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Stain
Spot.
Spotting
What is stain????
A stain is an unwanted coloration or deposition on the fabric. It is a result of physical reaction between the staining agent and the fibers of the fabric. Stains reduce the quality and value of the textile.
Spotting.
Spotting is a specialized art in which a spot or stain is identified and removed using proper chemical agent without damaging or affecting garment.
It is localised washing of garment.
History.
The textile cleaning industry is slightly more than 100 years old. Most of the changes have come from the last 30 years for various reasons. In 1970s perchloroethylene (perc) was the solvent of choice for textile cleaning. In the early 1990's a new term was introduced to the cleaning of textiles; "Wet cleaning. This consisted of water as the solvent and especially formulated detergents, conditioners and finishes. This allowed wool, silk and many other fibers to be washed in water without shrinkage, harshness nor losing their shape.
Identification of Stain.
These are steps in identification of stain 1. The first step in identification is to ask the customer what the stain is.
2. The second step comes from sight. A splash or irregular pattern likely came from something spilt. A pattern such as circular or rectangular probably came from something laid on the surface A shiny stain is likely from hardened oil, paint, varnish or nail polish A dull appearance that lightens when scratched is likely from food A spot that is lighter than its surroundings was likely caused by a bleaching agent or from color loss.
3. The third step comes from touch. Categories for touch are as follows - crusty, hard, soft, tacky, oily, wet and waxy. 4. The fourth step comes from smell. This may be the best instrument for identification, but it is subjective too. Also, caution should be given concerning inhaling toxins from chemical and bacteria. 5. pH is important when a spot does not respond to solvents. pH reading from an electric instrument will likely be less than from taken from paper or strips. This is so because moisture on paper or strips will ultimately measure the dry pH while pH pens measure diluted pH at the time of reading.
Identification of Spot.
LocationAs spot of sewing machine oil are generally found along the stitch lines. Similarly Food spots are usually found on the front of the garment and on the underside of cuffs and sleeves. Perspiration stains are found under arms, across the back and shoulders, knees, and the seat of trousers. Leg makeup, mud, and shoe polish are found on the lower part of the skirt and coats or legs and cuffs of trousers.
Classification of stain...
Organic
Inorganic
Common examples :
Automotive oil Hair oil Bacon fat Hand lotion Butter/margarine Lard
Car door grease Mayonnaise Collar/cuff greasy rings Salad dressing Cooking fats and oils Suntan oil or lotion Face creams etc.
Water-Soluble Stains: These stains are typically sugars, salts, food, beverages and perspiration. These stains normally require pre- or post-spotting. The removal of these stains is augmented with the use of detergents and/or hydrated solvent. Do not use soap (bar, flake). Use detergents.
Common Examples:
Alcoholic beverages Beer Coffee Cologne Felt-tip water color pen or washable ink
Fruit juice (apple, grape, and orange) Soft drinks Tea Tomato juice Berries (cranberries, raspberries, strawberries) etc.
Insoluble Stains: These stains are particle stains such as carbon, dust and sand. While cleaning, it is important to have a high flow rate of solvent and ability to suspend or deposit these particles away from the garments. These are commonly Protein stains Common examples: Soak in cold water. Launder. Cream
Baby food Milk Baby formula Mucous Blood Cheese sauce Mud Pudding Egg Urine Feces Vomit Gelatin White glue; school paste Ice cream etc.
Soluble Stains in Chemical Agents: These stains are made up of products like nail polish, lipstick, rust, paints, glues and albumin. It is necessary to use chemical agents to solubilise these stains. After working on the spotting board, it is important to flush the stain and chemical on the board prior to introducing the garment into the cleaning wheel. This insures the cleaning machine continues to operate with the most environmentally safe system. Need detergent wash and bleach as safe, for fabric. Common examples: India ink Cherry, blueberry Kool-Aid Color bleeding in wash (dye transfer) Mercurochrome Felt-tip pen (permanent ink-may not Mustard come out) Grass etc. Tempera paint
Example.
