Natural fibers like cotton absorb water and other substances more easily than synthetic fibers, which causes them to do what more slowly?

Natural fibers such as cotton have a high affinity for water due to their porous structure and the presence of hydroxyl groups, which can bond with water molecules. This characteristic allows them to absorb moisture readily. When natural fibers absorb water, it increases the overall weight and alters their structural integrity. Consequently, the drying process becomes slower for these fibers compared to synthetic ones, which tend to repel water and dry more rapidly.

Therefore, when a fabric made from natural fibers becomes wet and subsequently needs to dry, the presence of absorbed moisture will indeed delay the drying time. This understanding is crucial for upholstery cleaning technicians, as they must account for these properties when recommending cleaning methods and caring for different types of fabrics.