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The Reason for the Degradation of Coatings on Waterproof Aprons During Cleaning
The effect of pH, heat, and abrasion on PU, PVC, and TPU
The chemistry of waterproof apron coatings relies on rapidly degrading polymer chemistry when cleaning is employed:
pH sensitivity: A cleaning detergent that is alkaline (with pH over 9) will hydrolyze PU coatings via the breaking of both the ester and urethane bonds; for PVC, it’s the opposite–an acid (pH below 4) will leach out PVC via dehydrochlorination.
Thermal destruction: A temperature of 30 degrees Celsius and above will accelerate the migration of PVC plasticizers, causing it to become brittle; TPU coatings will lose their elasticity at 40 degrees.
Abrasive destruction: Substantial scrubbing or high RPM spin cycles will result in micro tearing of the coating surface, which will expedite the process of coating destruction. In textile durability studies, a loss of 60% in hydrostatic resistance was observed after 20 washes at 400 RPM.
Delamination mechanisms: hydrolysis, thermal fatigue, and mechanical shear
Waterproof aprons are subjected to three primary damage mechanisms when cleaned:
1. Chemical hydrolysis: In alkaline situations, water molecules invade and break down segments of polymer. PU coatings lose approximately 50% of their adhesion after 10 washes with high alkaline detergent.
2. Thermal fatigue: Repeated cycles of heating and cooling resulted in layers of coatings and substrates expanding and contracting at different rates. ASTM D751 indicates above 30 degrees C repeated cycles nearly double the chances of delamination.
3. Mechanical shear: The agitation at seams and areas of high flex is intense. Front load washing machines are noted to reduce the shear-induced delamination by 30% compared to top load machines that have a central agitator.
These waterproof apron coatings mechanisms of delamination can be delayed by avoiding the above stresses, which will result in maintaining the waterproof barrier’s integrity for a longer period of time.
Safe Cleaning Techniques for a Waterproof Apron
Best Practices for Spot Cleaning and Avoiding Full Coating Exposure
With spot cleaning, we contain the use of chemicals and abrasion to the minimum needed for the fixing cleaning. When a spill occurs, its crucial to use a lint free microfiber cloth to gently blot the stain, and to avoid rubbing to prevent the soil from getting pushed deeper into the soil. For spot cleaning, if there are stain marks that are not negotiable, try to use a neutral cleaner that is diluted, and apply the neutral cleaner to the cloth. When placing the stain, be sure to work from the center of the stain to the edges to prevent the stain from further extending, and use a cloth that is slightly wet to remove the stain. Allow the microfibre to dry thoroughly by hanging it flat in an area that is highly ventilated. Microfibre cleaning studies show that minimal water contact breakdown and washing, our coating applications are more effective and last longer in real world use scenarios.
Washing instructions: Front loader only, 400 RPM, no washing machine agitation
While some people think front loaders are gentler, they can damage seams in a way that top loaders never could. A top loader's washing machine agitation is a 3-4 prong arm that destroys seams, while front load washers have gentle tumbling. 400 RPM is a gentle spin speed, while higher spin speeds are more likely to create tiny tears in the fabric. Wash with cold water to avoid damaging the apron. Pick delicate or gentle cycle settings to reduce washing machine agitation. Washing machine zippers, buttons, and Velcro can snag on unwashed surfaces and cause exposed areas to wear. Remove the apron from the washing machine at the end of the washing cycle, and air dry. Never dry this apron in a washing machine, and do not wash machine dryer that is above 40 degrees Celsius. Fabrics that are not exposed to washing machine agitation and are not exposed to dryer atmospheres above 40 degrees Celsius will remain strong and durable. Heat will, over time, break down materials.
How to Choose the Right Detergent for Your Waterproof Apron
Neutral-pH, non-ionic detergents: Preserving the integrity of the polymers
Detergents with a neutral pH level of 6.5-7.5 are optimal for waterproof coatings, like PU, PVC, and TPU. These coatings will not undergo the chemical breakdown that high and low pH detergents cause. Non-ionic detergents also do not leave behind residues that create a mineral build-up. Non-ionic detergents also do not electrostatically pull towards the coated polymers, resulting in less build-up during the rinse cycle. In 2022, the Textile Chemistry Journal published an interesting finding regarding ionic and non-ionic detergents. Aprons washed with ionic detergents were found to have almost 30% more loss of water resistance after 50 washes compared to non-ionic washed aprons. Non-ionic detergents are also great because of their ability to wash away oils while allowing the fabric to remain breathable and flexible. Always look out for the terms “pH-neutral” and “non-ionic” on the labels of the products. Choose products that contain low or no soda-ash, sodium carbonate, or sodium hydroxide as these cause pH levels of detergents to rise significantly (above 9).