An ink spot may be tested as follows: Add a drop of water to the ink spot. If the ink bleeds easily, it is considered to be water soluble. Add a drop of ammonia to the spot. More color should bleed from the spot. Add a drop of acetic acid to the spot. If no more color bleeds, then remove the ink spot by a water and ammonia process of bleeding and flushing until spot is completely removed. If water does not bleed the ink spot, add dry solvent. If the ink bleeds, then the ink spot is ballpoint, marking, Mimeograph, or printing ink, which must be removed on the dry side. Continue bleeding and flushing until spot is removed.
Emulsificati on
Chemical action
Mechanical action
Solution.
A solution is a mixture of two substances, the solvent and the solute. A solution occurs when the solute is dissolved in the solvent. The most common way to remove soils and spots from fabrics are to dissolve them in solvents. In washing water is the chief solvent, while in dry cleaning, perchloroethylene is the chief solvent.
Most substances will dissolve in either solvent mentioned above; however, many will not. These substances can be removed using appropriate chemicals. The chemicals used in spot removal will mix with the substance to loosen it so it may be rinsed away.
Emulsification.
Any substances that help the solvent in removing stains as such as soap or detergent are called emulsifiers. In dry cleaning, emulsifiers are already part of the drycleaning solvent; however, in regular washing, emulsifiers should be added to the solvent (water) to assist it in efficient stain removal.
Chemical Action.
In chemical action, two or more substances combine to produce one or more totally new substances. These new substances are normally very soluble and can be rinsed away easily. A good example of this is when you use an acid to remove an alkaline spot or use an alkali, like ammonia or sodium bicarbonate, to remove an acid spot. When you do this the two substances react chemically to forma soluble salt that can be rinsed out of the fabric easily. Chemicals must always be used very carefully because of the danger that they will affect the dye or damage the fibres
Mechanical Action.
Mechanical action is the simplest method of spot removal and an aid to all other methods. Mechanical action in spotting is done by using a brush, spatula, sponge, or spray gun to work a cleansing agent into the fabric. The important thing to remember about all mechanical action is that it tends to wear or damage the fabric.
Flammability index.
Two main groups of spotting solvents are used halogenated hydrocarbons and olefins. Halogenated hydrocarbons include trichloroethylene,* 1,1,1 trichloroethane, bromochloromethane and dichloromethane. Olefins include aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent blends and isoparafinic hydrocarbon blends. 1,1,1 trichloroethane is to be phased out due its harmful effect on the ozone layer.
Brushing
Flushing Freezing Presoaking Pre-treating
Scraping,
Sponging Tamping
Hydrophobic (fats, oils, waxes) Follow these procedures for non-washable fabrics, testing all removers first on an inconspicuous area of the article. For washable fabrics, the same methods may be used for localized stain removal before laundering.
Sponge with dry-cleaning solvent Lubricate with mineral oil, lard or dry spotter. With absorbent pad apply dry spotter or paint, oil and grease remover. Keep stain moist with spotter and blot occasionally with absorbent material. If fabric is strong enough tamp with brush or spoon. Flush with dry-cleaning solvent. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until no more stain is removed. Allow to dry. With medicine dropper apply several drops of detergent solution and a few drops of ammonia. Work into stain. Continue as long as stain is being removed. Flush with water. Bleach to remove final traces of stain. Apply bleach solution with medicine dropper. Do not use chlorine solution on wool, silk, or spandex. Do not allow bleach to remain more than two minutes. Flush with water after each bleach application. Apply vinegar solution to remove excess chlorine, then flush with water.
Deodorants:
Apply liquid detergent, wash in warm water. Build-up of aluminum or zinc salts may be impossible to remove Do not use nail polish remover (or acetone) on acetate, triacetate, or modacrylic fabrics as they will dissolve. Take these fabrics to professional drycleaners and identify the stain. For other fabrics, use nail polish remover, acetone and spot treatment method. load with heavy-duty detergent. Do not mix ammonia and bleach in same wash load. Toxic fumes are produced. Ammonia can be used on colored fabrics, but occasionally its use will change the garment's color.
