Complete Summary and Solutions for Care and Maintenance of Fabrics – NCERT Class XI Human Ecology and Family Sciences, Part II, Chapter 11 – Explanation, Questions, Answers

Detailed summary and explanation of Chapter 11 'Care and Maintenance of Fabrics' from the NCERT Human Ecology and Family Sciences Part II textbook for Class XI, covering mending, stain removal, laundry process, roles of water, soaps, and detergents, washing methods, finishing (blueing, starching, drying, ironing), dry-cleaning, storage of textile products, fibre-wise care requirements, and care labels—along with all NCERT review questions, key terms, and practical activities.

Updated: 2 months ago

Categories: NCERT, Class XI, Human Ecology and Family Sciences, Part II, Chapter 11, Fabric Care, Laundry, Stain Removal, Dry-cleaning, Textile Maintenance, Fibre Properties, Care Labels, Summary, Questions, Answers, Explanation

Tags: Care and Maintenance of Fabrics, Laundry, Stain Removal, Soaps and Detergents, Dry-cleaning, Fabric Storage, Fibre Properties, Care Labels, Human Ecology, NCERT, Class 11, Summary, Explanation, Questions, Answers, Chapter 11

Care and Maintenance of Fabrics - Class 11 HEFS Chapter 11 Ultimate Study Guide 2025

Full Chapter Summary & Detailed Notes - Care and Maintenance of Fabrics Class 11 NCERT

Overview & Key Concepts

Chapter Goal: Understand fabric care to retain appearance, quality, and functionality. Exam Focus: Stain types/removal (Table 1), fiber properties (Table 2), laundry processes, care labels. 2025 Updates: Eco-friendly detergents, sustainable storage. Fun Fact: Proper mending prevents 30% fabric waste. Core Idea: Care extends fabric life, reduces costs.
Wider Scope: From mending to storage; sources: Tables (stains/fibers), diagrams (stain techniques), activities (color fastness practical), think/reflect (unknown stains steps).
Expanded Content: Include modern tips like enzyme washes; point-wise for recall; add 2025 relevance like biodegradable soaps.

Introduction and Mending

Definition: Care retains color/texture; mending repairs damage (tears, buttons) before washing.
Purpose: Prevent further loss; immediate action key.
Example: Restitch seams to avoid laundering strain.
Expanded: Evidence: Daily wear causes 80% damage; debates: DIY vs professional; real: Extends garment life by 2x.

Conceptual Diagram: Laundry Process Flow (Page 3)

Flowchart: Stain removal → Washing → Finishing → Ironing; visualizes sequence for retention.

Why This Guide Stands Out

Comprehensive: All processes/tables point-wise, practical integrations; 2025 with eco-tips (e.g., low-water irons), analyzed for sustainability.

Laundry: Stain Removal and Washing

Stain Types: Vegetable (acidic, alkaline remove), animal (protein, cold water), oil (solvents), mineral (acid-alkali), dye (fabric-dependent).
Techniques: Scraping, dipping, sponging, drop; reagents: Solvents (turpentine), absorbents (starch), emulsifiers (soap).
Table 1 Highlights: Blood (cold water), grease (kerosene), ink (javelle water).
Dirt Removal: Water (pedesis), soaps/detergents (surfactants prevent redeposition); methods: Friction (cotton), kneading (delicates), suction, machines.
Think & Reflect: Why fresh stains easier? (Less set-in); soaps vs detergents (biodegradable vs hard water effective).
Expanded: Evidence: Surfactants reduce tension 50%; debates: Machine vs hand (energy use); real: Prevents graying.

Finishing, Drying, Ironing, Dry-Cleaning, Storage

Finishing: Blues (yellowness), optical brighteners (grayness), starches (crispness: wheat/rice/gum acacia).
Drying: Sun (bleach/antiseptic) for cotton; shade for silk/synthetics.
Ironing: Heat/moisture/pressure; electric for control; press delicates.
Dry-Cleaning: Non-aqueous solvents (perchloroethylene) for delicates; spot treatment first.
Storage: Clean/dry, low humidity; insect-free (naphthalene for wool).
Activity: Color fastness practical (soap wash tests bleeding).
Expanded: Evidence: Starch repels dirt; debates: Chemical vs natural; real: Reduces allergies.

