
Invention is credited to Fariborz Dawudian.
Application Number | 20120304394 13/142102 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44627853 |
Filed Date | 2012-12-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120304394 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dawudian; Fariborz |
December 6, 2012 |
Method and Apparatus for Cleaning Delicate Textiles
Abstract
The invention concerns an apparatus for cleaning delicate
textiles, comprising a motorized and rotating drum housed in a
fluid tight basket, at least a water inlet and a fluid outlet, at
least a first container for a first chemical composition, and a
heating means. According to the invention, the first container is
appropriate to contain a warm mixture of water and the said first
chemical composition, the apparatus comprises at least a conduit
cooperating with a circulating means for mixing and circulating the
said warm mixture between said first container and said circulating
means, a means for injecting or spraying said mixture into said
drum and over dry textiles, said circulating means having an inlet
for said warm mixture and at least an outlet cooperating with at
least a first end of a conduit opening at its second end into the
drum. The invention further relates to a method implemented by such
an apparatus.
Inventors: |
Dawudian; Fariborz; (Paris,
FR) |
Family ID: |
44627853 |
Appl. No.: |
13/142102 |
Filed: |
May 31, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
May 31, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP11/58964 |
371 Date: |
August 24, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
8/137 ; 68/13R;
68/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 39/02 20130101;
D06F 35/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
8/137 ; 68/13.R;
68/16 |
International
Class: |
D06L 1/20 20060101
D06L001/20; D06F 39/04 20060101 D06F039/04; D06F 37/02 20060101
D06F037/02; D06F 39/08 20060101 D06F039/08 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for cleaning delicate textiles, comprising a
motorized and rotating drum housed in a fluid tight basket, at
least a water inlet and a fluid outlet, at least a first container
for a first chemical composition wherein the first container is
appropriate to contain a warm mixture of water and the said first
chemical composition, the apparatus comprises at least a conduit
cooperating with a circulating means for mixing and circulating the
said mixture between said first container and said circulating
means, a means for injecting and/or spraying said warm mixture into
said drum and over dry textiles, said circulating means having an
inlet for said warm mixture and at least an outlet cooperating with
at least a first end of a conduit opening at its second end into
the drum.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it comprises a first
means for circulating the warm mixture into the drum through the
spraying means, and/or a second means for circulating the warm
mixture into the drum through the injection means.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it comprises a
heating means located inside said first container.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it comprises a
heating means located outside said first container.
5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it further comprises
a second container for a second chemical composition, said second
container having an opening for the second chemical composition to
flow out of said second container and into said fluid tight
basket.
6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first container
comprises an outlet for evacuating the mixture not flowing through
the circulating means.
7. A method for cleaning delicate textiles comprising: contacting
the textiles with a washing fluid; rotating of wet textiles in a
motorized rotating drum provided in a fluid tight basket; rinsing
said textiles by contacting said textiles with clean water;
extracting rinse water wherein, prior to contacting the textiles
with the washing fluid, a warm mixture of water and a first
chemical composition is provided in a first container; spraying the
warm mixture over the dry textiles during drum rotation.
8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the warm mixture has a
temperature between 10.degree. C. and 35.degree. C.
9. The method according to claim 7, wherein the washing fluid is
continually re-circulated around the textiles, before being
extracted out of the drum.
10. The method according to claim 7, wherein at least a pump is
used to circulate said warm mixture within said first container
before it is sprayed over said dry textiles.
11. The method according to claim 7, wherein, once the step of
extracting rinse water is completed, a second chemical composition
is injected over textiles present into the drum.
12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, after injection of
the second chemical composition, a second fluid extraction is
provided.
13. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein it comprises a
heating means located inside said first container.
14. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein it comprises a
heating means located outside said first container.
15. The method according to claim 8, wherein the washing fluid is
continually re-circulated around the textiles, before being
extracted out of the drum.
Description
BACKGROUND AND AREA OF THE ART
[0001] The invention relates to cleaning or wet cleaning (water
based) of delicate textiles or other items. In the meaning of the
present invention the term "delicate textiles" refers to items
which have a tendency to lose dye or color, crease, felt or shrink
when cleaned or washed in water. In order to avoid damages many of
the delicate textiles are conventionally dry cleaned.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
[0002] Two main types of textile cleaning are known: dry cleaning
that relates to methods and apparatuses using non aqueous solvents;
and wet cleaning using water as main component of the cleaning. In
other words, dry cleaning relates to methods and systems that use
non aqueous solvents whereas wet cleaning uses water as
solvent.
