Chemicals used to make textile auxiliaries are added to textiles during various stages of processing to enhance specific properties such as dye affinity, softness, durability, and resistance to shrinkage or pests. During the Pre-treatment and Scouring stage, surfactants are used to remove impurities, oils, and waxes from the fiber surface, preparing it for dyeing or finishing. During the Finishing or the Post-treatment stage, softening agents are applied to improve hand feel. Flame retardants are also used where regulations mandate the use to meet certain Flame Retardancy standards. The chemicals are typically applied in specific processing baths or as coatings during the manufacturing and finishing stages. They react chemically with the fiber or dye molecules, or form a physical layer that imparts the desired property. In essence, textile auxiliaries are specially formulated chemicals that facilitate processing, improve performance, and enhance the qualities of the final textile product.