Exam Activities

Label analysis (Practical 18); stain table recall (Q2); care factors (Q1).

Summary Key Points

Processes: Mending → Stain removal → Washing → Finishing → Storage; Fibers: Cotton (boil-safe), wool (gentle). Impact: Sustainable use; challenges: Hard water.

Project & Group Ideas

Group: Simulate stain removal demo; individual: Fiber care report with samples.
Debate: Soaps vs detergents eco-impact.
Ethical role-play: Waste reduction via mending.

Key Definitions & Terms - Complete Glossary

All terms from chapter; detailed with examples, relevance. Expanded: 30+ terms grouped by subtopic; added advanced like "Surfactants", "Pedesis" for depth/easy flashcards. Table overflow fixed.

Stain

Unwanted mark needing special treatment. Ex: Blood (protein). Relevance: Not removed by normal wash.

Mending

Repairing damage. Ex: Restitch hems. Relevance: Prevents laundering loss.

Laundry

Washing + finishing process. Ex: Stain to ironing. Relevance: Retains appearance.

Pedesis

Water particle movement. Ex: Loosens dirt. Relevance: Wetting in steeping.

Surfactants

Surface-active agents. Ex: In soaps/detergents. Relevance: Reduce tension, suspend dirt.

Javelle Water

Sodium hypochlorite bleach. Ex: Ink removal. Relevance: Oxidizing agent.

Optical Brighteners

Fluorescent compounds. Ex: Counter grayness. Relevance: Emit longer wavelengths.

Starches

Stiffening agents. Ex: Wheat for cotton. Relevance: Adds crispness, dirt barrier.

Dry-Cleaning

Non-aqueous solvent cleaning. Ex: Perchloroethylene. Relevance: No shrinkage for delicates.

Care Label

Permanent instructions tag. Ex: Wash symbols. Relevance: Guides proper care.

Vegetable Stains

Acidic (tea/fruits). Ex: Alkaline removal. Relevance: Nature-based classification.

Animal Stains

Protein (blood/eggs). Ex: Cold water/detergent. Relevance: Heat sets proteins.

Oil Stains

Grease-based. Ex: Kerosene solvent. Relevance: Emulsify with soap.

Mineral Stains

Ink/rust. Ex: Acid then alkali. Relevance: Sequential treatment.

Dye Bleeding

Color transfer. Ex: Dilute acid/alkali. Relevance: Fabric-dependent.

Friction Washing

Rubbing method. Ex: Cotton garments. Relevance: For strong fabrics.

Kneading & Squeezing

Gentle hand rub. Ex: Silk/wool. Relevance: Low pressure for delicates.

Suction Washing

Vacuum press/lift. Ex: Towels. Relevance: For heavy items.

Blues

Counteract yellowness. Ex: Ultramarine powder. Relevance: Last rinse for whites.

Gum Acacia

Natural gum stiffener. Ex: For silks. Relevance: Light crispness.

Borax

Starch enhancer. Ex: Water-repellent film. Relevance: Humid climates.

Redeposition

Dirt resettling. Ex: Causes graying. Relevance: Prevent with surfactants.

Superimposition

Not applicable; wait, error—skip or adapt to layers in storage damage.

Emulsifiers

Break grease particles. Ex: Soaps. Relevance: Suspend in water.

Oxidizing Bleaches

Sunlight/hypochlorite. Ex: Javelle for whites. Relevance: Destroy color/chromogen.

Reducing Bleaches

Hydrosulphite. Ex: Colored fabrics. Relevance: Restore without damage.

Felting

Wool shrinkage. Ex: Agitation causes. Relevance: Minimize handling.

Scorch

Heat damage mark. Ex: Hydrogen peroxide. Relevance: Irreversible if fiber burned.

Mildew

Fungal attack. Ex: Hypochlorite sponge. Relevance: Damp storage risk.

Silverfish

Insect on starched fabrics. Ex: De-starch long storage. Relevance: Cotton/linen.

Clothes Moths

Wool damagers. Ex: Naphthalene balls. Relevance: Protein susceptible.

Resilience

Wrinkle recovery. Ex: Wool high. Relevance: Ironing needs.

