Chemical Actions

If you understand true chemical action the procedures you undertake for stain removal will be easier and more proficient. Chemical Action is the changing of the properties of the stain to make it either invisible or water-soluble. Before we start understanding chemical action why don’t we take a little quiz to test our knowledge of chemicals.

(1) If I put sugar in water, is that a chemical action?
Ans.- No- you are only changing the physical state of the sugar, but chemically it still remains the same sugar. This is an example of wetside solvent action.

(2) Is the strongest acid battery acid or the acid found in the human digestive system?
Ans.- the digestive system contains a stronger acid, which is hydrochloric acid while battery acid, which is sulfuric is slightly weaker.

(3) Which is stronger – acids used in tannin formulas for removal of citrus stains or acids found in citrus stains?
Ans. – About the same.

(4) Which is more likely to cause color loss on a rayon and acetate fabric, either acetic acid (33%) or hydrofluoric (rust remover)?
Ans. –Acetic acid

Let’s Start

In order to be a chemical, it must be soluble in water and acid or an alkali. This means that drycleaning solvents amyl acetate and volatile dry solvents which are not soluble in water and therefore cannot be termed chemicals. You may argue this but we need this definition to explain how chemicals work in spotting.

Acid Facts

Acids are defined as chemicals that release hydrogen ions in the presence of water. The PH or potential of hydrogen measures the strengths of the acids. Any number under seven means that the substance is acid in nature. Acids are used for tannin stains, inks, dyes and medicines. Acids neutralize alkali. Alkali is capable of causing color change on fabrics. Acids neutralize the alkali which in most cases can restore the color. Heat accelerates all chemicals which means a relatively safe acid can become much stronger and dangerous when heated.

Acids Used for Spotting

▲ Tannin formulas – are prepared formulas consisting of a mild acid mixed with a wetside lubricant. Tannin formulas are usually safe to fabrics and are not as strong as most acids used in its pure chemical state.

▲ Acetic Acid – has a strong relationship to vinegar. Vinegar is produced through the action of bacteria on yeast fermented brews. Vinegar can be made of any plant that can be fermented to form alcohol which is subsequently converted to acetic acid. Acetic acid is more effective than tannin formulas on some tannin stains such as wine and liquor. Some people do not like using acetic acid because of its odor. Add a little neutral lubricant to the acetic acid and the odor problem is solved. When using acetic acid remember to order it at 28%. It is also advisable to dilute this down with a little water to bring the concentration to about 20%. Acetic acid may be safe and used as a general spotting agent but when it is heated it may affect acetate fabrics. Besides using tannin formulas learn to add acetic acid as an additional spotting agent.

▲ Oxalic Acid – is a useful acid in removing many types of tannin stains, especially berry, cherry and wine. It is also effective on rust and metallic stains. It is also a mild reducing agent which makes it effective on dye stains. It is considered a more aggressive chemical and should be tested for the safety of dyes on fabrics. You can order oxalic acid from your jobber in crystal form and mix with 20 parts water. Laidlaw Chemical Co. sells oxalic acid as a rust remover. The product is called Rustaid and is already mixed so it makes it easier to use.

▲ General Formula – is a mixture of a lubricant, alcohol, and a mild acid. It is very effective on ink stains and dye but not generally very effective on other tannin stains. Be careful using it because the alcohol content may be dangerous to the dye on some fabrics. General Formula should not be used if the stain is protein or albuminous in nature. The alcohol will set these type of stains.

▲ Rust Remover – is Hydrofluoric Acid. This is effective not only on rust stains but on many types of tannin stains. Rinsing is difficult and I have found that the best way to flush and neutralize rust remover is to use a neutral lubricant or a protein formula. This will not only aid in removing it from the fabric but it will neutralize any trace of the rust remover. Keep rust remover away from metallic fabrics, metallic ornaments and glass. It is also advisable to test the safety of this acid before using on the fabric.

Alkali Facts

Alkalis release hydroxyl in the presence of water. Alkalis are effective on protein and albuminous stains. It is also is an aid in removing ground in soil. It will neutralize color change caused by an acid. The PH of alkalis are measured in numbers higher than seven.

Alkalis Used for Spotting

Ready made protein formulas are mixed with a mild alkali and a lubricant. It is relatively safe and effective, but should be tested on wools and silks.

▲ Ammonia (26) – is used for spotting protein and albuminous stains. It is stronger and more aggressive than ready made protein formulas. The dyes on silks and wools must be carefully tested.

Spotting Procedures – Tannin stains
Tannin stains are vegetable or are obtained from plant source. Examples of tannin stains are coffee, tea, liquor, wine and soft drinks. Tannin stains respond best to acids. Never use alkalis or protein formula on tannin stains because the stain will become set and often impossible to remove.
(1) Flush
(2) Neutral Lubricant
(3) Mechanical Action
(4) Flush
(5) Tannin Formula
(6) Mechanical Action
(7) Flush
(8) Acetic Acid + Neutral Lubricant
(9) Mechanical Action
(10) Flush
(11) Oxalic Acid – Test Fabric
(12) Heat
(13) Flush
(14) General Formula – Test Fabric
(15) Mechanical Action
(16) Flush
(17) Rust Remover – Test Fabric
(18) Heat
(19) Flush
(20) Protein Formula – To neutralize rust remover
(21) Flush
(22) Peroxide (3%) Plus Ammonia – Test Fabric
(23) Heat
(24) Flush
(25) Acid
(26) Flush
(27) Feather
At any stage that the stain is removed you would than stop the procedure.

Protein Procedure:
(1) Flush
(2) Neutral Lubricant
(3) Mechanical Action
(4) Flush
(5) Protein Formula
(6) Mechanical Action
(7) Flush
(8) Ammonia plus neutral lubricant
(9) Mechanical Action
(10) Flush
(11) Digest – If stain is stiff
(12) Flush
(13) Peroxide (3%) + Ammonia – Test Fabric
(14) Heat
(15) Flush
(16) Acid
(17) Flush
(18) Feather