Fingernail polish:
Hog confinement odor: Wash clothes adding 1/4 to 1/2 cup household ammonia to wash
Iodine: Iodine is quickly removed with sodium thiosulfate, which is sold in photo supply stores as
"acid fixer." If the photo supply fixer solution contains other chemicals in addition to sodium thiosulfate, it should not be used. Iodine may also be removed by some commercial stain removers.
Lead pencil:
Use art gum eraser to lift off excess; avoid hard rubbing. For delicate fabrics use spot treatment methods. For most durable, washable fabrics, spray with pretreatment aerosol product. Rub in heavy-duty liquid detergent. Rinse in warm water.
Mildew: Mildew is a growing organism that must have warmth, darkness, and
moisture to survive. Mildew eats cellulosic fibers, causing permanent damage and weakening of fibers and fabrics. To remove mildew: Shake or brush item outdoors. Pretreat darkest stains with heavy-duty liquid detergent. Launder in hot water with a heavy-duty detergent. Bleach as safe for fabric.
Odor: Most odors are removed by laundering. For persistent odor problems, place
calcium carbonate crystals, activated charcoal, or soda in an open container and store with clothes in closet or sprinkle soda directly on fabric and let stand; then shake or vacuum.
Paint-latex: Treat while wet. Soak in cold water; wash in cool water with heavy-duty
detergent. After paint has dried 6 to 8 hours, removal is very difficult. Treat as combination stain. Wash in hot water, Rinse. Repeat treatment.
Paint-oil-based: Treat while wet. Use thinner recommended for paint. Use spot
treatment technique and thinner on spots until paint is softened and can be flushed away in heavy-duty detergent wash. Usually turpentine or alcohol will work as solvents.
Perspiration: Apply liquid detergent or soak in warm water with presoak product 15
to 30 minutes. Launder etc.
Detergents Heavy-duty liquid detergents (Era, Fab, Grease Relief, Tide, Wisk) Light-duty liquid detergents (Delicare, Ivory, Lux,Woolite) Powdered detergents (Amway, Cheer, Dash, Oxydol, Sears, Tide)
Acids and Alkalis Ammonia solultion Vinegar solution
Bleaches
Hydrogen peroxide Powdered all-fabricc bleaches (sodium perborate)(Biz, Borateem, Clorox 2; Purex, Snowy) Liquid all-fabric bleaches (Snowy, Vivid) Liquid chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite)(Clorox, Hi-lex,Purex) Liquid chlorine bleaches have a limited shelf-life. If your bleach is more than six months old and has no effect on stains, it may need to be replaced with fresh bleach. To test for colorfastness to liquid chlorine bleaches, mix I tablespoon of bleach with 1/4 cup of water. Use an eyedropper to put a drop of this solution on a hidden seam or pocket edge inside the garment. Let it stand two minutes, then blot dry. If there is no color change it is safe to use the product. Powdered bleach packages have directions for doing colorfastness tests.
Pretreatment Products
Aerosol sprays-petroleum-based solvent (Clorox, Shout, Spray'n Wash) Pump-type sprays-- detergent based (Clorox, Shout, Spray'n Wash)
Absorbent Materials
Clean white cloths Paper towels (white) Sponges (white or neutral colored) Caution: Colored sponges or paper towels can bleed dyes onto fabrics, making dye stains that may be difficult to remove.
Odor-reducing Agents
Activated charcoal Calcium carbonate Soda
Miscellaneous Chemicals
Iodine Sodium thiosulfate
Spotting Station.
The spotting board has a flat working surface where most tamping and mechanical action occurs. The nose or front of the board has a Teflon cover and has the ability to vacuum when activated by a foot pedal. A flat surfaced sleeve board allows for work on cuffs and small areas of garments. It, too, has a nose that has a vacuum when activated. The board is equipped with three pedals that activate steam. Additionally, the board has a spotting gun that creates a vacuum and/or emits air. The preferred gun has a venture ability, coupled to a supply vessel allowing for the agent to be atomized with the air or steam flow.