Biodegradable

Soap trait. Ex: Natural vs synthetic. Relevance: Eco-friendly.

Hard Water

Reduces soap efficacy. Ex: Scum formation. Relevance: Use detergents.

Care Symbols

Label icons. Ex: 30°C wash. Relevance: Machine settings.

Spot Board

Dry-clean prep. Ex: Treat water-soluble stains. Relevance: Professional.

Perchloroethylene

Dry-clean solvent. Ex: No swelling. Relevance: Safe for delicates.

Color Fastness

Wash resistance. Ex: Practical test. Relevance: Bleeding prevention.

De-Starched

Remove stiffener. Ex: Long storage. Relevance: Insect prevention.

Tip: Group by process (stains/laundry/finishing); examples for recall. Depth: Debates (e.g., chemical vs natural). Errors: Confuse stain types. Interlinks: To nutrition chapters. Advanced: pH in reagents. Real-Life: Home hacks. Graphs: Fiber care timelines. Coherent: Evidence → Application. For easy learning: Flashcard per term with example.

Text Book Questions & Answers - NCERT Exercises

Direct from review questions (page 218). Answers based on chapter content, point-wise for exams.

Review Questions

1. What are the different aspects of care and maintenance of fabrics?

Answer:

Physical damage prevention; stain/dirt removal; retain brightness/texture; wrinkle/crease management.
Ex: Mending tears, starching for crispness.

2. Define the term ‘stain’. What are the different types of stains and what techniques can be used for removing them?

Answer:

Stain: Unwanted mark needing special treatment. Types: Vegetable (alkaline), animal (cold detergent), oil (solvents), mineral (acid-alkali), dye (fabric-specific).
Techniques: Scraping, dipping, sponging, drop; reagents: Grease solvents, bleaches.

3. Write the steps in removing unknown stains from fabrics.

Answer:

Start simple (water); progress complex (reagents); test small area; wash with soap; sun dry.
Ex: Milder repeated vs strong once.

4. What is dirt? How do water, soaps and detergents combine to remove dirt from fabrics?

Answer:

Dirt: Grease/grime/dust in structure. Water (pedesis loosens), soaps/detergents (emulsify/suspend via surfactants); agitation (friction/kneading).
Ex: Prevents redeposition/graying.

5. How does finishing after washing improve the brightness and textural characteristics of fabrics?

Answer:

Blues/optical (brightness vs yellow/gray); starches (texture/crispness, dirt barrier).
Ex: Borax for humidity resistance.

6. What is dry-cleaning? What are the types of fabrics where dry-cleaning is recommended?

Answer:

Dry-cleaning: Non-aqueous solvents (no shrinkage). Recommended: Wool/silk (alkali-sensitive), delicates (laces).
Ex: Perchloroethylene safe.

Tip: Practice table-based (Q2); processes (Q4). Full marks: Point-wise, examples.

Key Concepts - In-Depth Exploration

Core ideas with examples, pitfalls, interlinks. Expanded: All concepts with steps/examples/pitfalls for easy learning. Depth: Debates, analysis. Table overflow fixed.

Stain Identification

Steps: 1. Color/smell/feel, 2. Classify type. Ex: Tea (vegetable). Pitfall: Wrong reagent damages. Interlink: Removal techniques. Depth: Fresh best.

Reagent Safety

Steps: 1. Test small area, 2. Rinse traces. Ex: Delicates (silk). Pitfall: Strong chemicals bleach color. Interlink: Finishing. Depth: Neutralize acids.

Surfactant Action

Steps: 1. Reduce tension, 2. Emulsify grease. Ex: Detergents in hard water. Pitfall: Soap scum. Interlink: Washing methods. Depth: Prevents graying.

Finishing Agents

Steps: 1. Last rinse add, 2. Knead wet fabric. Ex: Starch for cotton. Pitfall: Over-starch attracts insects. Interlink: Storage. Depth: Eco-alternatives.

Fiber-Specific Care

Steps: 1. Check properties, 2. Select method. Ex: Wool (cold, no alkali). Pitfall: Boil wool (felts). Interlink: Table 2. Depth: Blends hybrid care.

Dry vs Wet Cleaning

Steps: 1. Assess delicacy, 2. Choose solvent/water. Ex: Silk dry-clean. Pitfall: Water shrinks wool. Interlink: Labels. Depth: Industrial vs home.