[0003] Dry cleaning is thus based on the use of chemical
compositions as solvents, most commonly perchloroethylene which has
been identified as a hazardous air and ground water pollutant
(listed as such under the Clean Air Act by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency and declared as a toxic chemical by California in
1991); it has been also been associated with nervous-system
disorders, severe skin irritation, liver and kidney disorders
amongst industrial workers and listed as probable carcinogen by the
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The use of
perchloroethylene has been banned in California where it will be
progressively phased out by 2023. As a consequence of the hazardous
nature of perchloroethylene, processes utilizing it must be done at
professional dry cleaning establishments using specialized dry
cleaning equipment.
[0004] In recent years, the industry has responded with less toxic
alternatives to perchloroethylene-based cleaning, including
cleaning systems based on hydrocarbons, glycol ethers or cyclic
siloxane. While these alternatives may have lower toxicity levels
than perchloroethylene-based cleaning, they are still comparatively
more toxic and have lower cleaning power than water-based cleaning.
They are thus preferably avoided.
[0005] While non-aqueous solvent-based cleaning systems may be
effective for removing oily soils and oily stains, they are not
optimal for removing particulates such as clay soils or the more
common water-soluble stains such as sugars, starch, protein etc.
They also require special pre-treatment, mostly done manually,
(pre-spotting), to remove stains.
[0006] Moreover, equipment for dry cleaning as well as other
non-aqueous solvent based cleaning is typically more capital
intensive than for wet cleaning. It also compares unfavourably with
regard to operating costs and specifically with regard to repair
and maintenance costs due to the greater technical complexity and
higher energy and water consumption. In addition, as opposed to dry
cleaning, there is no need for special removal of (hazardous)
solvent sludge and used filters in wet cleaning.
[0007] Wet cleaning is a comparatively non-toxic, environmentally
safe alternative to dry cleaning. It uses water as solvent as well
as biodegradable soaps/detergents, conditioners and other
compositions. The process of wet cleaning in a professional wet
cleaning operation is similar to washing garments in a modern
household washing machine, albeit in a controlled environment with
regard to drum rpm (revolution per mn), temperature and water
volume. However, professional wet cleaning operations require
specially designed wet cleaning machines and dryers able to process
high volumes and a greater variety of textiles.
[0008] Even if the quality of wet cleaning has improved since the
early 1990s, modern wet cleaning compositions, methods and devices
still cause damage to textiles in form of dimensional changes and
color loss, especially after prolonged use. In traditional
water-based washing, dimensional changes (shrinkage) and color loss
are the result of water penetrating into the cavities of the
textile fibers. During the drying process in a tumbler the
evaporation of water creates pressure in the fiber cavities, thus
resulting in damages to the fibers. In order to avoid or reduce
dimensional changes, drying in a tumble dryer is avoided, sensitive
garments are hanged to dry and cleaning is typically done at low
water temperature and with little mechanical action (to avoid
friction) while emphasizing the application of chemical
compositions. Mechanical action in existing wet-cleaning systems is
typically reduced by minimizing the time of drum rotation (i.e. the
drum remains idle much of the time during the washing and
conditioning cycles). As a result, the cleaning results in existing
wet cleaning systems are generally poor.
[0009] Known devices and methods are not able to handle delicate
textiles or only to a limited extend. Very sensitive items such as
woolen jackets, silk ties, tight woven cashmere sweaters or high
quality suits cannot be effectively wet-cleaned and subsequently
tumbler dried in existing wet cleaning systems. A prolonged use of
traditional wet cleaning methods will lead to dimensional
changes/shrinkage, surface damages and dye or colour loss.
[0010] The known devices do not allow for the subsequent drying of
the garments after the washing cycle. Typically, garments washed in
existing wet cleaning systems need to be hanged to dry or dried in
special drying cabinets, increasing the time and space requirement
for processing the garments.
[0011] The present invention addresses the inherent weaknesses of
existing wet cleaning systems.
