a theoretical study and analysis of experimental values was done to clarify whether the potential energy between fibers and particulate soil or the dynamic energy from liquid flow influences detergency more strongly. the theoretical treatment shows clearly that particle detachment rate is proportional to $phi$ **3exp( $minus$ k//dv//n) and particle redeposition rate is proportional to $phi$ **3exp( $minus$ k//rv//m), where v//m is the maximum potential energy, v//n is the energy difference between v//m and the potential energy at the closest approach of 5a for two substrates, $phi$ is the liquid flow velocity, and k//d and k//r are constants, respectively. an analysis of the experimental values obtained from cotton fabrics soiled with carbon black particles or clay particles shows that increasing the dynamic energy from liquid flow can only slightly decrease the minimum particle retention, but varying potential energy shows some possibility for decreasing it. (author abstract) 12 refs