Content about Stain removal

The National Cleaners Association (NCA) will present its Intermediate Stain Removal and Bleaching Course on June 16 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 (NCA) will present its Advanced Stain Removal and Intensive Bleaching Course on Aug. 25 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 Sept. 8 in Nanuet, N.Y.

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. 

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. — A new year brings new opportunities for those prepared to take advantage. You’re no doubt heard the saying, “Foolishness is continuing to do what you have always done and expecting different results.” Make the adjustments in your business model now to capture and keep the customers that will be on the move in the coming year.

The best time to plant an apple tree is 20 years ago, to have apples today. The second best time to plant an apple tree is today, to have apples in the future. If you never get around to planting the apple tree, you will never have apples.

Drycleaning volume may not return to the levels of 10 years ago in the foreseeable future; cleaners are being forced to make do with the lower garment count. The industry is saturated with processing plants that are based on speed and/or price. The niche in the marketplace is reliable stain removal by a knowledgeable operator.

Stain removal is quickly becoming a valuable commodity. Not only does it contribute to the bottom line, it leads to increased customer loyalty.

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 — Every season brings a unique set of stains to the garment-care professional. Spring typically finds customers venturing outside again to do yardwork, household repairs, and shop for summer wardrobes. When customers try to make themselves, their yards and their homes look better, stains often result.

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.

The Clothing Care Council (CCC) offers every drycleaner an opportunity to distinguish himself or herself with the voluntary Award of Excellence (AOE) certification program. This month, I’ll cover the second half of AOE’s stain-removal test, which features egg, red wine and spaghetti-sauce stains on swatches of plain white silk.

EGG

The white-linen designer dress was a gift from her grandfather after she became junior-class president. It has great sentimental value. It’s the dress she’s wearing when she’s in a car accident and breaks her nose. She’s fine, but she lost a lot of blood — onto the dress. The family wants you to restore it. Can you meet or exceed their expectations?