Role of Chemicals in Wet Washing
Wet wash chemicals are formulated to work under specific temperature, pH, time and mechanical action conditions. They help to:
- Remove impurities and unfixed dyes
- Create fading, abrasion and vintage effects
- Improve hand feel and comfort
- Protect fabric strength and color quality
- Ensure consistency across production lots
- Reduce environmental footprint when properly managed
Major Categories of Chemicals Used in Wet Washing
1. Desizing Agents
Chemical Type
- Enzymatic Desizers (Amylase‑based)
- Chemical nature: Enzyme (Protein)
- No single chemical symbol
Chemical Structure: Large polypeptide chain (–NH–CHR–CO–)n
Common Market Names
- Desizym® – Archroma
- Texazym® DCL – DyStar
- Zymex® DS – Rossari
- AmiDesize® – Sarex
Application
- Removal of starch, modified starch and CMC sizes from denim garments
2. Enzymes (Cellulase / Bio‑Polish)
Chemical Type
- Cellulase Enzyme
- Biological catalyst (no chemical symbol)
Common Market Names
- Zymex® Neutral CL – Rossari
- Denimax® Core – Novozymes
- Texazym® CN – DyStar
- Indimex® Bio – Archroma
Function
- Fading, softness, surface polishing, anti‑pilling
3. Detergents & Surfactants
Chemical Compounds
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate → Na₂C₁₂H₂₅SO₄
- Alcohol Ethoxylates → (C₂H₄O)n (Generic), R–(OCH₂CH₂)ₙ–OH
Market Names
- Invatex® LDP – Huntsman
- Univadine® – Archroma
- Ecostone® – Sarex
- Denetex® – Pulcra
Purpose
- Removal of dirt, oils, unfixed indigo and washing residues
4. Bleaching Agents
a. Chlorine Bleach
- Sodium Hypochlorite → NaOCl
Market Names
- Hypo Solution (Commercial Grade)
- Clorox® Industrial
- ChlorBleach®
Requires strict neutralization
b. Oxygen Bleach
- Hydrogen Peroxide → H₂O₂
Market Names
- Stabilon® PB – Archroma
- Peroxide 35% / 50% – Industrial Grade
- Rewin® Oxy – CHT
More sustainable option
5. Neutralizing Agents
Chemical Compounds
- Sodium Metabisulfite → Na₂S₂O₅
- Catalase Enzyme – Biological
Market Names
- Rewin® Neutralizer – CHT
- Biosafe® CAT – Safechem
- Anti‑Chlor® – Local suppliers
Purpose
- Stops bleaching reaction
- Prevents fabric strength loss and yellowing
6. Anti‑Back Staining Agents
Chemical Type
- Polymer‑based dispersing agents
- No single chemical symbol
Market Names
- Indosol® ABD – Archroma
- Denimax® ABS – Novozymes
- Rewin® Anti Back – CHT
- Albaflow® – Huntsman
Benefit
- Keeps white weft yarns clean
- Prevents indigo redeposition
7. Softening Agents
a. Cationic Softeners
- Quaternary ammonium compounds
- Example structure: R₄N⁺Cl⁻
Market Names
- Rewin® Soft CAT – CHT
- Perisoft® – Sarex
b. Silicone Softeners
- Polydimethylsiloxane → (C₂H₆OSi)n
Market Names
- Siligen® – Wacker
- Ultrasil® Soft – Sarex
- Topsil® – Dow Corning
Premium softness, smooth hand feel
8. Fixing Agents
Chemical Types
- Polyamine or cationic resin-based compounds
- No fixed chemical symbol
Market Names
- Rewin® Fix – CHT
- Albafix® ECO – Huntsman
- Indosol® CR – Archroma
Function
- Improves color fastness
- Reduces crocking and bleeding
9. pH Control Chemicals
| Chemical | Symbol | Market Name |
|---|---|---|
| Acetic Acid | CH₃COOH | Industrial Acetic |
| Formic Acid | HCOOH | Technical Formic |
| Soda Ash | Na₂CO₃ | Dense / Light Soda Ash |
Role
- Enzyme activation
- Process stability and shade consistency
10. Lubricants & Fabric Protectors
Chemical Type
- Fatty acid esters, polymers
Market Names
- Rewin® Lube – CHT
- Perilube® – Sarex
- Lubatex® – Pulcra
Purpose
- Protect seams, trims and fabric during heavy wash
11. Oxidizing Agents (Advanced & Controlled Fading)
