Home Economics - Junior Secondary 3 - Laundering of fabrics

TERM: 1^ST TERM

WEEK: 8

CLASS: Junior Secondary School 3

AGE: 14 years

DURATION: 40 minutes each for 2 periods

DATE:

SUBJECT: Home economics

TOPIC: Laundering of fabrics

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, the learners should be able to

) Define laundering
) Mention and explain the factors to consider in laundering fabrics
) Explain laundering agents and equipment. Give examples of each

INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES: Identification, explanation, questions and answers, demonstration, story-telling, videos from source

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: Recommended Home economics textbooks for Junior Secondary School 3

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES: PERIOD 1-2:

PRESENTATION	TEACHER’S ACTIVITY	PUPIL’S ACTIVITY
STEP 1 Review	The teacher revises the previous lesson.	Learners pay attention
STEP 2 Introduction	She defines laundering. She mentions and explains the factors to consider in laundering fabrics	Learners pay attention and participate
STEP 3 Explanation	She explains laundering agents and equipment and gives examples of each	Learners pay attention and participate
STEP 4 NOTE TAKING	The teacher writes a short note on the board for the learners to copy	The learners copy the note from the board

NOTE

LAUNDERING OF FABRICS
Laundering refers to the process of washing clothes, fabrics, and textiles to remove dirt, stains, and odors. It involves cleaning materials using water, detergent, and sometimes additional cleaning agents, along with mechanical action such as scrubbing, agitation, or tumbling.

Factors to Consider in Laundering Fabrics

When laundering fabrics, several factors must be considered to ensure that the garments or textiles are cleaned effectively and not damaged:

Factor	Explanation
Fabric Type	Different fabrics (e.g., cotton, wool, silk) require different washing methods, temperatures, and detergents.
Water Temperature	Hot water is ideal for removing greasy stains, but some fabrics (like silk or wool) can shrink or get damaged in high heat. Cold water is gentler and saves energy.
Detergent	The choice of detergent depends on the fabric and stain type. Some detergents are formulated for delicate fabrics or specific stains.
Stain Treatment	Pre-treating stains before washing can improve the removal of tough stains. Special stain removers may be used.
Mechanical Action	The type of machine and wash cycle (gentle, regular, or heavy-duty) can impact the fabric. Delicate fabrics may require a gentler cycle.
Drying Method	Drying can be done through air drying, tumble drying, or line drying. Some fabrics (like wool or silk) should not be machine dried to avoid damage.
Color Protection	Sorting clothes by color prevents color bleeding. Some fabrics, such as denim, can transfer color during washing.
Fabric Care Symbols	Always follow care labels on fabrics for optimal laundering methods to avoid shrinkage or damage.

Laundering Agents and Equipment

Laundering Agents

Detergents: Soap or chemical compounds used to clean fabrics. Examples:

Powder Detergents: Used for regular washing and are effective in removing dirt and stains.
Liquid Detergents: Dissolve easily in water and are useful for quick washing and stain removal.
Bleach: A stronger chemical agent that removes stains, whitens fabrics, and disinfects (e.g., chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach).
Fabric Softener: Used to make fabrics feel softer and reduce static cling. It can also impart a fresh fragrance to clothes.

Stain Removers: Special agents used to treat specific stains like grease, ink, or food spills before washing. Examples:

Oxygen Bleach: A safer alternative to chlorine bleach, effective on colored fabrics.
Enzyme-Based Cleaners: Used for removing protein-based stains (e.g., blood, sweat).

Laundering Equipment

Washing Machine: The primary appliance for laundering fabrics. It provides agitation to help remove dirt and stains.

Top-Load Washer: Features a central agitator and is usually faster.
Front-Load Washer: More energy-efficient, uses less water, and is gentler on fabrics.

Dryer: A machine used to dry fabrics quickly by tumbling them in hot air.

Tumble Dryers: Use heat to dry clothes and have various settings (low, medium, high heat).
Ventless Dryers: Often used in places where venting is not available. They work by condensing moisture from clothes.

Iron: Used to remove wrinkles and shape fabrics. Some fabrics may require a steam iron, while others need a dry iron at specific temperatures.
Washing Board and Hands: For delicate fabrics that cannot be machine washed, hand laundering with mild detergent is often recommended, especially for wool and silk.

EVALUATION:

What factors should be considered when choosing the appropriate water temperature for laundering different types of fabrics?
How do detergent types (powder, liquid, bleach) differ in their effectiveness on stains, and which would you recommend for specific fabric types?
Explain the role of fabric softeners in laundering. How do they affect the texture and longevity of fabrics?
Describe the differences between a top-load and front-load washing machine. What are the benefits and drawbacks of each type in fabric care?
What are some key points to consider when choosing the correct drying method for different fabrics to prevent damage or shrinkage?

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively