Acid wash

Description

A washing solution containing dilute acids (particularly hydrochloric, oxalic, and nitric acids) as cleaning and bleaching agents to remove dirt, grease, oil, rust and other stains from fabrics, leather, paper, metal, and stone. In the late 20th century, some new fabrics and garments, such as jeans, were acid washed to simulate a worn appearance.

Synonyms and Related Terms

acid-wash; stone washed; lavado al ácido, lavado a la piedra (Esp.)

Authority

• Fairchild's Dictionary of Textiles, Phyllis G.Tortora, Robert S. Merkel (eds.), Fairchild Publications, New York City, 7th edition, 1996

• Matt Roberts, Don Etherington, Bookbinding and the Conservation of Books: a Dictionary of Descriptive Terminology, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington DC, 1982