[0012] Document EP 0 548 035 discloses a method and a apparatus
comprising a drum enclosed in a basket, fluid supply input and
output, conduits for flow of liquids, at least one apparatus for
stocking the chemical compositions, hydraulic circuits command
valves; moreover an electrical circuit cooperates with a controller
for launch, duration, kind of programs to be used: precleaning,
cleaning, rinse, spin-drying and/or drying.
[0013] Such (known) apparatuses aim to reduce mechanical forces on
the garments to be cleaned and/or to emphasize the application of
chemical compositions. They are known to focus on the reduction of
mechanical friction to garments and to emphasize the application of
chemical composition. Mechanical friction in existing wet-cleaning
systems is typically reduced by minimizing the time of drum
rotation (i.e. the drum remains idle much of the time during the
cleaning and conditioning cycles).
[0014] One knows the Chinese document CN101343828A that discloses a
cleaning machine in which a mixture of detergent and water is
sprayed and spread over garments in order to improve the
penetrability of functional detergent. Steam in high temperature is
necessary sprayed over the laundry; in that way the consumption of
the cleaning water can be reduced simultaneously to a good quality
of the cleaning itself.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] It is an object of the invention to provide a novel and
inventive concept that overcomes the prior art problems and
limitations. The present invention can advantageously be applied
both in professional or household settings without any risks and/or
disturbances.
[0016] These and other objects are achieved in an apparatus for
cleaning delicate textiles, comprising a motorized and rotating
drum housed in a fluid tight basket, at least a water inlet and a
fluid outlet, at least a first container for a first chemical
composition.
[0017] According to the invention, the first container is
appropriate to contain a warm mixture of water and the said first
chemical composition; the apparatus comprises at least a conduit
cooperating with a circulating means for mixing and circulating the
said hot mixture between said first container and said circulating
means; the apparatus further comprises a means for injecting and/or
spraying said warm mixture into said drum and over dry textiles,
said circulating means having an inlet for said warm mixture and at
least an outlet cooperating with at least a first end of a conduit
opening at its second end into the drum.
[0018] By "delicate textiles" one means items such as woolen
jackets, sport jackets, silk ties, tight woven cashmere sweaters or
high-quality suits made of water-sensitive protein fibers such as
wool, cashmere, silk or other garments made of animal hair, animal
skin as well as garments made of rayon and mixed spun materials; of
course this list is non exhaustive and more generally "delicate
textiles" comprises all textiles items or equivalents that have a
tendency to dimensional changes/shrinkage, surface damages and dye
or color loss during one or more cleanings. In other words, in the
meaning of the present invention the term "delicate textiles"
refers to items which have a tendency to lose dye or color, to
crease, to felt or shrink when cleaned or washed in water. In order
to avoid damages many of the delicate textiles are conventionally
dry cleaned.
[0019] In a very interesting way, the apparatus according to the
invention can be implemented in a professional as well as in a
household setting.
[0020] According to a first embodiment of the invention, the
apparatus comprises a first means for circulating the warm mixture
into the drum through the spraying means, and/or a second means for
circulating the warm mixture into the drum through the injection
means.
[0021] By warm mixture one means a mixture whose temperature ranges
between 10.degree. C. and 35.degree. C.
[0022] As will be detailed later, the invention involves at least
three embodiments i.e. one with two circulating means (pumps for
example); and two others with a single circulating means (pump for
example).
[0023] In a specific way, a first heating means is located inside
said first container.
[0024] Without departing from the scope of the invention, a first
heating means is located outside said first container.
[0025] Besides, the apparatus may further comprise a second
container for a second chemical composition, said second container
having an opening for the second chemical composition to flow out
of said second container and into said fluid tight basket.
[0026] More precisely, the first container comprises an outlet for
evacuating the mixture not flowing through the circulating
means.
[0027] The invention further encompasses a method for cleaning
delicate textiles comprising at least a first contact between
textiles and a washing fluid, a rotating of wet textiles in a
motorized rotating drum provided in a fluid tight basket, at least
a first rinse by contacting said textiles with clean water, at
least a first extraction of rinse water wherein prior to the first
contact between the textiles and washing fluid, a warm mixture of
water and a first chemical composition is provided in a first
container, then it is sprayed over the dry textiles during drum
rotation.
