Will an Africor representative visit me in my own country?
Yes! We will visit you at your office to look at your needs, show samples and finalize suitable logistical arrangements.
How can I be sure that you have understood my specification requirements properly?
We minimize the chances of misunderstandings by exchanging specs, illustrations and other detailed product information with you. We also suggest that you approve pre-production samples before production commences.
How can I be sure the quantities (and qualities) of my consignments are correct before dispatch?
Besides the fact that we do final inspections at our dispatch warehouse, we urge you to send a representative or appoint a third party to do a final inspection before final payment and dispatch.
What packaging is used for my goods?
Our uniforms and accessories are packed in robust export quality 600X450X300mm double-walled cartons. Each with a label showing details of the transaction including product description and quantity. Your pro-forma invoices will show packaging details and weights for accurate shipping cost estimates.
Why do garments fade?
The major cause of fading is exposure to sunlight, which is both harmful to fabrics and is irreversible. Constant and prolonged exposure to the sunlight should be reduced as far as possible.
After each wash garments should be rinsed thoroughly as most detergents contain bleach and the combination of this with direct sunlight leads to fading of garments. Bleach should not be used on coloured fabrics at any time.
What are the best ways to wash my garments?
Always refer to the label before washing.
Turn garments inside out to avoid and reduce abrasion caused by other garments, trims and contamination by fibres from other garments during the wash cycle.
- Always ensure the washing machine is not overloaded.
- Use good quality detergent and ensure that the correct amount is used.
- In cases of hand washing, avoid rubbing the garments against hard objects like rocks etc as this will damage the garments.
- Rinse garments thoroughly as most detergents contain bleach and the combination of this with direct sunlight leads to fading of garments.
What causes garments to shrink?
This is primarily due to factors such as excessive heat and agitation during the wash cycle. Always wash as per instructions on the care label.
Why do fibre balls appear on some fabric surfaces?
Pilling and bobbling is a result of abrasion, and lack of care or timely washing of the garments. This can lead to fibre balls appearing on the fabric surface. These can be removed by mild surface brushing, but this is not advisable treatment over the long term as it can reduce the durability of the fabric.
How can I avoid colour staining in garments?
We recommend that garments of similar colour are washed together, avoid washing dark colours with light colours. Do not leave damp garments of different colours together for any length of time.
If there is a colour inconsistency in uniforms, why is that?
There have been records of colour inconsistencies. Although our mills go to great lengths to maintain consistency in the colour of dyed fabrics, it is possible from dye batch to dye batch. There are many factors that can influence this - from the dye stuffs to the cotton or polyester yarns that are not 100% identical in structure to a previous batch.
Colour matches can vary by around 4% (lighter or darker) which is regarded as acceptable in the fabric industry. After a few washes, however, following proper care instructions, the colour differences become unnoticeable. In the event that the colour match is unreasonably poor, it is important to contact your supplier. This is why it is important to deal with reputable suppliers like Africor, who have good relationships with their mills and order fabric batches in quantities large enough to ensure consistency. Where it can be proven that the problem lies with the fabric and is not caused by improper adherence to wash care instructions, Africor would replace the garments.
Is using bleach a good practice?
It is not recommended to use bleach on your uniform items as this reduces the life span of the garments and should especially not be used on colour garments as they will fade.
What basic wash care steps do I need to follow?
The following pointers should be used as guidelines for all garments:
- Prior to washing, close all zips, undo buttons, check pockets for loose or sharp objects, and flatten out collars and cuffs.
- Always refer to the label before washing.
- Turn garments inside out to avoid and reduce abrasion caused by other garments, trims and contamination by fibres from other garments during the wash cycle.
- Always check the washing machine is not overloaded.
- Use good quality detergent and ensure that the correct amount is used.
- In cases of hand washing, avoid rubbing the garments against hard objects like rocks etc as this will damage the garments.
- Rinse garments thoroughly as most detergents contain bleach and the combination of this and direct sunlight leads to fading.
What can I do during washing/laundry to help the environment?
- Reduce the amount of energy and water you use when washing your uniforms.
- Only use your washing machine when you have a full load.
- Consider making your next washing machine a minimum 4A rated front loader to be more energy & water efficient.
- Use the subs-saver cycle option if available in your machine.
- If you have an old top loader, it is easy to reuse the rinse water from your last wash as the wash water for the next.
- Grey water is great for the garden and many cleaning jobs. Soapy water can provide effective protection against aphids and other garden pests, but take care of the choice and quantity of laundry detergent. Use of grey water on edible produce is not generally advised.
- Except for really dirty items, wash your clothes in cold or warm water. You will be amazed how little the colours will fade.
- Dry your clothes on the clothes line rather than in the dryer.
Are polyester garments not recommended in hot climatic conditions?
Polyesters have less “breathable” qualities than cotton or natural fabrics. Fabrics that do not “breathe” well tend to cause excessive sweating and make the wearer uncomfortable. The traditional Polyesters were cheaper, but were crease-resistant and had a high colour-fastness rating. Technology in the textile field resulted in the development of poly cotton fabrics that retain the colour-fastness and crease-resistant benefits, and have the added benefit of being breathable. These poly cottons are recommended.
However, because of excellent test results with Ripstop Nylon Combat fabrics (see the copy of the Test Report in our 'News Section'), we have relented and included this into our fabric range. And this is not because it's cheaper, because it's not, but because it has superior durability qualities that cannot be ignored. It's demand in the military uniform markets has made this clear.