National Clothesline

There are many spotting products manufactured that are not properly used or not used to their full benefit. Sometimes cleaners develop mistaken ideas about the product and the ways to use it.

The purpose of my product testing is to give the cleaner a better insight into the product and the ways to use it to its full potential. Sometimes under practical application and use, the directions for usage may differ from the manufacturer ’s.

I recently completed testing of Laidlaw’s RSR and have issued the following report.

Description of product: Laidlaw’s RSR

Purpose of testing: To evaluate the effective use of RSR.

Background: RSR is a low-temperature powdered enzyme used for protein and albuminous stains. It changes insoluble stains to a soluble sugar which can be flushed from the fabric.

Protein and albuminous stains include such stains as egg, milk, blood, perspiration, gravy, beer and some glues. On some fabrics RSR may have benefits in removing some oily stains and even tannin.

Many cleaners have discontinued using RSR by replacing it with other protein-based stain removers such as ammonia and neutral lubricant, protein formula or liquid high temperature enzymes.

RSR is completely different from all other spotting agents. It is not activated by high temperature, chemicals nor does it require mechanical action for breaking up a stain. This makes its safety in stain removal unmatched among spotting based agents used.

When spotting fabrics with poor color fastness or delicate fabrics, there is a degree of safety that must concern spotters. The following spotting agents used for protein stain removal are listed in order of safety. RSR and water head the list.

1. RSR and water.

2. Steam gun.

3. Liquid enzymes.

4. Protein formula.

5. Ammonia and neutral lubricant.

In the course of doing consultations for drycleaners or teaching spotting courses, I am often put to the test to spot expensive and delicate fabrics. These may be fragile fabrics or fabrics with poor dyes. RSR can be used effectively on these fabrics.

As a consultant to many museums I am called upon to spot fragile fabrics and old blankets and tapestries. RSR can be used effectively on these textiles.

Stains other than protein

RSR seems to work on many unidentified stains. This may be due to the fact that it breaks down the fabric sizing, causing a releasing of the staining. This can be some oily stains and tannin related staining.

The use of RSR requires following these strict guidelines. Some of these guidelines may differ from the manufacturer ’s instructions but they have proved to be the most effective.

Temperature. The proper temperature for using RSR is 100°F to 120°F. Temperatures over 120°F destroys the enzymes. Below 100°F, the enzymes still work, but at a slower rate. You can judge the temperature range by your body temperature. Anything fairly warm is above 100 °F.

You do not have to keep it at this temperature to make it work. All you have to do is start at this temperature to activate the enzymes. There was an experiment performed leaving a mixture of RSR in a bottle overnight at room temperature. The enzymes continued to be activated.

Moisture. RSR must be wet to work effectively. You do not have to roll it in a ball to keep it wet. This practice is dangerous because it sets up the potential for dye bleeding.

Neutral. It can not contain or contact acid, alkali or bleach since the enzymes will be destroyed. This is different from liquid enzymes which are not affected by high heat or chemicals.

Time. It requires 15 minutes to one-half hour to work.

The most effective method is diluting a teaspoon of RSR in an eight-ounce spotting bottle filled with warm water. Put in one teaspoon of glycerin which is used to keep the area wet.

Apply to the stained area and wait 15 minutes or longer before flushing the area. If the fabric becomes dry, re-apply RSR. Feather or use a leveling agent on the area.

You do not have to put a garment with RSR in a boiler room or near heat.

Do not put RSR powder directly onto a fabric while using the steam gun to activate it. This will destroy the enzymes and it will be very difficult to flush the RSR from the fabric.

Remember RSR only changes the stain to a soluble substance, so the area must be flushed to complete the stain removal process.

In a clean bucket, put one teaspoon of RSR per gallon of warm water. Add one teaspoon of salt per gallon of water on fabrics that may have poor dye fastness. Salt acts as a dye setter, but not on silk.

Do not put a lid on the bucket or pail to keep it warm. When the pail is closed, the possibility of dye bleeding increases.

RSR is the safest spotting agent available for use. Although there are several other faster methods of removing protein stains, none matched RSR for safety.

RSR is not used as a replacement for other spotting methods but as an adjunct for spotting when the safety of the fabric is in question.

Any company interested in my professional testing of new or existing products may contact me at Independent Garment Analysis, 274 NW Toscane Trail, Port Saint Lucie, FL 34986; or at the phone or e-mail address listed above. You will receive a full laboratory report following my examination.