[0028] Preferably, the warm mixture comprises 1 to 20% of first
chemical composition.
[0029] More precisely, the warm mixture projected over the dry
textiles enables an efficient cleaning of the textiles. Typically,
at least more than half of the soils/impurities are solids such as
dust and metal particles etc. Most of these impurities will be
removed "right away", just like brushing them off, in the spraying
method. The remainder of the soil/impurities represents polar
(water soluble stains like sugars, starch, food etc) and non polar
type of stains (oil soluble) will be removed later in the cleaning
cycle. The key is to obtain a quick coating of the garment fibers,
in the first few seconds following the injection of the warm
mixture into the drum. The coating will protect the textile fibers
in the subsequent cleaning cycle.
[0030] In a very interesting way, the method according to the
invention can be implemented either in a professional and/or
commercial environment, or in a household setting.
[0031] Preferably, the warm mixture has a temperature between
10.degree. C. and 35.degree. C.
[0032] Furthermore the washing fluid is continually recirculated
around the textiles, before being extracted out of the drum. By
recirculating said washing fluid, the need for mechanical action
through drum rotation is reduced.
[0033] Such a recirculation will reduce the need for mechanical
action during the cleaning or the later reconditioning steps,
mainly because this enables the fluid to move around the textiles,
avoiding them the mechanical action through drum rotation. The warm
mixture and/or washing fluid moves around the textiles rather than
the drum around the textiles. Thus the textile fibers are not
damaged, they are preserved. The risk of dimensional changes to
textiles or fibers is thus greatly reduced.
[0034] Besides at least one pump is used to circulate said warm
mixture within said container before it is sprayed over said dry
textiles.
[0035] Furthermore once the at least one fluid extraction is
completed, a second chemical composition is injected over textiles
present into the drum. Said second chemical composition is
preferably a conditioner composition.
[0036] Preferably, after injection of the second chemical
composition, a second fluid extraction is provided. The thus
treated textiles can then be directly loaded into the drum. They
have a low humidity ratio (less than 40%) and they are slightly
creased. No additional step is required.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0037] The above-mentioned and other features of the present
invention, and the manner of obtaining them will become more
apparent, and it will be best understood, by reference to the
following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings in which:
[0038] FIG. 1, shows a first schematic embodiment of the
invention;
[0039] FIG. 2, shows a second schematic embodiment of the
invention; and
[0040] FIG. 3, shows a third schematic embodiment of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0041] FIG. 1 is a schema illustrating an apparatus (also named
cleaning apparatus hereafter) for cleaning delicate textiles; this
drawing only shows means that are necessary for a good
understanding of the invention. The apparatus, in a known and
essential way, comprises: a motorized drum 1 rotating about an
horizontal axis; said drum is housed in a fluid tight basket 2. The
apparatus is provided with some supply inlets and outlets such as a
water supply inlet 20 and a drain outlet 11. It is also known to
provide such a cleaning apparatus with at least a container for a
chemical composition adapted to treat the laundry loaded into the
drum. Typically, this or these containers are connected to the
basket 2 through at least a conduit.
[0042] The currently used compositions are detergents, soap,
pre-conditioner, conditioner as disclosed for example in WO
2010/097651. These compositions are generally mixed with water in
specific container or container compartments; water flows over said
compartment containing chemical composition(s). The mixture flows
towards basket 2. Therefore said mixture of water and chemical
composition(s) is introduced directly into the drum where they are
heated if necessary.
[0043] A hydraulic circuit comprising at least a pump is provided
to circulate the washing fluids; and programmed valves actuate this
circulation. A program control device is also provided and designed
to permit various cleaning cycles.
[0044] A heating means is provided in the basket 2 in order to heat
the washing fluid. According to the invention the heating means 4
cooperates with a specific (first) container 5 that is, according
to a preferred embodiment of the invention, directly linked to the
basket 2, just underneath.
[0045] FIG. 1 relates to an embodiment where a single circulating
means like a pump 61 is provided. A first conduit 53 is linked to a
first opening of the specific container 5 and to said pump 61; said
first conduit 53 allows fluid present in container 5 to flow out. A
second conduit 54 is a supply conduit from pump 61 to container 5.
