Durable press process for cellulosic fiber-containing fabrics utilizing formaldehyde and an aryl sulfonic liquid or acid catalyst

A durable press process for cellulosic fiber-containing fabrics, comprising:

• impregnating a cellulosic fiber-containing fabric with an aqueous solution containing a water soluble arylsulfonic acid which is capable of catalyzing the cross-linking reaction between formaldehyde and cellulose;
• to provide from 0.1% to about 10% of said catalyst in said fabric on a dry weight basis, then exposing said impregnated fabric, while said fabric has a moisture content of above 20% by weight where the cellulose fibers are substantially completely swollen, to formaldehyde vapors and curing under conditions at which formaldehyde reacts with cellulose in the presence of the catalyst to improve the wrinkle resistance of the fabric.