In the following section, we will be dealing with the maintenance
of garments in terms of keeping them stain-free. Rather than paying
to the dry-cleaner, a little effort at our end would save us from
those eyesores, stains.
Removal of stains from fabric depends on the basic principle of
not allowing the spot or stain to become set. Knowledge of the nature
of stain makes possible the immediate use of the appropriate method
and removing agent.
The vital thing to remember is not to use hot water on an unknown
stain. The heat may help in setting of the stain, making it difficult
to remove it. If the stain is known to be of non-greasy nature, immediate
sponging with cold water may be all that is necessary. On the other
hand, a greasy stain requires the use of perchlorethylene or some
other dry-cleaning agent such as gasoline, turpentine or denatured
alcohol.
METHODS OF STAIN REMOVAL
Few techniques for applying stain removers.
Dip Method – In this process, the entire
fabric is immersed in the stain remover. It is the most convenient
method in case of
a large spot or number of spots on all cotton or all linen fabric.
Steam Method – In this process, stains
on wool, silk or any coloured fabric may be removed by steaming.
The stained area is saturated
with steam by spreading the cloth over a bowl partly filled with
hot water into which a small amount of the appropriate removal
agent has been placed.
Drop Method – Small
drops of a removing agent can be applied by means of a medicine
dropper or glass rod.
Sponge Method – Sponging is the most frequently used method
for stain removal. An absorbent cloth or a blotter should be placed
underneath the stain to absorb the removal agent.
Removal
of Stains from Fabrics Made of Natural Fibres |
Kind of Stain |
Type of Fabric |
Procedure for Removal |
Acid |
All |
Neutralize with ammonia
|
Adhesive Tape |
All |
Harden with ice cubes; rub off with fingers, then use perchlorethylene
or other solvents. |
Blood |
Cotton,
Linen, Silk & Wool |
Soak
in cold water and then in diluted ammonia; wash & sponge
with cold water. |
Chewing Gum |
All |
Apply ice; soak in cold water; sponge with perchlorethylene or other solvents.
|
Ink |
Cotton,
Linen, Silk & Wool |
In case of a fresh stain simply use detergent and water; however, in case of
a dry stain sponge it with bleach then with oxalic acid and then wash it
|
Ink (ball-point) |
All |
Let the stain remain in detergent suds for 10 to 15 mins and then rinse it.
In case the stain remains, use either petroleum jelly or sodium hydrosulfite
and then sponge it with perchlorethylene or other solvents. Certain inks
dissolve in glycerine followed by shampoo.
|
Iron rust |
Cotton & Linen |
Sponge with oxalic acid, rinse well; spread with salt, moisten with lemon juice
and place under sun.
|
Mildew |
Cotton & Linen |
Sponge with hypochlorite bleach.
|
Perspiration |
All |
Sponge with peroxide and ammonia.
|
Rubber |
All |
Sponge with Perchlorethylene or other solvents.
|
Tea |
Cotton & Linen |
Soak in borax solution, rinse; or keep stain moist with lemon juice, then expose
to sun for a day or two.
|
Technical Sales Team
|