Thus, fluid such as a warm mixture of soap and water is circulated
and recirculated between pump 61 and first container 5. This fluid
is also named "cleaning liquid" or "washing fluid" in the present
specification.
[0046] Without departing from the scope of the invention pre-heated
water can be used to heat the mixture. The pre-heated mixture can
be introduced from outside said apparatus. In such an embodiment
warm water for example can be injected directly into container
5.
[0047] Advantageously pump 61 has an opening cooperating with a
conduit 71 ending by its second end into the drum 1. More precisely
an injection means 7 is provided to inject the mixture, under
pressure, into drum 1. The injection means 7, or sprayer, is
positioned at the second end of the conduit 71. The man skilled in
the art will determine the appropriate diameters and pressure
allowing a spraying of the hot mixture into the drum 1. As an
example the pressure is less than 5 bars.
[0048] The drum 1 is only partially filled through sprayer 7 as
will be described later. Preferably the drum is half filled with
said warm mixture during the cleaning cycle.
[0049] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the
first container 5 is positioned underneath and tightly connected to
the basket 2.
[0050] Moreover at least one valve 10 cooperates with a drain 11 in
order to control the final extraction of the fluid out of the
apparatus. Valve 10 can be connected to an outlet of the first
container 5.
[0051] Of course a pre-programmed controller, not shown, is
provided in order to control the flows, time, durations,
temperatures of the cleaning cycle, in order to offer users with
various cleaning programs; pre-cleaning, cleaning, rinse.
[0052] FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of the invention that
differs from the first embodiment by the injection means. According
to this embodiment the sprayer 7 is replaced by a plurality of
injectors 8,9 that inject the warm mixture directly into the drum
1. Besides, water (cold or warm) can be injected into the drum 1
through a plurality of water injection holes 20, distributed at
some specific points around the drum 1. Preferably the water
injection holes 20 are disposed in the upper part of the drum.
Water flows more or less according to arrows F, to the connection
50 between drum 1 and first container 5, and then into container 5
where it is mixed with the first chemical composition basically
contained in said first container 5.
[0053] As explained in relation with the first embodiment of the
invention, said warm mixture is fully mixed thanks to pump 62 and
connections 51, 52 between said pump 62 and the first container
5.
[0054] The second embodiment of the invention will preferably be
used to introduce the warm mixture into the drum 1 at low pressure.
This allows much higher loading ratio in the drum since the mixture
enters the drum 1 from its top.
[0055] FIG. 3 illustrates a kind of combination of first and second
embodiments. It relates to an apparatus comprising two pumps 61,
62; a first pump 61 is dedicated to the spraying means 7, the
second pump 62 is dedicated to the injections means 8, 9. Both
pumps 61, 62 are connected to the first container 5, to circulate
the warm mixture.
[0056] As shown in FIG. 3 a second container 3 can be provided for
another fluid such as a conditioner composition. Water is
preferably introduced through the second container 3 which,
however, is not compulsory.
[0057] The injections of the different compositions or mixtures are
made successively.
[0058] A method for cleaning delicate textiles will now be
described, susceptible to be implemented in apparatuses as
described above.
[0059] Once textiles are loaded into the drum 1, the user selects a
specific program which determine specific key parameters such as:
short cycle, long cycle, maximum temperatures, rotation rpm,
extraction rpm.
[0060] In any case launch of the cleaning apparatus starts
injection of a small quantity of a first chemical composition into
the specific (first) container 5. It has to be pointed out that
this container 5 can be disposed either outside basket 2 or inside
said basket. FIGS. 1, 2, 3 show a container 5 placed underneath
basket 2.
[0061] The first chemical composition can advantageously be a soap
composition as described in patent application WO 2010/097651. An
amount of soap (for example) composition as well as water is
injected into the container 5 with a proportion of composition to
water of 1% to 20%.
[0062] Simultaneously, heating means 4 starts in order to heat said
mixture of soap composition and water. The heating means 4 is
disposed within or very close to container 5. Any kind of heating
means can be provided: the man skilled in the art will choose
depending on the whole context. The duration of said heating is set
according to temperatures to be reached. For example the heating
will be stopped when the temperature of the mixture inside
container 5, is 25.degree. C. or 30.degree. C. The temperature can
be between 10.degree. C. to 35.degree. C.
[0063] Alternatively, warm water within said range of temperatures
could be used to eliminate the need for a heating means.
