NCERT Class 12 Home Science Human Ecology and Family Sciences Part II: Chapter 3 — Care and Maintenance of Fabrics in Institutions
This chapter, "Care and Maintenance of Fabrics in Institutions," from NCERT's Class 12 Home Science textbook (Human Ecology and Family Sciences Part II), emphasizes the significance of fabric care in institutional settings like hospitals and hotels. It defines care and maintenance as preventing physical damage and retaining the fabric's appearance by removing stains and dirt. The chapter highlights that successful laundering or dry-cleaning results in clean, hygienic, and crisp textiles, treating laundry as both a science and an art. It acknowledges that care requirements vary based on fiber content, construction, finishes, and intended use. The text introduces essential washing, drying, and ironing/pressing equipment, differentiating between household methods and institutional machinery, including top-loading and front-loading washing machines. This knowledge is crucial for students aspiring to careers in fabric care and maintenance within various institutions.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | Home Science |
| Book | Human Ecology and Family Sciences Part II |
| Chapter | Chapter 3 — Care and Maintenance of Fabrics in Institutions |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 431 |
Learning outcomes
- Discuss the significance of fabric care and maintenance in institutions.
- Describe fabric care concepts in hospitals and hotels.
- Explain the processes and equipment required for fabric maintenance.
- Identify career opportunities in fabric care and maintenance.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Serviceability | The ability of a product to be useful or perform its intended function over its expected life. |
| Laundering | The process of washing clothes and other textiles. |
| Dry-cleaning | A method of cleaning clothes using chemical solvents instead of water. |
| Hygienic | Clean and free from bacteria or other microorganisms that cause disease. |
| Aesthetically | Concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty. |
| Fiber content | The type of natural or synthetic fibers that make up a fabric. |
| Fabric construction | The way yarns are interlaced or interlooped to form a fabric (e.g., weaving, knitting). |
| Finishes | Treatments applied to fabrics to improve their appearance, feel, or performance. |
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Practice questions
- What are the two main aspects of fabric care and maintenance? Answer: Keeping the material free of physical damage and rectifying any damage, and retaining or refreshing the appearance by removing stains and dirt.
- Why is laundry considered both a science and an art? Answer: It is a science because it uses scientific principles and techniques, and an art because it requires skill to achieve aesthetically pleasing results.
- Name the three main types of equipment used in fabric care. Answer: Washing equipment, drying equipment, and ironing/pressing equipment.
- What is the difference between top-loading and front-loading washing machines? Answer: In top-loading machines, garments are put in from the top, while in front-loading machines, they are put in from the front.
Practice MCQs
Q1. Which of the following is NOT an aspect of fabric care and maintenance?
Explanation: Fabric care focuses on preserving the fabric's condition and appearance, not necessarily enhancing its inherent strength beyond its expected lifespan.
Q2. Successful laundering results in:
Explanation: The goal of successful laundering is to achieve cleanliness, freshness, and hygiene for clothes and household linen.
Q3. Care and maintenance requirements depend on:
Explanation: Multiple factors influence how fabrics should be cared for, including their material composition, how they are made, any treatments applied, and their intended use.
Q4. Which type of equipment is used for washing garments?
Explanation: Washing equipment, such as washing machines, is specifically designed for the process of cleaning garments with water and detergent.
Q5. In which type of washing machine are garments loaded from the front?
Explanation: Front-loading washing machines are characterized by their door located on the front side of the machine for loading garments.
Frequently asked questions
What is the primary goal of fabric care and maintenance in institutions?
The primary goal is to retain the specific characteristics and prolong the serviceability of fabrics used for specific functions, ensuring they remain free of damage and maintain their appearance.
What does 'retaining or refreshing the appearance' of fabrics involve?
It involves removing stains and dirt, and preserving the textural and visual characteristics of the fabric.
How does the care requirement for fabrics differ based on their properties?
Care requirements vary depending on the fabric's fiber content, yarn type, construction techniques, applied finishes, and its intended purpose or use.
What are the main categories of equipment used for fabric maintenance?
The main categories are washing equipment, drying equipment, and ironing/pressing equipment.
What is the difference between manual and machine washing at a household level?
Manual washing uses basic tools like buckets and brushes, while machine washing involves using basic or advanced washing machines.
What are the two types of washing machine models mentioned?
The two types are top-loading and front-loading washing machines.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 12 Home Science — Human Ecology and Family Sciences Part II — Chapter 3 — Care and Maintenance of Fabrics in Institutions. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.