Smulders classified the different types of soil on laundry. This can help select the best cleaning method.
Categories:
(1) water-soluble materials
(2) particulate material
(3) fats and oils
(4) proteinaceous material
(5) carbohydrate
(6) bleachable dyes/stains
Water-soluble materials:
(1) inorganic salt
(2) sugar
(3) urea/urine
(4) perspiration
Particulate material:
(1) metal oxides
(2) carbonates
(3) silicates
(4) carbon black or soot
(5) mud
(6) plant material or vegetation/humus
(7) dust
where:
• Humus is decayed vegetation used in mud baths.
Fats and oils:
(1) animal fat
(2) vegetable fat and oil
(3) sebum
(4) mineral oil
(5) grease
(6) wax
Proteinaceous material:
(1) blood
(2) body fluids
(3) grass or plant material
(4) milk
(5) egg
(6) keratin
Carbohydrates:
(1) starch
Stains:
(1) fruit juices or fruit
(2) coffee
(3) tea
(4) wine
(5) vegetable
(6) grass
Most soiling is mixed.
The degree of soiling is classified as:
(1) minimal (like air-borne dust)
(2) light
(3) moderate
(4) heavy
