Combination stains get their name from containing a solvent-soluble component as well as a water-soluble one. These stains include ballpoint pen ink, crayon, lipstick, mascara, and nearly all other cosmetics that contain a solvent-soluble oil, wax, or resin along with a water-soluble pigment or dye. Use both dry-side and wet-side agents to remove these stains. Always use the dry-side first.
Identification
Ink stains tend to be black or blue, but colors may vary. They are absorbed into the fabric and are more prominent on the surface.
Because of the wax used, cosmetics and crayon stains usually appear as a smear on the surface without much penetration.
Removal of Combination Stains
Use the following procedure to remove stains like:
Dry-side Agents
• Volatile dry solvent (VDS)
• Oily type paint remover (OTPR)
Procedure
- Place a towel under the stained area.
- Apply VDS.
- Apply a small amount of OTPR.
- With a towel, gently blot the stained area. Repeat this operation, reapplying VDS and OTPR. Continue blotting until even the slightest trace of bleeding has stopped. Frequently shift the towel underneath to a clean area and use a clean area of the blotting towel.
- If the stain starts to spread, flush with VDS.
- Reapply OTPR and continue blotting the stain. The stain must be worked on the dry side as long as there is the slightest trace of bleeding.
- The remaining traces of the stain may be worked on the wet side. With a new towel under the stained area, flush with steam or water.
- Apply NSD.
- Remove the towel. Move the stained area to the solid surface of the board, and lightly tamp with a stain removal brush to break up the stain.
- Place a towel under the stained area and flush the area thoroughly with steam or water to see if the stain has been removed.
- If the stain remains, apply protein formula or ammonia.
- Remove the towel, move the stained area to the solid surface, and tamp lightly with a stain removal brush.
- Place a towel under the stained area and flush the area thoroughly with steam or water.
- Apply acetic acid to the stained area.
- Tamp lightly with a stain removal brush.
- Place a towel under the stained area and flush the area thoroughly with steam or water.
- If the stain remains, remove the towel and reapply NSD.
- Apply general formula.
- Tamp lightly with a stain removal brush.
- Place a towel under the stained area and flush the area thoroughly with steam or water.
- If the stain remains, remove the towel and reapply NSD.
- Apply several drops of rust remover. (Protect the stain removal board by keeping a towel between the board and the fabric.) Allow the rust remover to remain 5–8 seconds.
- With the towel underneath the stained area, flush with steam.
- If the stain remains, use a reducing bleach such as sodium bisulfite, sodium hydrosulfite, or titanium. Before using any bleach, test the fabric for colorfastness.
- When the stained area is clear, place a towel under the area, flush thoroughly, remove the towel, and dry the wet area completely.
This article is from DLI TOI 705.