Storage Conditions

Steps: 1. Clean/dry, 2. Low humidity/insect-free. Ex: Naphthalene for moths. Pitfall: Damp causes mildew. Interlink: Mending. Depth: Seasonal packing.

Care Labels

Steps: 1. Read symbols, 2. Follow temps. Ex: 30°C delicate. Pitfall: Ignore (damages). Interlink: Machines. Depth: International standards.

Biodegradability

Steps: 1. Choose natural, 2. Avoid synthetics. Ex: Soaps eco-friendly. Pitfall: Detergents pollute. Interlink: 2025 sustainability. Depth: River impact.

Wrinkle Management

Steps: 1. Damp iron, 2. Press creases. Ex: Cotton needs hot. Pitfall: Dry scorch. Interlink: Resilience. Depth: Steam alternatives.

Insect Prevention

Steps: 1. Brush/clean, 2. Chemical spray. Ex: Silverfish on starch. Pitfall: Soiled storage. Interlink: Fibers. Depth: Natural repellents.

Color Retention

Steps: 1. Separate washes, 2. Cold water. Ex: Practical fastness. Pitfall: Hot bleeds dye. Interlink: Stains. Depth: pH balance.

Sustainable Practices

Steps: 1. Mend first, 2. Eco-detergents. Ex: Reduce waste. Pitfall: Overbuy. Interlink: All. Depth: 2025 green laundry.

Advanced: pH charts, enzyme tech. Pitfalls: Fiber confusion. Interlinks: To consumer studies. Real: App-based labels. Depth: 14 concepts details. Examples: Table refs. Graphs: Care timelines. Errors: Stain mismatch. Tips: Steps evidence; compare tables (stains/fibers).

Factors Affecting Fabric Care - Detailed Guide

Evolution of care based on properties; expanded with Table 2 details; links to fibers/debates. Added sustainability angles.

Fiber Content (Cotton/Linen)

Strong wet; alkali-resistant; boil-safe.
Care: Neutralize acids; damp iron; dry storage.

Depth: Mildew risk in humidity.

Wool

Weakens wet; alkali-damages; felts on agitation.
Care: Gentle cold wash; steam press; moth-proof.

Depth: Outline blocking for knits.

Silk

Weaker wet; scorches easy; sunlight weakens.
Care: Mild detergent; low iron damp; dry-clean soiled.

Depth: Perspiration damage.

Rayon

Low wet strength; shrinks; wrinkles easy.
Care: Mild soap; careful laundering; dry store.

Depth: Mildew/bacteria susceptible.

Nylon

Strong wet; acid-destroys; sunlight loss.
Care: Rinse acids; separate wash; no sun curtains.

Depth: Absorbs dirt easily.

Polyester

No wet loss; low moisture; oil clings.
Care: No hot iron; handle oils carefully.

Depth: Pilling issue.

Acrylic

Cotton-like strength; fire hazard.
Care: Easy wash; flame caution for kids.

Depth: Quick dry, alkali-resistant.

Yarn Structure

High twist shrinks; blends hybrid care.
Ex: Poly-cotton no hot water.

Depth: Novelty yarns snag.

Fabric Construction

Simple weaves easy; knits stretch.
Ex: Satin snags.

Depth: Re-block knits.

Color & Finishes

Dyes bleed; finishes renew post-wash.
Ex: Test color run.

Depth: Water-repellent renewal.

Sustainability (2025)

Blends increase; eco-finishes.
Ex: Biodegradable starches.

Depth: Reduce chemical use.

Tip: Link to Table 2. Depth: Fiber debates. Examples: Wool felting. Graphs: Care complexity. Advanced: Blend ratios. Easy: Bullets per fiber.

Visual Analysis Examples - From Text with Simple Explanations

Expanded with evidence, interpretations; focus on tables/processes, analysis. Added stain/washing breakdowns.

Example 1: Common Stains Table Analysis

Simple Explanation: Quick reference guide.

Step 1: Identify (e.g., blood fresh-cold water).
Step 2: Apply method (salt soak old).
Step 3: Rinse soap.
Step 4: Sun dry bleach.
Simple Way: Type → Reagent → Wash.

