Uses of Pumice Stone in Garment Washing

Uses of Pumice Stone in Garment Washing

What is Pumice Stone?

The pumice stones having oval and round shapes with a rough surface, which is worked as an abradant in the washing cycle. Pumice stone is a natural volcanic stone that is used for the stonewash of garments. It is crystallized with substantive pores. During washing, these stones scrap off dye particles from the surface of the yarn of the fabric which shows a faded, worn out, and brilliant effect on the garments. Pumice stones are mostly used for stone wash due to their chemical treatment, strength, and lightweight.

Selection of Pumice Stone:

Some points should be followed during selecting pumice stones, those are-

1. Pumice stones should be selected according to the end product and the required amount of effect needed on the garments.
2. Large and hard stones are suitable for heavyweight garments.
3. Smaller and soft stones are suitable for lightweight garments.
4. Ratio of stone weight and garments weight is – [{(0.5 to 3)/1} kg].
5. The moisture content of pumice stones should be less than 5%.
6. The surface properties of pumice stones should be less than 5%.
7. Abrasion loss of pumice stones should be 35%.
8. The apparent density of pumice stones should be 0.5-0.75gm/cm3.

Advantages of Pumice Stone:

There are some advantages of pumice stones, those are mentioned below:

1. Desired vintage effect on garments can be easily achieved by using pumice stones.
2. Washed garments can achieve a more soft effect by using pumice stones.

Disadvantages of Pumice Stone:

Pumice stones have some disadvantages on garments, those are-

1. Can be damaged washing machine due to stone and machine abrasion.
2. Garments can be damaged due to stone and machine abrasion.

Alternative Way of Pumice Stones:

Synthetic stones have been introduced as an alternative way of pumice stones. This is produced from abrasive material such as silicate, plastic, rubber, or Portland cement.

Advantages of Synthetic Stone:

Synthetic stones have some advantages over pumice stones; those are mentioned in the following:

1. In the stone wash, it produces fewer damages of clothing than pumice stones.
2. It produces less damage to machines than pumice stones.
3. It is more durable than pumice stones.
4. The major problem produced by using pumice stones has been overcome by using this type of stones.