Stains

Clothing stains are one of the main reasons people seek the help of their dry cleaner. With their special solvents, equipment, and training, dry cleaners can remove some of the most disastrous -looking stains with relative ease. Successful stain removal depends largely on the nature of the stain, the type of fabric, and the colorfastness of the dye. Ink stains and dried paint, for example, can be impossible to remove. Also, some fabrics and dyes are not made to withstand the use of cleaning or stain removal agents.

Many stains that are caused by food, oily substances, or beverages may become invisible when they dry. But later on, with exposure to heat or the passage of time, a yellow or brownish stain will appear. This is caused by the oxidation or caramelizing of the sugar in the staining substance. It is the same process that makes a peeled apple turn brown after exposure to air.

The cleaner often treats these stains prior to cleaning, since the heat of drying or finishing may set the stain.

When an oily substance is exposed to heat or ages in a garment for an extended time, it also oxidizes. This type of stain can be distinguished by the irregular “cross pattern” the oil makes when it follows the fabric fibers. Oily substances are successfully removed in dry cleaning unless they are left to oxidize. Once they become yellow or brown, they become much more difficult to remove.

Perspiration can also cause problem stains, particularly on silk and wool garments. Perspiration left in a silk garment can eventually cause deterioration of the silk fibers. This invisible stain became visible after aging or from the heat during the dry cleaning process.

Repeated exposure of a garment to perspiration and body oils can create a permanent yellow discoloration and an objectionable odor. In addition, perspiration can react with the dye or sizing in the fabric, making it even more difficult to remove the stain. People who perspire heavily should have their clothes cleaned more frequently and might consider using perspiration shields. Clothing frequently worn or heavily stained also requires frequent cleaning.

• Stains are oxidized and set in the fabric.

• The type of dye or delicacy of the fabric can limit the degree of removal.

• The dye in the fabric is soluble (prone to bleed); removing the stain would also remove the dye from the fabric.

• The more information consumers give the dry cleaner and the sooner a garment is brought in, the greater the chance of satisfactory stain removal.

• Never put a garment away with spills or stains on it. The warmth of a closet and exposure to natural or artificial light and to the atmosphere can contribute to setting a stain.

• Bring in a stained garment as soon as possible, preferably within a few days, to prevent the stain from setting.

• Do not iron stained or soiled clothes; this will set stains and drive the soil deeper into the fabric. Always have soiled clothes cleaned or washed before ironing.

• Do not attempt home spot removal with either water or a cleaning fluid without testing first for colorfastness. Wet an unexposed area, such as an inside seam, and blot with a paper towel to make sure the color is fast.

• Never rub a stain, especially when attempting to remove a stain from silk. Blot the stained area. This will help remove the staining substance without spreading the stain and will avoid damaging the fabric.

• Inform your dry cleaner of the location of specific stains and any procedures you have used to remove them, even if the stains are no longer visible.