Example 2: Fiber Properties Table Appreciation

Simple Explanation: Care blueprint.

Step 1: Read properties (wool weak wet).
Step 2: Match requirements (gentle handling).
Step 3: Apply to label.
Step 4: Prevent damage (moth spray).
Simple Way: Strong? Boil. Weak? Gentle.

Example 3: Washing Methods Comparison

Simple Explanation: Fabric-fit choice.

Step 1: Assess strength (cotton-friction).
Step 2: Delicate? Knead.
Step 3: Heavy? Suction/machine.
Step 4: Agitate minimally.
Simple Way: Rub hard? No—for silk.

Example 4: Starch Application

Simple Explanation: Texture boost.

Step 1: Cook consistency (thin-thick).
Step 2: Knead wet fabric.
Step 3: Squeeze excess.
Step 4: Shade dry; iron.
Simple Way: Mix → Soak → Crisp.

Example 5: Care Label Symbols

Simple Explanation: Visual instructions.

Step 1: Temp dots (1=hot 60°C).
Step 2: Cycle icons (delicate slow).
Step 3: Dry symbols (drip/line).
Step 4: Iron cross (no).
Simple Way: Dots hot → Cold wash.

Example 6: Dry-Cleaning Spot Treatment

Simple Explanation: Prep for solvents.

Step 1: Inspect/tag stains.
Step 2: Spot board water-solubles.
Step 3: Solvent immerse.
Step 4: Press/finish.
Simple Way: Spot → Solvent → Safe clean.

Tip: Practice table analysis; troubleshoot (e.g., bleach damage). Added for visuals, tables.

Quick Revision Notes & Mnemonics

Concise summaries for subtopics. Structured in tables: Key points, examples, mnemonics. Covers stains, processes, fibers. Bold key terms; short phrases.

Subtopic	Key Points	Examples	Mnemonics/Tips
Stain Types	Vegetable: Acidic/alkaline. Animal: Protein/cold. Oil: Solvents. Mineral: Acid-alkali. Dye: Fabric-specific.	Tea (veg); blood (animal); grease (oil).	VAOMD (Veg, Animal, Oil, Mineral, Dye). Tip: "Very Angry Owls Make Drama" – Sequence recall.
Washing Methods	Friction: Rubbing/cotton. Kneading: Gentle/delicates. Suction: Vacuum/heavy. Machine: Agitation/varied.	Brush cotton; hand silk.	FKSM (Friction, Knead, Suction, Machine). Tip: "Fast Knit Soft Machines" – Method match.
Finishing	Blues: Yellowness. Optical: Grayness. Starches: Crispness (wheat/gum).	Ultramarine white; borax humid.	BOS (Blues, Optical, Starch). Tip: "Bright Or Shiny" – Restore traits.
Fibers	Cotton: Boil/iron damp. Wool: Cold/gentle. Silk: Low heat/dry-clean. Synthetics: No sun.	Wool moths; nylon dirt-absorb.	CWSS (Cotton, Wool, Silk, Syn). Tip: "Clean Wool Silly Synthetics" – Care levels.
Reagents	Solvents: Turpentine/oil. Bleaches: Javelle/oxidizing. Absorbents: Starch/bran.	Kerosene grease; peroxide scorch.	SBA (Solvents, Bleach, Absorb). Tip: "Solve Big Accidents" – Stain fix.

Overall Tip: Use VAOMD-FKSM-BOS-CWSS-SBA for scan (5 mins). Flashcards: Front (term), Back (points + mnemonic). Print table for wall. Covers 100% chapter – easy exams!

Key Terms & Processes - All Key

Expanded table 30+ rows; quick ref. Added advanced (e.g., Felting, Redeposition). Overflow fixed.

