Question

Почему крахмалят белье? Что происходит с крахмалом при глажении?

Answer 1

Крахмал покрывает всю поверхность белья защитной плёнкой, и за счет  этого оно дольше остается чистым.

Answer 2

Why does starch stiffen clothes? What happens to starch when ironing?

Starch is commonly used in laundry to stiffen clothes and give them a crisp appearance. When clothes are starched, the starch forms a thin layer on the fabric, which helps to hold the fibers in place and prevent them from wrinkling. Starch also adds body and structure to the fabric, making it easier to iron and giving it a polished look.

During the ironing process, the heat from the iron causes the starch to gelatinize. Gelatinization is a process in which starch granules absorb water and swell, forming a gel-like substance. This gelatinized starch then acts as a bonding agent, helping to hold the fabric fibers in place and maintain the desired shape and stiffness of the garment.

Ironing also helps to activate the starch and distribute it evenly across the fabric. The heat and pressure from the iron work together to break down the starch molecules, allowing them to penetrate the fabric fibers and create a smooth, stiff finish.

It's important to note that not all fabrics are suitable for starching. Delicate fabrics, such as silk or wool, may be damaged by starch and should be treated with caution. Always check the care instructions on your clothing before applying starch.

Overall, starching clothes helps to achieve a neat and polished appearance by stiffening the fabric and reducing wrinkles. Ironing activates the starch and distributes it evenly, resulting in a crisp and well-pressed garment.