At the rear of the spotting board is a storage area for spotting agents, brushes and bowls.
Characteristics of station.
Well ventilated Properly illuminated Well arranged equipment within reach of spotter
proper hygiene
Proper safely like fire extinguisher, gloves, apronsetc Proper storage of dangerous chemicals.
Spotting Equipments.
2. Spotting Brushes: a. Two colors of brushes are used: i. Black with agents on the dry side. ii. White with agents on the wet side. b. At least two brushes per color should be available with different bristle hardness. c. A padded spotting brush is useful. d. Brushes are used for tamping. The mechanical action aids in the removal of stains.
3. Spatula (Bone): a. Used to break up stains; allows agents to penetrate. b. Should not be used in a pointed fashion. c. Used only with minimal mechanical action. 4. Cheesecloth: a. Used for feathering. b. Used for testing for dye or colourfastness.
5. Scissors: Used to cut small samples of fabric for testing purposes. 6. Eye Dropper: Used to apply small amounts of agents.
7. Open Water Container (Bowl): a. Used for water source and spotting. b. Used for flushing wet side agents. 8. Spotting Board: a. The main piece of equipment that allows you to remove stains.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.
Always make sure the solvent you are treating the spot with will not affect the garment. This is done by doing a preliminary test in hidden portion of the garment. Stain removal should take place under the best possible light conditions and adequate ventilation.
Always examine the spot first and properly. Try, if possible, to determine what substance caused it.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.
CAUTION: Never use chlorine bleach or best possible light conditions and with adequate alkalis on any material containing silk, wool, or any other animal fibre.
If you are spotting rayon articles, never treat them with organic solvents unless resistance to the treatment is known by a preliminary test on an unexposed portion of the garment.
When using chemical agents always allow ample time for the agent to start to act on a spot before trying to remove it.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.
When you use the spatula to help the cleaning formula to penetrate the spot, be careful. Rub the spatula back and forth across the spot using short smooth strokes without applying too much pressure. This will prevent damage to the fabric. Always use the proper spotting brush. The spotting brush should be used in the same manner as the spatula to prevent damage to the fabric.
Avoid excessive friction when treating silk or rayon fabrics. Where some friction is necessary,it is recommended you use the wrong side of the garment.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.
Do not use the spatula on silk or synthetic fabrics. The pressure you can apply on it without causing damage to the fabric will be insufficient to do any good. When you remove spots and stains Allow sufficient time for the cleaning solution to penetrate, but remove it as soon as possible to prevent damage.
All chemical agents used in spotting must be rinsed from the fabric thoroughly before you dry or press the fabric.
Controlling Expose.
Tore and dispense safely Avoid spraying
Government Norms
RCRA: Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
TCE and PERC are listed hazardous wastes under RCRA. Both chemicals are listed in RCRA under F001 and F002. F001 specifies TCE and PERC used in degreasing. F002 specifies TCE and PERC when they are spent and all spent solvent mixtures/blends containing, This applies to sludge generated from spin-disk filters , still bottoms generated from distillation, separator water and the effluent from water based technologies
Environmental Issues.
solvent that can harm aquatic life should not be used for ex hydrogen peroxide as bleaching agent instead of chlorine. Highly inflammable chemical having ignition temp less than 30 degree cel. should not be used or carefully stored if required. Emission level should be less than OEL.
Latest developments.
OLEOPHOBOCOL CP : A highly efficient stain remover developed by Dupont and Hutsman Textile. It is highly efficient silicon and mineral oil free penetration that is good for dyeing natural and synthetic fibers. It also offers stain repellent finish for cotton fibers, synthetics fibers and their blends. Its dye bath agent called ALBAFLOW UNI-O1.
Conclusion.
Spotting is a very important finishes applied on garment because it is at the apex of all operation therefore the chances of getting stained of garment is quite common due to handling or mechanical mark and these mark needs to removed without harming garment. A spot can reduce the value of a finished garment to zero. Therefore its vital.
Bibliography.
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