What does the term "immersion" refer to in the non-commercial laundering process?

The term "immersion" in the context of non-commercial laundering refers to the process of submerging items in hot water. This method is essential in effectively removing dirt, stains, and bacteria from fabrics. By completely submerging the items, the hot water, often combined with a suitable detergent, penetrates the fibers and helps to lift away contaminants. This approach is commonly employed in washing processes to achieve thorough cleaning, especially for items that are difficult to clean using other methods.

Soaking items in cold water, choosing an appropriate detergent, and dry cleaning do not align with the specific definition of immersion. While cold water soaking may be part of some laundry practices, it lacks the effectiveness of hot water immersion when it comes to disinfecting and deeply cleaning fabrics. Similarly, selecting the right detergent is an important step in the laundering process but does not encapsulate the concept of immersion, which specifically involves the act of submerging in water. Lastly, dry cleaning is a distinct process altogether, utilizing solvents instead of water, thus falling outside the boundaries of the immersion definition in laundering.