Moisture Management Guideline for the Apparel and Footwear Industry
Moisture management refers to the ability of fabrics or materials to regulate the absorption, transportation, and evaporation of moisture (primarily sweat) to enhance comfort and performance. Effective moisture management is critical in the apparel and footwear industries, particularly for sportswear, activewear, and outdoor gear. In this article, we discuss the Moisture Management Guideline for the Apparel and Footwear Industry.
The factory should conduct a minimum of twice-yearly cleaning with anti-fungal cleaning products – such as Sporicidin. Records of the cleaning should be kept. All cloths used for cleaning mold must be destroyed, due to potential contamination. PPE is required for all cleaners (i.e. Masks & Gloves). The factory should conduct daily cleaning of production areas with disinfectant. Records of the cleaning should be kept. All cleaning cloths must be washed at 60 degrees. All incoming materials (Fabrics, Trims, Packaging, and Labels) must be wrapped where necessary to ensure they are clean and intact on arrival. It is the factory’s responsibility to request this from all suppliers. This Moisture Management Guideline would help to know details of every section of the apparel and footwear industry.
Moisture Management Guideline for the Apparel and Footwear Industry
Moisture Management Guideline for the Apparel and Footwear Industry for every section
Material Warehouse
1
Any visible water marks/leakage on the walls, floor and ceiling must be cleaned immediately. All cleaning cloths must be washed at 60 degrees.
2
Any visible mould on shelves and palettes must be cleaned immediately with anti-fungal cleaning product. All cloths used for cleaning mould must be destroyed, due to potential contamination PPE is required for all cleaners (i.e. Masks & Gloves).
3
All incoming materials must be wrapped & sealed in plastic wrapping. The incoming fabric must be mould free. The moisture level should meet the stated moisture in Moisture Content Guidelines
4
Materials must be stored on plastic pallets or racks. The recommended storage of the material is at least 50cm away from an exterior wall, and 150cm away from outside windows or doors. All material must be covered against dust exposure. Materials must not be stored on the floor.
5
Plastic see through strip curtains are recommended at the entrance and exit of the Materials Warehouse.
Cutting Room
1
Any visible water marks/leakage on the walls, floor and ceiling must be cleaned immediately. All cleaning cloths must be washed at 60 degrees.
2
Any visible mould on shelves and palettes must be cleaned immediately with anti-fungal cleaning product. All cloths used for cleaning mould must be destroyed, due to potential contamination PPE is required for all cleaners (i.e. Masks & Gloves).
3
It is recommended the cutting room tables should be cleaned daily with a disinfectant. All cleaning clothes must be washed at 60 degrees.
4
It is recommended all fabric rolls or cut panels are stored on plastic palettes or racks. The recommended storage of the fabric is at least 50cm away from an exterior wall, and 150cm away from outside windows or doors. The fabric rolls & cutwork must be covered against dust exposure. Fabric rolls or cut panels must not be stored on the floor
Trim Store
1
Any visible water marks/leakage on the walls, floor and ceiling must be cleaned immediately. All cleaning cloths must be washed at 60 degrees.
2
Any visible mould on shelves and palettes must be cleaned immediately with anti-fungal cleaning product. All cloths used for cleaning mould must be destroyed, due to potential contamination PPE is required for all cleaners (i.e. Masks & Gloves).
3
All trims & labels must be mould free. The moisture level should meet the stated moisture in 8.11 Moisture Content Guidelines
5
Paper packaging, cardboard and boxes must be mould free. The moisture level should meet the required moisture content outlined in the moisture guidelines (please see section 6.11). Moisture records must be kept, and all trims and packaging must come into the factory sealed.
6
It is recommended all trims must be stored on plastic pallets or racks. The recommended storage of the trims is at least 50cm away from an exterior wall, and 150cm away from outside windows or doors. All trims, labels & packaging must not be stored on the floor.
Sewing Room
1
Any visible water marks/leakage on the walls, floor and ceiling must be cleaned immediately. All cleaning cloths must be washed at 60 degrees.
2
Any visible mould on shelves and palettes must be cleaned immediately with anti-fungal cleaning product. All cloths used for cleaning mould must be destroyed, due to potential contamination PPE is required for all cleaners (i.e. Masks & Gloves).
3
Any cut work and sewn components with mould on must be rejected and destroyed.
4
There must not be any visible mould on pressing tables.
5
The foam on the pressing table must be inspected weekly to ensure mould is not growing and contaminating the cut work.
6
All vacuum function on all pressing tables must be checked to ensure it is correct set and fully functional. This must be checked weekly by the mechanic.
7
Water and water containers used for pressing must be cleaned and replaced daily.
8
It is recommended all semi-finished/finished garments are stored in plastic baskets. The recommended storage of the semi-finished garments is at least 50cm away from an exterior wall, and 150cm away from outside windows or doors. The fabric rolls & cutwork must be covered against dust exposure. All cutwork/sewn components must not be stored on the floor.
Laundry
1
All garments returning from the laundry must be checked against 8.11 Moisture Content Guidelines All production that exceeds the maximum moisture level must be internally rejected and dried in a controlled area. Records must be kept.
Pressing
1
Any visible water marks/leakage on the walls, floor and ceiling must be cleaned immediately. All cleaning cloths must be washed at 60 degrees.
2
Any visible mould on shelves and palettes must be cleaned immediately with anti-fungal cleaning product. All cloths used for cleaning mould must be destroyed, due to potential contamination PPE is required for all cleaners (i.e. Masks & Gloves).
3
Any finished garments with mould on must be rejected and destroyed.
4
The pressing tables must be clean and mould free.
5
The pressing table covers must be washed on a weekly basis.
6
The foam on the pressing table must be inspected weekly to ensure mould is not growing and contaminating the finished product. It is recommended the foam is replaced monthly.
7
All vacuum function on all pressing tables must be checked to ensure it is correct set and fully functional. This must be checked weekly by the mechanic.
8
Water and water containers used for pressing must be cleaned and replaced daily.
9
It is recommended all finished garments are stored in plastic baskets or on hangers/rails. The storage of the finished goods must be at least 50cm away from an exterior wall, and 150cm away from outside windows or doors. All finished garments must not be stored on the floor
Dry Room
1
If a dry room is available there must be a Standard Operating Procedure [SOP] in place This must be clearly displayed and adhered too. Standard Operating Procedure [SOP] must include the following points The dehumidifiers setting must be 55% or less 55% The relative humidity [RH] must be 60% or less The temperature must be set to less than 68F (20C) Written records of humidity & temperature levels in dry room must be kept Written records of the length of time goods are stored in the Dry Room Clear guidelines documents of the method of storage Written records of the maintenance and calibration of the dehumidifiers
Packaging Area
1
Any visible water marks/leakage on the walls, floor and ceiling must be cleaned immediately. All cleaning cloths must be washed at 60 degrees.
2
Any visible mould on shelves and palettes must be cleaned immediately with anti-fungal cleaning product. All cloths used for cleaning mould must be destroyed, due to potential contamination PPE is required for all cleaners (i.e. Masks & Gloves).
3
The recommended storage of the finished goods is 50cm away from an exterior wall, and 150cm away from outside windows or doors. All finished garments must not be stored on the floor.
4
Goods that are stored for more than 30 days in the warehouse must be inspected for mould. Any goods with mould must be destroyed
Moisture Content Guidelines
Types of Materials
Low Risk
Medium Risk
High Risk
Packing Paper, packaging carton boxes and corrugated export cartons
