Improvements in the wash durability and discoloration levels for fabrics having topically applied silver-
ion treatments (such as
ion-exchange compounds, like
zirconium phosphates, glasses and / or zeolites) are provided. Such
solid compounds are generally susceptible to discoloration and, due to the
solid nature thereof, are typically easy to remove from
topical surface applications. The inventive treatment requires the presence of a specific
polyurethane binder, either as a silver-
ion overcoat or as a component of a dye bath mixture admixed with the silver-ion
antimicrobial compound. In addition, specific
metal halide additives (preferably substantially free from
sodium ions) are utilized to combat the discolorations typical of such silver-ion formulations. As a result, wash durability, discoloration levels, or both, can be improved to the extent that after a substantial number of standard launderings and dryings, the inventive treatment does not wear away in any appreciable amount and the color of the treatment remains substantially the same as when first applied. The particular treatment method as well as the treated fabrics are also encompassed within this invention.