Common Chemicals
- Potassium Permanganate → KMnO₄
- Potassium Bromate → KBrO₃
Market Names
- Permanganate Powder / Spray Grade
- Stone-Free Fade® – Local suppliers
- Rewin® PP Control – CHT
Application
- Localized fading
- Vintage and contrast effects, Requires strict neutralization and safety control
12. Reducing Agents (Color Control & Neutralization)
Chemical Compounds
- Sodium Hydrosulfite → Na₂S₂O₄
- Thiourea Dioxide → CH₄N₂O₂S
Market Names
- Hydrose®
- Rewin® Reductor – CHT
- Albaflow® RD – Huntsman
Function
- Color stripping
- Reduction clearing
- Shade correction
13. Optical Brightening Agents (OBA)
Chemical Type
- Stilbene derivatives (fluorescent compounds)
- No single symbol
Market Names
- Uvitex® OB – Huntsman
- Blankophor® – BASF
- Rewin® Bright – CHT
Use
- Enhances whiteness
- Improves brightness in light washes
- Used in pocketing and white garments
14. Resin Finishing Chemicals (Wrinkle & Shape Control)
Chemical Compounds
- Dimethyloldihydroxyethylene Urea (DMDHEU)- C₇H₁₄N₂O₄
Market Names
- Knittex® RCT – Huntsman
- Rewin® Resin – CHT
- Fixapret® ECO – Archroma
Purpose
- Crease retention
- Shape stability
- Used in 3D denim finishing
15. Hand Feel Modifiers / Hand Builders
Chemical Type
- Polyurethane dispersions
- Acrylic polymers
Market Names
- Rewin® HB
- Tubingal® RHB – Archroma
- Perhand® – Sarex
Function
- Builds body and bulk
- Improves fabric appearance after heavy wash
16. Sequestering & Chelating Agents
Chemical Compounds
- EDTA → C₁₀H₁₆N₂O₈
- Sodium Hexametaphosphate → (NaPO₃)₆
Market Names
- Rewin® Sequest
- Calgon®
- Texquest® – DyStar
Role
- Controls hard water
- Improves chemical performance
- Prevents precipitation & stains
17. Defoaming & Anti‑Foam Agents
Chemical Type
- Silicone emulsions
- Mineral oil based compounds
Market Names
- Foamaster® – BASF
- Pulcrafoam®
- Rewin® Defoam
Benefit
- Improves machine efficiency
- Prevents overflow and uneven washing
18. Odor Control / Anti‑Microbial Agents
Chemical Types
- Silver-based compounds → Ag⁺
- Triclosan alternatives (eco-approved)
- Zinc Pyrithione → C₁₀H₈N₂O₂S₂Zn
Market Names
- Sanitized® – Clariant
- Aegis® Microbe Shield
- Rewin® Odor Guard
Application
- Denim hygiene finishes
- High-performance & workwear garments
19. Enzyme Deactivators / Enzyme Killer Agents
Chemical Compounds
- Hydrogen Peroxide → H₂O₂
- Alkaline buffers
Market Names
- Rewin® EN‑Stop
- Texazym® Stop – DyStar
Function
- Stops enzyme reaction
- Prevents over‑fading and fabric damage
20. Water Repellency (Post‑Wash Finishes – Optional)
Chemical Types
- C6 fluorocarbon alternatives
- Silicone repellents
Market Names
- Bionic‑Finish® ECO – Rudolf
- Rewin® DWR
- EcoDry®
PFAS‑free options available
100 Chemicals Used in Garment Washing
🔹 Desizing & Pre‑Treatment Chemicals (1–15)
| No. | Chemical Name | Formula / Nature | Common Trade Names | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amylase Enzyme | Enzyme (Protein) | Texazym® DCL, Desizym® | Breaks starch and cleans fabric |
| 2 | Desizing Agent | Enzyme + surfactant blend | Rewin® DS | Removes sizing materials |
| 3 | Wetting Agent | Alcohol Ethoxylate | Invatex® LDP | Improves wetting and penetration |
| 4 | Detergent | SLS – C₁₂H₂₅SO₄Na | Denetex®, Ecostone® | Removes dirt and oil |
| 5 | Sequestering Agent | EDTA – C₁₀H₁₆N₂O₈ | Calgon® | Controls water hardness |
| 6 | Anti‑creasing Agent | Polymer emulsion | Albafluid® | Prevents creasing |
| 7 | Lubricant | Fatty acid ester | Perilube® | Reduces friction and damage |
