The Science Behind Long-lasting Whites

Published

November 18, 2021

The three components that make for long-lasting whites are dye transfer inhibition, optical brightening, and anti-greying, also known as anti-redeposition.

Stop Dye Transfer

We can prevent the movement of dye from one fabric to another during the wash with a polymer like Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) or homopolymers. More advanced polymers, like Sokalan^® HP 56 K and Sokalan HP 66 K, prove to be more effective for a range of dye colors, including red, blue, and black, as shown below

Sokalan^® HP 165 Sokalan HP 53 Sokalan HP 56 K Sokalan HP 66 K Sokalan HP 56 Sokalan HP 66

Sokalan^® HP 56 Sokalan HP 66

Stop Fabric Greying

Polymers like Sokalan^® HP 20, Sokalan HP 96, Sokalan CP 5, Sokalan CP 9, and Sokalan PA 25 CL and Sokalan PA 30 CL, bind to dirt and remain suspended in the wash liquor, preventing the soil from depositing on the fibers. This keeps fibers whiter when washed and prevents graying.