Method for customizing an aged appearance in denim garments

Abstract

A method is provided for producing, within a home laundry setting, a customized, aged appearance in denim garments. The garments are selectively treated with a cellulase enzyme solution, subjected to a waiting period, then mechanically agitated in a washing machine for a sufficient time to produce localized variations in color density typically associated with a well-worn denim garment. The denim garment may be machine-washed prior to treatment with the cellulase enzyme solution.

I claim:  
     
         1 . A method for producing, within a home laundry setting, an aged appearance in previously laundered denim garments, comprising: 
 a) adding the garments to a washing machine,    b) contacting the garments with an enzyme solution comprising a cellulase, and    c) mechanically agitating the garments for a period of time suitable to produce localized variations in color density.    
     
     
         2 . A method for producing, within a home laundry setting, an aged appearance in denim garments comprising: 
 a) contacting one or more denim garments with an enzyme solution comprising a cellulase,    b) waiting for at least one minute,    c) adding the garments to a washing machine,    d) contacting the garments with water, and    e) mechanically agitating the garments for a period of time suitable to produce localized variations in color density,    wherein the enzyme solution has an activity greater than 250 CMC units per mL.    
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the garments have been worn previously.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the garments have been laundered previously.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the garments are contacted with the enzyme solution in a non-uniform manner.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the denim garments are indigo-dyed denim.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein at least 10,000 CMC units of cellulase are applied per kilogram of denim garments.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein at least 1,000 CMC units of cellulase are directly applied to a region of the denim garments covering less than four square inches.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the enzyme solution additionally comprises enzymes other than cellulases.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the enzyme solution additionally comprises one or more surfactants.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the enzyme solution additionally comprises propylene glycol.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the enzyme solution additionally comprises a buffer system capable of maintaining the pH near the pH of optimal activity for the cellulase.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the enzyme solution additionally comprises a proteolytic enzyme.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the enzyme solution further comprises a pectolytic enzyme.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein said garments are further subjected to soaking in a washing machine.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said garments are subjected to one or more periods of mechanical agitation and soaking, wherein the total residence time in said washing machine is equal to or greater than 50 minutes.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the cellulase is not used in commercially available laundry detergents.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the weight ratio of said water to said denim garments is equal to or greater than 10.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the duration of said waiting is equal to or greater than 20 minutes.  
     
     
         20 . A denim-fading liquid composition for use within a home laundry setting comprising: 
 a) a cellulase;    b) a polyol; and    c) water;    wherein the pH of said composition is between 4 and 10.    
     
     
         21 . The composition of  claim 20 , wherein the enzyme activity of the solution is between 250 CMC units/mL and 7,500 CMC units/mL.  
     
     
         22 . The composition of  claim 20 , wherein the liquid composition is provided in a dispensing container with a volume of less than 200 mL.