Proper use of spotting chemicals
any cleaners are quick to blame the chemicals
they are using when something goes wrong. Many old-time
spotters are used to spotting a certain way and are finding
disastrous results occurring with the new fabrics and blends on
the market.
Most paint removers are mixed with
alcohol, which is activated by moisture and heat from the
steam gun.
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On some dyes and fabrics, the spotter has
problems when flushing with the steam gun. Acetate fabrics and
dyes as well as dyes on silk are damaged from the alcohol.
Other damage may occur when the spotter
leaves the oily-type paint remover on the fabric for too long.
Moisture and heat can react with the alcohol and cause damage
and discoloration.
The best procedure to use after spotting
with oily-type paint remover is to flush it with a volatile dry
solvent if the garment can not be cleaned right away.
It should also be noted that some
oily-type paint removers are more aggressive than others. They
may remove dryside stains more quickly but are more hazardous
when water is applied.
One cleaner reported that he dissolved an
acetate fabric by using one of the oily-type paint removers. He
was unaware that it contained acetone.
Acetone is a solvent that is chemically
different than amyl acetate. Acetone is very effective on
glues, but will readily dissolve acetate or triacetate.
Know the composition of the oily type
paint remover you are using. Contact the company or sales
representative who will guide you to its proper use.
Protein formulas may not be as safe as
some spotters think. Most protein formulas contain a mild
alkali which can affect vivid colors, especially on silk.
Liquid digesters are successfully used by
many cleaners and work well on protein stains when heat is
applied. It would be incorrect to assume that this chemical is
completely safe on all dyes and fabrics.
General formulas have been a tremendous
aid for many years for spotters attempting dye and ink stains
removal.
This chemical, although very useful,
contains alcohol that can affect dyes on acetate and silk and
vivid colors readily.
This chemical also requires using
mechanical action since it contains a lubricant. When heated,
the alcohol becomes highly activated and affects colors more
readily.
Testing colors and fabrics on an unexposed
area is the best prevention.
Why stains do not come out
Most of us are aware that age and the heat
of drycleaning tend to set stains. A set stain is very
difficult to remove and in many instances is not removable.
What some spotters do not realize is they themselves are often
the reason why stains set, oxidize and are not removable.
I have observed many spotters who use the
steam gun incorrectly. Flushing a stain with the steam gun held
close to the fabric subjects the stain to very high
temperatures sometimes approaching 300°F. Although holding
the steam gun close removes some soluble stains faster, it has
the effect of setting and oxidizing others.
When attempting to remove a stain, the
wrong chemical applied can also set the stain. If ammonia or
protein formula is used on tannin stains, a rapid and permanent
oxidation can occur.
Tannin stains are vegetable stains such as
coffee, tea, liquor, medicines, etc. The use of alkali with
high heat increases the oxidation even faster. The use of
alcohol on protein stains can also result in oxidation and
setting of the stain.
Protein stains are stains originating from
a living body and include egg, milk, blood and perspiration.
Alcohol is found in oily-type paint removers and general
formulas.
Oily-type paint remover will set the
protein stain only if activated by water. This occurs if the
oily type paint remover is flushed with water or allowed to be
activated by moisture in the air when remaining on the fabric
for a period of time.
To prevent stains from setting, follow
these rules:
1. Hold steam gun four to six inches from
fabric or use a water gun on difficult stains.
2. Prespot difficult stains.
3. Do not allow oily-type paint remover to
be activated by water.
4. Avoid general formula on protein or
unknown stains.
5. Do not use alkali on tannin stains.
6. Work unknown wetside stains as tannin
first.
Dan Eisen recently retired as chief
garment analyst for the Neighborhood Cleaners Association after
33 years with that organization. He is available for seminars,
consultations and independent garment analysis. He also has
published a book, “The Art of Spotting,” which is
an indexed compilation of articles he wrote for National
Clothesline and NCA over the past three decades. He can be
reached at (772) 340-0909. His address is 274 NW Toscane Trail,
Port St. Lucie, FL 34986. His e-mail address is cleandan@adelphia.net.
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