National Clothesline

One of the most confusing occurrences is the appearance of stains or discolorations that appear after a garment is hanging in a closet or stored by the customer.

Obviously the most likely person that customers blame is the drycleaner who previously cleaned the garment.

There are many varieties of insects that plague the household. Scientists have identified 800,000 different insects and estimate that there are one million to ten million kinds of insects still undiscovered. All insects excrete water and waste which can stain fabrics. Insects lay eggs and excrete blood which is yellow or greenish in color. These type of stains are usually very difficult to remove.

Sublimation of dye is a term used to describe the evaporation of a solid into a gas without passing through the liquid phase. Gases in the air dissolve certain dyes. Black, red and blue dyes have a greater tendency to dissolve. In this gaseous state, the dye re-deposits on another fabric (usually whites) as yellow stains or streaks.

Many fabrics including those made of animal and vegetable fibers are affected by a fungus growth referred to as mildew.

The mildew stain can appear in many colors, including tan, yellow, brown, pink, purple and black. Warmth, dampness and lack of fresh air combining with starch or sizing in a fabric present ideal conditions for mildew growth.

When pre-spotting agents and excessive detergent remain in a fabric they can oxidize and discolor fabrics over time. Heat and dampness will accelerate the oxidation and the discoloration.

Wedding gowns and other fabrics meant for long term storage should be drycleaned and then given a clear rinse before storage.

The use of plastic bags creates poor conditions for garment storage. Reports of tests taken reveal the plastic can combine with some finishes on fabrics and produce yellowing. Plastic bags also have the ability to confine stagnant and warm air. Moisture present in the air can result in an acid condition that can stain and discolor fabrics.

Fume fading is a color change or color loss caused by the action of airborne gases found in various degrees of concentration. These gases are more commonly the products of combustion from car exhaust and heating with gas and oil.

Frequently, higher concentrations of these gases exist in closets. Darker colors will turn pink or red, not necessarily evenly.

Sometimes fume fading shows up after the garment has been hanging in a closet or after drycleaning. In either case there is no way to correct it. Discoloration may appear after drycleaning or pressing because the heat used accelerates the action of the gaseous chemical that has already attacked the dye. The dyes on silk and acetate fabrics are most affected by fume fading.

Exposure to artificial or natural light can cause the dye on many fabrics to fade or cause a white or fluorescent fabric to oxidize or yellow.

Moth damage is usually isolated to wool, fur and leather since animal or protein substances act as a food for the larvae. Insects that are trapped in the weave of a fabric eat through most fibers.

Other types of insects can damage other fabrics. Carpet beetle larvae attacks all natural fibers, including silk, wool and cotton. Cockroaches, fleas and other insects damage other fabrics.

Examine garments carefully when accepting them for cleaning.

Mildew has a characteristic dank or damp odor. Customers should be notified. Check for any fading, yellowing or unusual staining.

Fading can be readily observed by comparing the exposed area with an unexposed area.

Check wool and wool blend fabrics for any staining or yarn weakness which would indicate moth infestation.

If you have a black light or my portable Spectralight, you can detect many problems which are not readily noticeable.

Mildew and some micro-organisms will glow under black light.

Chloride salts will glow and become visible.

Fabric and stain oxidation will appear dark and more pronounced.

Invisible staining may not be readily visible under ordinary light. Black light will reveal this type of staining.

Cleaners who promote box storage should first properly pre-spot and dryclean the garment. The garment should never be stored stained and not clean since that can contribute to insect or moth infestation.

Moth proofing products are distributed by a few companies and may be purchased in several forms.

Insect staining. The tannin and protein formulas may help, but removing the last traces of staining may involve bleaching.

Hydrogen peroxide and ammonia are helpful on silk and wool. Sodium hypochlorite is effective on linens, cottons and other fabrics. Make sure you follow bleach bath with acid.

Sublimation of dye. This is usually difficult to correct. Sodium hypochlorite may be effective. Some commercial products with an alcohol composition have also been effective.

Mildew. The use of chlorine bleach or sodium hypochlorite is most effective on mildew stains. Potassium permanganate is also effective on mildew stains. It can be used on wool and silk in place of chlorine bleach.

Pre-spotting and detergent oxidation. Dryclean the fabric again with a high detergent concentration. Use a clear rinse after the drycleaning process. Use an overnight soaking with water mixed with sodium perborate or sodium percarbonate.

Fume fading. This type of color change is not correctable although dyeing is an alternative. The results are unpredictable.

Light fading and yellowing of white fabrics. Oxidizing bleach (sodium perborate or sodium percarbonate). Reducing bleach (sodium hydrosulphate). Some commercial products combine sodium hydrosulphate with a fluorescent dye to aid restoration of white fabrics.