Create Your Own Training Program

I must commend DLI for the fine job they have been during with their on line training. Drycleaners were able to improve their quality and were exposed to handling difficult items such as wedding gown. In these difficult times it becomes more important for drycleaners to improve their expertise and quality. In line with concept I have been designing training sessions on specific topics. The training is designed to last 45 minutes. The training session I did for Wedding Gown Preservation ran like this:

  1. We asked the people what they knew about the subject.
  2. Gave information on the subject
  3. Reviewed questions on the subject

SODIUM PERBORATE AND SODIUM PERCARBONATE FACTS

  1. These bleaches are oxidizing agents. They put oxygen in a fabric and stain changing them chemically.
  2. Oxidizng agents are more permanent than reducing agents.
  3. Sodium perborate is a solid form of hydrogen peroxide and sodium carbonate. It is alkaline in nature.
  4. Sodium percarbonate is a solid form of hydrogen peroxide and sodium metaborate.  Sodium percarbonate has an advantage of sodium perborate in the fact that it dissolves easier and works at lower water temperatures better.
  5. These bleaches release oxygen slowly and therefore have advantages over either bleaches.
  6. Many drycleaners fail to rinse and neutralize these bleaches. If not rinsed and neutralize they will continue to affect the fabric and cause yellowing.
  7. They are referred to as color safe bleaches. It is a misnomer. No bleach is completely color safe. They will readily bleed colors 
  8. They will whiten fabrics so both pieces of an outfit must be soaked together
  9. They will remove last traces of wetside stains, not dryside. This means it is more effective to remove a stain by other methods first and bleaches is the last step.
  10. They are also effective as spotting board bleach. It is applied to stain with a lubricant to hold it in place. Use a light feather of steam to heat it and then flush. Then apply an acid and flush again. Remember heat accelerates bleach. Every 18F doubles the chemical action. Remember to test fabrics and color.
  11. What to do if a color changes occurs after bleaching and it is not removed with an acid. Use a reducing bleach such as sodium bisulphite or sodium hydrosulphite.
  12. These bleaches will affect metallic fabrics and trimming.

HOW TO USE

  1. Put two ounces of bleach per gallon of water at 100℉. Add one ounce of neutral lubricant per gallon of water.
  2. PH paper can be used to determine the concentration of bleach is adequate.
  3. Soak a few hours or overnight.
  4. Rinse
  5. An acid bath is necessary. Use oxalic acid or acetic acid at the ratio of 2 ounces per gallon of water.
  6. Rinse again as a last step

REVIEW QUESTIONS ON SODIUM PERBORATE AND SODIUM PERCARBONATE

  1. Temperature of water when bleaching
  2. The chemical PH of bleach
  3. How long can garments be left in bleach bath
  4. what is mixed in with the bleach bath?
  5. What stains does it work on
  6. What is the measurement for bleaching
  7. Can you test if you have enough bleach in the bath
  8. Can I bleach out soil
  9. If I get a reaction on the metallic trimming, how do I correct it
  10. What accelerates these bleaches
  11. Steps to correct color change on a white gown
  12. How do I bleach a gown with a colored trim
  13. Can I mix it with water and spray it on a garment
  14. What is a sour
  15. Why is it important to rinse and sour
  16. What is a color-safe bleach
  17. Can I use home products containing these bleaches
  18. What makes colors run when I use these bleaches

Any person interested in this, I would happy to help you. I can either be part of the training or provide you with the information free of charge.

Dan Eisen

Dan Eisen

Dan Eisen, former chief garment analyst for the National Cleaners Association, offers lecture, consultation and garment analysis service. He is the author of The Art of Spotting. He can be reached at (772) 340-0909, by email at cleandan@comcast.net or through his website at www.garmentanalysis.com. Dan Eisen, 274 NW Toscane Trail, Port Saint Lucie, FL 34986.

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