Chemicals to avoid—bleach, sodium percarbonate, and fabric softeners
Bleach (sodium hypochlorite) starts to break down the molecular structure of PU and TPU materials. Most customers notice the materials becoming brittle and cracking after only three to five washes. Another ingredient found in many green cleaning products is sodium percarbonate. This substance releases hydrogen peroxide, and when the temperature of the washing machine exceeds 30 degrees Celsius, it breaks down TPU coatings. With polyurethane, this same reaction accelerates the breakdown through hydrolysis. In addition to this, fabric softeners also pose a significant problem. They leave behind positively charged surfactants that get stuck in the tiny fabric pores, so they decrease breathability by 60 percent according to tests done using the ASTM F1868 standard for vapor transmission. This is a short-list of the many additives that can also cause significant problems...
Enzymatic stain removers, which hydrolyze ester linkages in PU/TPU
Optical brighteners, which form UV-labile complexes that degrade under ambient light
Powdered detergents, whose undissolved crystals act as micro-abrasives during agitation
Stick exclusively to liquid, additive-free, pH-balanced formulas to prevent cumulative, irreversible damage to your apron's protective system.
Keeping Your Waterproof Apron Protected During the Wash and Dry Cycle
How does washing the apron with cold water (30 degrees Celsius and below) help your apron remain waterproof? Simple. It helps maintain the coatings that can be easily damaged with hot washes. Hot washes increase the rate of chemical breakdown of plasticizers, damage the water-repellent treatment, and cause damage to the waterproof coatings. Aprons that have been washed in cold water (30 degrees Celsius) 50 times, based on ASTM D751 testing, lost only 2 percent of their waterproof capabilities. At 60 degrees Celsius, that loss increased to 22 percent. Washing the apron above 30 degrees Celsius can damage the apron’s waterproof capabilities of the apron much sooner than expected.
Molecular chain cleavage in PU and TPU layers
Plasticizers from PVC films irreversibly leach
Fluorocarbon-based DWR treatments experience rapid oxidation and volatilization
Air drying usually works best for drying things. If we must use a machine, however, we recommend keeping the heat settings below 60 degrees and removing the aprons while they are still a little damp. This will help mitigate some heat damage. We recommend following the care instructions on your labels, as we have observed firsthand in cafes and restaurants that approximately 70% of the waterproofing failures we encounter are the result of heat damage caused by washing and drying. For many years, the National Sanitation Foundation has documented these issues in food service facilities.
From many years of real world observation, the Delaware Valley Chapter of the National Sanitation Foundation has documented heat damage issues.
FAQs
Why do waterproof apron coatings degrade during cleaning?
Because of a reaction to the chemistry of polymers, waterproof apron coatings degrade due to cleaning. This includes sensitivity to pH, heat damage, and the abrasive wear of cleaning. Cleaning process coatings are a polymer shield that holds together the effective waterproof features.
What is the best way to clean a waterproof apron?
Spot cleaning, no cleaning, and washing in a cold cycle below 30 degrees Celsius is the best way to clean a waterproof apron, along with using a neutral pH, non-ionic, diluted detergent that is safe for waterproof aprons.
What detergents are safe for waterproof aprons?
Neutral, non-ionic, pH detergents are safe for waterproof aprons because they do not result in the breakdown of the coatings, and help preserve the coatings.
What should not be done for maintenance of waterproof aprons?
Do not use bleach, sodium percarbonate, fabric softeners, enzymatic stain removers, optical brighteners, and powder detergents as they will degrade the waterproof coatings.
What is the effect of temperature on the care of waterproof aprons?
High temperatures will aggravate chemical breakdown, loss of plasticizers, and damage to the water repellent treatments. It is recommended not to wash above 30 and dry below 60 degrees Celsius.