When silicones are used in the consumer product sector, they provide significant energy savings.
For example, silicones are used as an antifoaming agent in laundry detergents and fabric softeners, which helps reduce water and energy consumption in washing machines.
Silicones are used in dry cleaning because they help carry detergent while rinsing away suspended dirt and oils trapped by the detergent, therefore maintaining the quality and color of cleaned clothes, while not interacting directly with the clothing being cleaned. And, silicone treatments keep textiles soft, even with repeated washings.
As finishes for textile products, silicones help fabrics retain shape, texture, and provide resistance to abrasion. Silicones enable new techniques to design sportswear that is lightweight, durable, water repellent, and high performing, while allowing the fabric to breathe.