Content about Stain

CONCORD, N.C. — I am hoping we have turned the corner on the “casual workplace” trend and will begin to see an increase in the neckties to be cleaned. Much like the rebirth of natural fibers 25 years ago, many cleaners have little experience in the proper cleaning and finishing of a necktie.

Men have an emotional attachment to their ties. Favorite ties are worn until the edges and knot areas are threadbare. I am guilty of having more than 50 ties, but I wear one from the same eight or 10 on most occasions. My red tie with diamond shapes of royal blue and silver has been retired but still brings back memories of my first consulting job.

Cleaning a necktie is as much art as it is skill. It involves knowing more about what not to do than about aggressive techniques. Ties are not cheap. Polyester ties often sell at between $20 and $50; a good silk tie may sell for around $140. At the point where emotion and investment meet, the cleaner can easily find a profitable item.

The National Cleaners Association (NCA) will present its Intermediate Stain Removal and Bleaching Course on March 24 at a location to be announced.

For more information, call 212-967-3002 or e-mail ncaiclean@aol.com.

The National Cleaners Association (NCA) will present its Intermediate Stain Removal and Bleaching Course on Oct. 27 at a location to be announced.

For more information, call 212-967-3002 or e-mail ncaiclean@aol.com.

CONCORD, N.C. — In order to honor reader requests and continue a tradition, this month’s column addresses some of the more common “land mines” awaiting the professional cleaner during the holiday period.

Party clothes can be a great source of income if you have earned the respect of potential customers and have built a reputation for reliable stain removal.

OIL AND BUTTER

When tablecloths and napkins containing oil and butter are put away, those substances will oxidize. This type of stain is relatively easy to remove when treated early, but the stain will turn deep yellow to brown over time.

Treat oxidized oil with paint-oil-grease remover (POG) on the dry side. Allow the garment to sit for at least an hour before dry cleaning as normal. If this procedure fails to completely remove the stain, repeat it. If the stain still remains, your last option is using KOH solution, made by mixing one-quarter tablespoon of potassium hydroxide into a quart of butyl alcohol. Apply the KOH solution on the dry side and allow the garment to sit for an hour. Tamp and re-clean the area to remove the remaining stain.

The National Cleaners Association will present its Advanced Stain Removal and Intensive Bleaching Course on April 21 in Bronx, N.Y.

For more information, call 212-967-3002 or e-mail ncaiclean@aol.com. 

The National Cleaners Association will present its Avoiding Claims Course: What You Need to Know About Fabrics & Stain Removal on Jan. 27 in Nanuet, N.Y.

For more information, call 212-967-3002 or e-mail ncaiclean@aol.com.

The National Cleaners Association will present its Extreme Stain Removal Course on July 14 in Miami, Fla.

For more information, call 212-967-3002 or e-mail ncaiclean@aol.com.

The National Cleaners Association (NCA) will present its Intermediate Stain Removal and Bleaching Course on July 28 in Bronx, N.Y.

For more information, call 212-967-3002 or e-mail ncaiclean@aol.com. 

The National Cleaners Association (NCA) will present its Radical Drycleaning/Stain Removal Course on Aug. 5 through Aug.  9 in Northvale, N.J.

For more information, call 212-967-3002 or e-mail ncaiclean@aol.com.

CONCORD, N.C. — I have found that it is worthwhile to review the spotting basics from time to time. Without a reliable foundation, everything else contains unnecessary risk of failure or damage. But when information is applied through thought and effort, success is easily achieved.

CATEGORIES OF STAINS

Stains can be divided into four general categories: solvent-soluble, chemically soluble, water-soluble, and insoluble.

Solvent-soluble stains are those that will be totally removed by the solution used in the dry cleaning machine. As the number of choices for a cleaning solution has increased, the definition of a solvent-soluble stain has become a product of experience. With variations in chemical content comes a trade-off in the machine between being garment-friendly and being stain-aggressive. Typically, solvent-soluble stains come from light oils and greases that are uncontaminated with carbon or graphite.

CONCORD, N.C. — I am sure you have seen this stain. By its location and texture, you are certain that the stain is blood. But the color is all wrong. Instead of being a shade of bright red, this stain is dark “brick” reddish-brown and could even be called black.

Old blood is an extremely tough stain to remove. The procedure can be made easier with a digester. This month, I will present a straightforward approach to using an enzyme digester to your advantage, both in a soaking bath and at the spotting board.

Digesting is often ignored as being slow and time-consuming. Digesting is often overlooked, due to the highly effective pre-mixed protein stain removers available from the various chemical providers. Sadly, by not considering a digester in the removal of protein stains, the task is at times made less effective, more difficult, and riskier.

Digesters are available in both powder and liquid forms. The powder variety is most often used in a soaking bath while the liquid variety is most often found at the spotting board. The one additional item the stain-removal specialist must have is patience.

CONCORD, N.C. — There are times when all stains begin to look alike; they seem to be a shade of tan or yellow. The problem is, not all yellow stains are the same.

They do not have the same origin; they do not have the same composition. This yellow/tan can range from caramelized sugar, to a beverage stain, to a stubborn oxidized oil stain.

The earlier the stain is identified, the easier it will be to remove the stain. This points to the need for your customer service representative to form the habit of asking each customer, “Are you aware of any spots or stains on any of your garments?” Information gathered should be passed on to the spotter to assist in establishing the proper course of action to effectively remove the stain.

Stain content will determine the chemical tools necessary and the protocol to follow in stain removal. Fiber content and garment construction, as well as the age of the stain, can adversely affect the stain-removal process. Any attempt by the customer to remove the stain will make professional stain removal more difficult or even impossible.