Mixing and Finding Other Uses for Common Chemicals

Many chemicals designed for spotting and cleaning are varied. They often can be used in different ways in giving drycleaners an expanded scope of removing stains. Some of the special mixtures were introduced by the chemical manufacturers and others foun;d out by other drycleaners and myself.

TANNIN FORMULAS

These are commonly used acid based agents that are effective for removing stains such as coffee, tea, etc.

(1) They can be combined with acid based oily type paint remover to help remove difficult ink stains.

PROTEIN FORMULAS

These are slightly alkaline based agents that remove protein based stains such as blood, milk, eggs, etc.

(1) They are the best agents to neutralize rust remover (hydrofluoric acid). Rust remover does not rinse out of a fabric and stronger alkalis may cause a color change on fabric.

COLOR SAFE RUST REMOVER

Manufacturers use oxalic acid in a formulation to remove rust stains as a safer way than using hydrofluoric acid.

Uses-This acid is also effective in removing set tannin stains. The following steps can be used.

1. Test color
2. Apply and heat oxalic.
3. Flush

HYDROGEN PEROXIDE

This is a common agent for removing set tannin, protein and dye stains.

Uses-It can be combined with acetic acid to create peracetic acid. This formulation can be effective for removing mold on some fabrics.

ACETIC ACID

This is a mild acid purchased at 28% which should be diluted to 14%.

USES

It can be used to restore delustered areas on acetate, satin and taffeta. Apply to area. Let dry and then dryclean.

ACID BASED OILY TYPE INK REMOVER (ENVIROMENTALLY FRIENDLY)

These ink removers can be flushed wet or dry.

USES

1. They are effective in removing plastic based stains such as many paint and glues. They can be used alone or with amyl acetate.
2. They are effective in removing some ground in soil when mixed with wet lubricants.

LEVELING AGENTS

Leveling agents are used to remove wetside rings before a garment is drycleaned. When allowed to dry on the fabric sometimes the levelling agent is hard to rinse out when drycleaning using hydrocarbon or green earth. To prevent this from happening mix one part of an acid based oily type paint remover with the leveling agent. It should be mixed 2 parts levelling agent and one part ink remover.

NEUTRAL LUBRICANT

This is a common lubricant for removing all wetside stains. When used in its concentrated form it sometimes is difficult to rinse and more apt to leave rings. To avoid this it should be mixed with about 50% water. The amount of water is based on the spotters determination.