| 8 | Soda Ash | Na₂CO₃ | Industrial Soda Ash | Increases pH |
| 9 | Caustic Soda | NaOH | Caustic Flakes | Strong alkaline action |
| 10 | Hydrogen Peroxide | H₂O₂ | Peroxide 35% | Oxygen bleaching |
| 11 | Stabilizer | Sodium Silicate – Na₂SiO₃ | Stabilon® | Stabilizes peroxide |
| 12 | Buffer Agent | Acetate / phosphate salt | Texabuffer® | Maintains pH |
| 13 | Defoamer | Silicone (PDMS) | Foamaster® | Controls foam |
| 14 | Anti‑foam Agent | Silicone / oil blend | Antifoam® S | Prevents foam formation |
| 15 | Chelating Agent | EDTA / DTPA | Rewin® Chelant | Controls metal ions |
🔹 Enzyme Wash Chemicals (16–30)
| No. | Chemical Name | Formula / Nature | Trade Names | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | Cellulase Enzyme | Enzyme | Denimax® Core | Creates fading |
| 17 | Neutral Enzyme | Neutral cellulase | Zymex® Neutral | Mild wash |
| 18 | Acid Enzyme | Acid cellulase | Texazym® AC | Acidic enzyme wash |
| 19 | Bio‑polishing Enzyme | Enzyme | Denisoft® | Smooth fabric surface |
| 20 | Anti‑back Staining Agent | Polymer dispersant | Indosol® ABD | Prevents dye redeposition |
| 21 | Dispersing Agent | Polyacrylate | Setamol® | Keeps dirt dispersed |
| 22 | Enzyme Stabilizer | Buffer compound | Texazyme® Stabil | Maintains enzyme activity |
| 23 | Buffer | Sodium acetate | Buffer Salt | pH control |
| 24 | Acetic Acid | CH₃COOH | Industrial Grade | Lowers pH slowly |
| 25 | Formic Acid | HCOOH | Technical Grade | Lowers pH quickly |
| 26 | Silicone Oil | (C₂H₆OSi)n | Siligen® | Soft handle |
| 27 | Anti‑pilling Agent | Acrylic polymer | Rewin® AP | Reduces pilling |
| 28 | Enzyme Killer | H₂O₂ / Alkali | Texazym® Stop | Stops enzyme reaction |
| 29 | Soda Bicarbonate | NaHCO₃ | Baking Soda | Mild alkali |
| 30 | Leveling Agent | Polyether compound | Egaltex® | Uniform effect |
🔹 Bleaching Chemicals (31–45)
| No. | Chemical Name | Formula | Trade Names | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 | Sodium Hypochlorite | NaOCl | Hypo Solution | Chlorine bleaching |
| 32 | Calcium Hypochlorite | Ca(OCl)₂ | Bleaching Powder | Strong bleaching |
| 33 | Potassium Permanganate | KMnO₄ | PP Spray | Local fading |
| 34 | Hydrogen Peroxide | H₂O₂ | Peroxide 50% | Oxygen bleaching |
| 35 | Bleaching Powder | Ca(OCl)Cl | Commercial Bleach | Whitening |
| 36 | Peroxide Killer | Catalase Enzyme | Bio‑Kill® | Stops peroxide action |
| 37 | Sodium Bisulfite | NaHSO₃ | Technical Grade | Neutralizes chlorine |
| 38 | Sodium Metabisulfite | Na₂S₂O₅ | SMBS | Removes bleach residue |
| 39 | Oxalic Acid | C₂H₂O₄ | Oxalic TP | Removes iron stains |
| 40 | Neutralizer | Acid blend | Rewin® Neutral | Neutralizes chemicals |
| 41 | Anti‑yellowing Agent | Antioxidant | Albafix® | Prevents yellowing |
| 42 | Optical Brightener | Stilbene derivative | Uvitex® OB | Increases brightness |
| 43 | Stabilizer | Sodium silicate | Stabilizer XP | Bleach stability |
| 44 | pH Controller | Acid / alkali blend | pH Fix® | Controls pH |
| 45 | Reducing Agent | Na₂S₂O₄ | Hydros® | Reduces oxidation |
🔹 Stone Wash & Special Effects (46–60)
| No. | Chemical Name | Formula / Nature | Trade Names | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 46 | Pumice Stone | Volcanic mineral | Natural Stone | Heavy abrasion |
| 47 | Synthetic Stone | Resin composite | Eco‑Stone® | Stone alternative |
| 48 | Stone Enzyme | Cellulase | Denimax® Stone | Stone‑free fading |
| 49 | Resin | DMDHEU | Fixapret® | Hard finish |
| 50 | Binder | Acrylic polymer | Tubingal® | Holds finish |
| 51 | Crosslink Agent | Glyoxal based | Knittex® | Increases stiffness |