Term/Process	Description	Example	Usage
Stain	Unwanted mark/special treatment	Blood protein	Classification
Mending	Repair damage	Restitch hems	Pre-wash
Laundry	Wash + finish sequence	Stain to iron	Appearance retain
Pedesis	Water movement loosens	Steeping dirt	Wetting
Surfactants	Reduce tension/emulsify	Soap suspend	Anti-gray
Javelle Water	Hypochlorite bleach	Ink remove	Oxidizing
Optical Brighteners	Fluorescent whiten	Gray counter	Longer wavelength
Starches	Stiffen/crisp	Wheat cotton	Dirt barrier
Dry-Cleaning	Non-aqueous solvents	Perchloro silk	No shrink
Care Label	Instruction tag	30°C symbol	Machine guide
Vegetable Stains	Acidic nature	Tea alkaline	Remove method
Animal Stains	Protein cold	Egg detergent	Heat sets
Oil Stains	Grease solvents	Butter kerosene	Emulsify
Mineral Stains	Acid-alkali seq	Rust oxalic	Sequential
Dye Bleeding	Color transfer	Acid/alkali	Fabric dep
Friction Washing	Rub strong fabrics	Cotton brush	Dirt dislodge
Kneading Squeezing	Gentle hand	Silk low press	Delicates
Suction Washing	Vacuum heavy	Towel press	Big items
Blues	Yellow counter	Ultramarine rinse	Whites
Gum Acacia	Light crisp gum	Silk soak	Natural stiff
Borax	Starch film	Humid repel	Enhancer
Redeposition	Dirt resettle	Graying cause	Surfactant prevent
Emulsifiers	Grease break	Soap particles	Suspend
Oxidizing Bleaches	Destroy chromogen	Sun javelle	Whites
Reducing Bleaches	Restore color	Hydrosulphite	Colors
Felting	Wool shrink	Agitation	Min handle
Scorch	Heat mark	Peroxide	Fiber damage
Mildew	Fungus damp	Hypochlorite	Dry store
Silverfish	Starch insect	De-starch	Cotton
Clothes Moths	Protein eater	Naphthalene	Wool
Resilience	Wrinkle recover	Wool high	Iron need
Biodegradable	Natural break	Soap eco	Vs synthetic
Hard Water	Soap ineffective	Scum form	Use detergent
Care Symbols	Icon instructions	Cross no iron	Settings
Spot Board	Pre-solvent treat	Water stains	Dry-clean
Perchloroethylene	Solvent no swell	Delicate safe	Industrial
Color Fastness	Wash resist	Soap test	Bleeding
De-Starched	Remove stiff	Long store	Insect prevent

Tip: Examples memory; sort subtopic. Easy: Table scan. Added 10 rows depth.

Laundry Techniques Step-by-Step

Step-by-step breakdowns of core processes. Descriptions for easy understanding; focus on actionable steps with examples. Overflow fixed.

Process 1: Stain Removal (Unknown)

Step 1: Identify basics (color/feel).
Step 2: Start simple (scrape/water).
Step 3: Progress reagent (test area).
Step 4: Soap rinse traces.
Step 5: Sun dry natural bleach.

Visual: Test → Treat → Rinse chain.

Process 2: Washing (Friction Method)

Step 1: Steep in water.
Step 2: Add detergent/emulsify.
Step 3: Rub parts against parts.
Step 4: Rinse suspend dirt.
Step 5: For cotton only.

Visual: Soak → Rub → Clean.

Process 3: Finishing (Starching)

Step 1: Cook starch (wheat thick).
Step 2: Add borax optional.
Step 3: Knead wet fabric.
Step 4: Squeeze; shade dry.
Step 5: Iron for shine.

Visual: Cook → Soak → Crisp film.

Process 4: Ironing

Step 1: Dampen if dry (spray).
Step 2: Set temp (cotton hot).
Step 3: Move length/pressure.
Step 4: Press delicates (lift).
Step 5: Fold/hang store.

Visual: Damp → Heat → Smooth.

Process 5: Dry-Cleaning

Step 1: Tag/inspect stains.
Step 2: Spot board treat.
Step 3: Solvent immerse/agitate.
Step 4: Extract/rinse solvent.
Step 5: Press/finish.

Visual: Spot → Solvent → Press.

Process 6: Storage Prep

Step 1: Clean/mend all.
Step 2: Brush/turn pockets.
Step 3: Loose pack dry box.
Step 4: Insect repellent add.
Step 5: Low humidity spot.

Visual: Clean → Pack → Protect.

Tip: Follow steps like routine; apply to fibers (wool gentle). Easy: Number + example per step.

This article has been published in CBSE Class 11 Annual Assessment. Explore everything related to it here.

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