[0064] Then pump 61, 62 starts; or if several pumps, the pump 61
dedicated to the spraying starts. This will permit to inject said
hot mixture into drum 1, through conduit 71.
[0065] At this step, the (highly concentrated) soap mixture is
introduced into the drum 1 while the drum is rotating. Typically,
at least more than half of the soils/impurities are solid such as
dust and metal particles etc. Due to the injection under pressure
of said hot mixture, most of these impurities will be removed
"right away" (just like brushing them off) during this spraying
method i.e. in the beginning of the washing process. The remainder
of the soil/impurities represents polar (water soluble stains like
sugars, starch, food etc) and non polar type of stains (oil
soluble) will be removed later, during cleaning cycle.
[0066] The key is to obtain a quick coating of the garments fibers
in the first few seconds following the introduction of the mixture
into the drum 1. The mixture is introduced onto dry textiles which
better absorb the mixture, in dry condition, than wet textiles
would.
[0067] The coating will prevent water from penetrating deeply into
the fibers cavities and thus from adhering to the fibers. As a
result, water can be extracted more easily in the subsequent
extraction steps.
[0068] As most of the soils/impurities can be removed in
water-based cleaning, no or very little pre-spotting of the textile
is needed with the present method; this is a substantial advantage
over known methods. Actually pre-spotting is a manual action,
borrow and thus costly.
[0069] Next step of the method comprises introduction of water into
basket 2, by any means known per se. According to the first
embodiment, water is introduced directly into the first container
5, for example through appropriate holes 20. According to FIGS. 2
and 3 water injection is provided through specific holes 20
disposed in the upper part of the drum 1.
[0070] The water injection duration as well as speed rotation of
the drum 1 are determined by the man skilled in the art, in order
to create a homogeneous coating of textiles with the warm mixture,
more precisely with the first chemical composition. In order to
obtain a homogenous coating of the garments, the drum 1 is rotated
at a certain rotation speed for a certain length of time which will
depend on the size of the drum; a larger drum will be rotated at
lower rpm than a smaller drum. This contrasts with existing wet
cleaning systems which try to minimize rotation speed and
mechanical action.
[0071] Thanks to pumps 61, 62, the washing fluid is continually
recirculated around the textiles in order to complete the cleaning
cycle. The precise sequence of sub-steps in the cleaning cycle, its
duration and mechanical action will depend on the type of garment
wet-cleaned.
[0072] In other words in order to reduce the mechanical action
during the cleaning or the conditioning cycles, the present
invention will rotate (i.e. recirculate) the water and/or the
water-composition mixture around the garments, using at least an
integrated recirculation pump (i.e. water is extracted and
reinjected into the drum). This will reduce the mechanical action
(through drum rotation). According to the invention the textiles
are rotated only periodically.
[0073] According to the invention the recirculation addresses the
problem of stain removal in existing wet cleaning systems caused by
mechanical action that inherently creates "friction" to the
garments (which is necessary to remove stains).
[0074] In a next step a first extraction of the washing liquid can
be done in order to eliminate the washing liquid and thus most of
the suds which were removed from the textile fibers.
[0075] Then a second chemical composition such as a conditioner
composition is injected into the drum 1 in order to "prepare" the
textiles for drying and finishing (ironing). The conditioner
composition does not need to be pre-heated. The conditioner
composition will coat the garments with a protective thin layer of
sizing.
[0076] In the drying method (if any), the conditioner composition
will expand and remove almost entirely small creases. It has to be
pointed out that conditioners used in existing wet cleaning systems
do not have this capability. This is due to the combination and
specific arrangement of the invention.
[0077] Thanks to the sizing, the garment surface will have been
prepared for better gliding in the subsequent ironing and/or
finishing. A slight ironing is thus necessary.
[0078] Next step consists of extracting water still adhering to the
textiles. This extraction cycle uses varying drum rotation rates,
depending of the type of the textiles to be cleaned. For example a
low g-force of about 60 g will be used for sensitive silk garments,
and a very high g-force will be used for some wool garments. By way
of the force of extraction as well as the protective capabilities
of the chemical composition, the present invention enables the
removal of much of the moisture from the textiles, thereby reducing
the subsequent drying time.
* * * * *