National Clothesline

The East Coast School of Drycleaning in Riviera Beach, FL, was host to 40 students from around the country for a Dan Eisen seminar on basic and advanced spotting.

All of the participants were from member plants of America’s Best Cleaners, a national organization of cleaners who target the high-end market. Eisen has been working with the group by providing articles for its newsletter, which goes to members, retail stores and fashion designers and also offering technical assistance, garment analysis and consultations.

“I am thoroughly amazed by the leadership, unity and quality oriented direction of America’s Best Cleaners,” Eisen commented.

The Dec. 4-5 seminar was arranged by Ed D’Elicio, executive director of ABC, and Chris White of Madame Paulette Cleaners with sponsorship assistance from Kreussler, USA, and A.L. Wilson.

Each student received copies of Eisen’s two manuals, The Art of Spotting and The Art of Wetcleaning, and lab coats and spatulas were provided by Kreussler.

After an introduction to the basics of spotting, Eisen launched into advanced spotting techniques, covering removal of difficult stains such as Super Glue, grass, wine and mustard. He also discussed the proper use of bleaches, techniques for using the bleaches and how bleach baths can be titrated for safety on color fabrics.

Bob Fitzpatrick and Bruce Weiner of Kreussler, USA explained updated concepts of wetcleaning, including a detailed explanation of how proper mechanical action and correct water levels provide safer wetcleaning. How to use chemicals for wetcleaning that set colors and provide barriers and coat the fibers to prevent shrinkage was also covered.

Students also learned about dyes and why some colors bleed while others do not. Live demonstrations showed how easy it is to clean wool and silk.

Bob Edwards and Brady Corbridge from A.L. Wilson demonstrated the company’s new spotting products and expanded line of bleaches. The line includes potassium permanganate, sodium bisulphate and fluorescent dye restorer. Bleaches and chemicals designed by A.L. Wilson are geared for those cleaners looking to achieve 95 percent stain removal success.

The company also has introduced products designed to remove many medicines, inks, dyes and difficult tannin stains.

Classes will be back in session at the East Coast School of Drycleaning in Riviera Beach, Florida, giving drycleaners several opportunities to hone their skills throughout February and March.

On Saturday, Feb. 5, instructors Dan Eisen and Rick Watson will teach “Advanced Silk Spotting” for spotters with two or more more years of experience. The class will look at the safe handling of high-end garments, with an emphasis on the use of bleach, correction of dye bleeding, fluorescent dye breakdown and removing difficult stains.

The same class will be offered again at the school on Saturday, March 12.

On February 12, a class on “Maintenance and Equipment Conversion” will break down the process of converting a laundry dryer into a non-solvent based drycleaning dryer for less than $300, as well as how to convert wetcleaning basins into air injected bubbling systems. Attendees will learn about general equipment maintenance and repair information, as well.

On Saturday, Feb. 26, students can learn the correct way of pressing for quality.

Wetcleaning will be the topic of a class scheduled for Saturday, March 5 and another on Sunday, March 13. Students will learn the proper use of wetcleaning chemicals to clean wools, silks and other fabrics safely and the proper use of detergents to set dyes, soften fabrics and prevent shrinkage.

An “Introduction to Basic Spotting” will be offered the following day for those just entering the drycleaning industry or who want to update their spotting skills.

For information and registration information, contact (866) 783-3322 or e-mail Dan Eisen at cleandan@adelphia.net.

The South East Fabricare Association promises to help take the mystery out of the drycleaning machine, fabric and fiber identification and the pH scale with two upcoming seminars on “Basic and Advanced Drycleaning and Spotting.”

The first two-day educational session will take place on Feb. 26 and 27 at the Embassy Suites Hotel - Buckhead in Atlanta, GA, and will be taught by IFI instructor Fran Sadler.

Jane Zellers will be enlisted to head a similar seminar on March 5 and 6 at Unipress Equipment Corp., located at 3501 Queen Palm Dr. in Tampa, FL.

The first day of class will focus on the basics of fiber and fabric classification, weaves, dyes, prints and finishes. Cleaners will learn how to get the most from their drycleaning machine, and gain a true understanding of pre-spotting and preparing garments for cleaning.

On the second day, instructors will outline the correct uses of acids, alkalis and lubricants, as well as offer a look at the proper tools for a high quality drycleaning department. Advanced techniques discussed will include bleaching, dye stripping and mineral oil barriers.

To register or for more information on the Atlanta seminar, call (404) 261-7733. For the Tampa seminar, call (813) 623-3731. Information is also available online at www.sefa.org.

UniMac is planning several technical training seminars this year at the company’s World Training Center in Marianna, FL.

Service training experts will demonstrate proper laundry equipment operation, including installation, maintenance and diagnostic methods for those who work with UniMac UW, UX, UC, and Tumbler OPL laundry equipment.

New-to-intermediate service technicians can take one of the basic service training seminars scheduled for: Feb. 7-11, July 18-22 and Oct. 31 to Nov. 4.

UniMac will also host a pair of advanced training seminars more suited for seasoned technicians with several years of experience. Class dates are March 14-18 and September 19-23.

Upon completion of the training programs, attendees receive a plant tour, production manuals and a certificate of attendance.

A $100 non-refundable fee is required to reserve space for any of the classes. To register, visit the company’s web site, www.uniwash.com, and click on the “Training Seminars” link.