Content about Fashion

CONCORD, N.C. — A reader recently sent me an e-mail that contained several questions. I’ve decided that I’m going to use it as the basis of this month’s column, because the problems cited are common to many operations and my comments should provide guidance and options in your stain-removal efforts.

Q: I use _____ as my POG and lately it’s been leaving a chemical stain (ring) on the clothing that I dry clean…

A: Most paint, oil and grease removers (POG) should easily flush in the drycleaning system. The vast majority of POG can be divided into those that are based in alcohol and others that have an “oily” base (OTPR). It is important to know the contents of any chemical stain-removal agent, as some combinations of fiber, fabric and dye are extremely sensitive to the alcohol (pH).

When used on the dry side, POG is effective on chemically soluble stains such as cosmetics, paint and grease as well as aiding in the removal of difficult solvent-soluble stains. POG is generally ineffective on water-soluble stains.

OTTAWA, Ontario, Canada — The Government of Canada has decided that siloxane D5—the liquid silicone used in the GreenEarth drycleaning process—is not harmful to the environment, Canada Environment Minister Peter Kent announced.

Kent received the Siloxane D5 Board of Review’s report last fall. He convened his country’s Board of Review in August 2010 with the mandate to consider information in the original Government of Canada 2009 siloxane D5 screening assessment, as well as new scientific information subsequently available. The Board concluded that siloxane D5 is not harmful to the environment.

“This decision follows a thorough analysis of the Siloxane D5 Board of Review’s report, all existing available scientific information, and ongoing international regulatory activities,” says Kent. “It underlines our commitment to reach fact-based conclusions to protect Canadians’ health and the environment.”

Tim Maxwell, president of GreenEarth Cleaning, Kansas City, Mo., says his company has always applauded Canada’s measured, fact-based approach to the bioaccumulation issue.

CONCORD, N.C. — There are times when quality stain removal comes down to a series of little things. And there are times when the difference in returning a garment to the customer with traces of the stain vs. exceeding the customer’s expectations hinges on applying a slightly different tool or technique.

Here are some items that you can add to your stain removal toolbox easily and inexpensively:

COTTON SWABS

Cotton swabs are a helpful addition to any spotting board. These swabs are absorbent and free of pigment. By lightly rubbing a slightly damp swab on a garment or its trim, you can test dyes for bleeding.

Cotton swabs are ideal for applying bleaches (especially titanium dye stripper) at the spotting board. A swab will allow you to remove fugitive dye in close areas without fear of drips or contacting undesired areas.

WOODEN TOOTHPICKS

A wooden toothpick allows a spotter to precisely apply a minimum amount of bleach/dye stripper. It can be used to great advantage to restore your customer’s garments and to enhance your reputation.

CONCORD, N.C. — It seems to me that cleaners are looking for a remedy to tannin stains, but few are willing to make the commitment to gain the working knowledge and experience to solve the problem.

Stain removal requires a basic knowledge of fibers, fabrics and dyes. In an industry that is dominated by business models that proclaim “I can do it cheaper than you,” we fail to realize that we are stating to the consumer that there is little or no difference in service and quality.

Look around and you will see a difference in the marketplace. The “me too” cleaners that never bothered to set themselves apart are quietly fading away.

With the perception of a flat economy, the consumer is becoming more demanding about the quality of products and services. Start setting yourself apart from the competitors left in your area. This is the way to “steal” 5-10% from each competitor by acquiring the knowledge and techniques to remove the stains those competitors won’t or can’t get out of the customers’ garments.

CHICAGO — The New Year is a perfect time to modify practices that no longer contribute to the bottom line. And today, getting stains out is no longer something you can leave to the “old pro” up the street. You can’t afford to return or turn away a single garment due to a lack of knowledge or a lack of the proper chemical tools.

Once the holidays are over, there will be plenty of chances to set yourself apart from the competition through quality stain removal. And common holiday stains will help you exceed customer expectations.

MILAN — Kansas City-based GreenEarth Cleaning announced it has signed a new master licensor for Italy at the opening of Expo Detergo on Friday. Bologna-based equipment manufacturer FMB Group will have exclusive rights to license and distribute the silicone-based solvent throughout Italy.

CHICAGO — Whatever financial recovery may be underway probably has not reached your front door yet. What’s the best use of your downtime? To enhance your stain-removal capabilities. Knowledge is power in the marketplace—and the greater your power in the marketplace, the greater your potential profit.

Too many drycleaners in the industry have never taken the time or made the effort to acquire a working knowledge of fibers, fabrics, dyes and trims. This means that they’re ill-equipped to deal with many of the garments coming across their counters.

Q: Khaki pants seem to be a good candidate for wetcleaning, but I often have trouble removing grease and oils without drycleaning them. What’s the best, most efficient way to get them clean?

A: It isn't necessary to dryclean khaki slacks before wetcleaning them. Almost every manufacturer of wetcleaning and laundry detergents has a degreasing agent that can be added to a wetcleaning or laundry formula. Have your representative set up a “khaki program” that includes this type of degreasing agent.

SAN FRANCISCO — America’s Best Cleaners (ABC) has partnered with the European Research Association for Innovative Textile Care (EFIT) of Stuttgart, Germany, which certifies European drycleaners under its FashionCare label. Both ABC and EFIT are affiliated with the Hohenstein Institutes of Germany.

WORCESTER, Mass. — Massachusetts State Representative Vincent Pedone has proposed a bill that would stop drycleaners from charging more to clean women’s clothing than men’s, claiming the higher bill for women is discriminatory.

A woman in his district first brought the difference in price to his attention, complaining that her drycleaner had charged her $4.75 to clean a shirt when the same shirt for a man costs $1.75.

“I always thought it wasn’t fair,” says Pedone.

OTTAWA, Ont. — Environment Canada announced this month that it has recommended a new regulation limiting D4 and D5 silicones in waste streams to prevent their buildup in the environment. D5 is an ingredient in many personal-care products in Canada and the United States, as well as the main ingredient in GreenEarth solvent.