| 52 | Fixing Agent | Polyamine resin | Albafix® | Improves fastness |
| 53 | Spray PP | KMnO₄ solution | PP Spray | Local fading |
| 54 | Whisker Chemical | Oxidizing blend | Whiskex® | Whisker effect |
| 55 | Tinting Agent | Direct dye | Tintol® | Adds light shade |
| 56 | Dye Fixer | Cationic resin | Rewin® Fix | Dye fixation |
| 57 | Discharge Agent | Reducing compound | Disperex® | Removes dye |
| 58 | Soft Resin | Modified DMDHEU | SoftFix® | Soft structured look |
| 59 | Hard Resin | DMDHEU | HardFix® | Rigid finish |
| 60 | Catalyst | MgCl₂ | Catalyst Salt | Speeds reaction |
🔹 Neutralization & Cleaning (61–75)
| No. | Chemical Name | Formula | Trade Names | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 61 | Acetic Acid | CH₃COOH | Acetic Tech | Lowers pH |
| 62 | Formic Acid | HCOOH | Formic TP | Fast neutralization |
| 63 | Citric Acid | C₆H₈O₇ | Citric TP | Mild neutralization |
| 64 | Soda Ash | Na₂CO₃ | Soda Ash | Increases alkalinity |
| 65 | Neutral Soap | Fatty soap | Neutral Soap | Mild cleaning |
| 66 | Detergent | SLS | Heavy Wash Detergent | Soil removal |
| 67 | Degreaser | Solvent blend | Degrex® | Oil removal |
| 68 | Solvent | Alcohol / hydrocarbon | Solvex® | Chemical cleaning |
| 69 | Anti‑redeposition | CMC polymer | CarboxyClean® | Prevents dirt return |
| 70 | Sequestering Agent | EDTA | Calgon® | Water softening |
| 71 | Water Softener | Polyphosphate | Softol® | Reduces hardness |
| 72 | Defoamer | Silicone | Foamstop® | Foam control |
| 73 | Buffer | Acetate salt | Buffer Plus | pH stability |
| 74 | Booster | Alkali builder | Wash Booster | Increases cleaning |
| 75 | Enzyme Neutralizer | Alkali / H₂O₂ | EnzyStop® | Stops enzyme |
🔹 Softening & Finishing (76–100)
| No. | Chemical Name | Formula / Nature | Trade Names | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 76 | Cationic Softener | Quaternary ammonium | Rewin® Soft CAT | Extra softness |
| 77 | Nonionic Softener | Fatty alcohol EO | Softgen® | Gentle softening |
| 78 | Silicone Softener | PDMS | Ultrasil® | Silky hand feel |
| 79 | Micro Silicone | Amino silicone | MicroSoft® | Premium softness |
| 80 | Macro Silicone | Silicone emulsion | MacroSoft® | Bulk softness |
| 81 | Hydrophilic Softener | Modified silicone | HydroSoft® | Water absorbency |
| 82 | Water Repellent | C6 fluorocarbon | Bionic‑Finish® ECO | Water resistance |
| 83 | Anti‑static Agent | Quaternary salt | StatFree® | Reduces static |
| 84 | Fragrance | Aroma compound | AromaTex® | Adds fragrance |
| 85 | Brightener | Fluorescent dye | Brightol® | Enhances brightness |
| 86 | Enzyme Finish | Cellulase | BioFinish® | Smooth finish |
| 87 | Bio‑softener | Enzyme / oil blend | EcoSoft® | Natural soft feel |
| 88 | Anti‑bacterial | Silver ion (Ag⁺) | Sanitized® | Bacteria control |
| 89 | Anti‑fungal | Zinc pyrithione | Fungex® | Fungal resistance |
| 90 | UV Protector | Benzotriazole | UV‑Guard® | UV protection |
| 91 | Anti‑odor | Cyclodextrin | OdorFree® | Odor control |
| 92 | Cooling Finish | PCM compound | CoolTouch® | Cooling effect |
| 93 | Moisture Manager | PEG compound | DryFeel® | Sweat management |
| 94 | Wrinkle‑free Finish | DMDHEU | Knittex® RCT | Wrinkle resistance |
| 95 | Shape Retention | Resin blend | ShapeHold® | Maintains shape |
Sustainability‑Approved Chemical Programs
Many suppliers now offer ZDHC MRSL Level‑3 approved chemicals:
- Archroma – EarthColors® / Advanced Denim
- Huntsman – Avitera® & Indosol®
- CHT – Rewin® Sustainable Line
- Sarex – Eco‑Range
