Two courses on stain removal coming to Texas
Stain removal continues to be one of the most important ways for drycleaners to
distinguish themselves from the competition. After all, customers remember when
a cleaner saves a favorite garment that had been marred with a unsightly
blemish.
The Southwest Drycleaners Association will help cleaners of all levels improve
their stain removal skills with a pair of courses at the Fiber and Biopolymer
Research Institute.
The school, located on the campus of Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX,
features the instruction of long-time stain removal expert Jane Zellers.
First up will be a course on basic stain removal from Nov. 9 to 11. Students
will meet from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, and from 8:30 to
11:30 a.m. on Wednesday. The two-and-a-half day course will involve training
using safe and proper stain removal techniques.
Attendees will learn how dyes, pigments, prints and finishes all play a vital
part in the cleaning process, as well as how to identify fiber content by burn
testing a swatch of fabric.
Attendees will understand the proper use of various tools and terms such as
acid, alkali, wet side and dry side.
The class will be divided between a lecture format, class discussion,
demonstrations and hands-on experience. It is worth five Award of Excellence
points.
The cost is $335 for SDA members and $405 for DLI members. Non-members must pay
$470 each.
Immediately following the basic course will be an advanced class that meets from
Nov. 11-13 during the following times: 1 to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday; 8:30 a.m.
to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, and 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Friday.
The two-day course will explore more advanced stain removal techniques for the
experienced spotters.
Those who attend will gain a better knowledge of fibers and fabrics, weaves and
garment construction. There will be hands-on training using digesters,
bleaching agents and other advanced techniques.
Students will also learn how to remove old oxidized oil stains from napkins,
tablecloths, chef jackets and pants.
The course is worth five Award of Excellence points.
Cost to attend is $325 for SDA members and $390 for other DLI members.
Non-members must pay $455 each.
The courses require a minimum of ten students; 24 can be accommodated, so early
registration is recommended.
Students are encouraged to bring in problem garments to work on during the
class.
SDA has nearby housing available for students at the Ashmore Inn and Suites. The
hotel offers a heated pool, fitness facility, a complimentary breakfast bar,
hospitality hour and shuttle service to and from the airport.
The discounted rate is $71 plus tax per room per night for single/double
occupancy.
The reservation deadline is Oct. 23, the same date by which students must sign
up for either the basic or advanced stain removal class.
Scholarships are available to qualified applicants of SDA’s membership who are at least 19 years of age, have a high school diploma or GED
equivalent, have one year of industry experience and are an owner or an
employee of a company that is an SDA member. To apply, fill out an application
by Oct. 16.
