Stain Removal 101, Part 5: Unknown Stains

An experienced stain removal technician may be able to correctly identify several stains. Even when exact identification is not possible, he or she can often categorize the stains into broad groups such as tannins or proteins. However, there are times when the technician has absolutely no idea what the stain is. For these stains, it is best to use the “unknown” stain removal procedure. It provides a systematic method of removal without the risk of “setting” the stain.

Identification

Unknown stains can be any shape or color.

Dry-side Agents

  • Volatile dry solvent (VDS)
  • Amyl Acetate

Wet-side Agents

  • Neutral synthetic detergent (NSD)
  • 28% acetic acid or tannin formula
  • Rust Remover
  • General formula
  • Ammonia
  • Oxidizing bleach
  • Reducing bleach
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Questionable stains can be treated safely using the unknown stain removal procedure.

Procedure

  1. Place a towel under the stained area.
  2. Apply VDS.
  3. Remove the towel, move the stained area to the solid surface, and tamp lightly with a stain removal brush.
  4. Place a towel under the stained area and flush the area thoroughly with VDS to see if the stain has been removed.
  5. If the stain remains, apply amyl acetate.
  6. Remove the towel, move the stained area to the solid surface, and tamp lightly with a stain removal brush.
  7. Place a towel under the stained area and flush the area thoroughly with VDS to see if the stain has been removed.
  8. If the stain has not improved using dry-side agents, place a new towel under the stained area and flush with steam or water.
  9. Apply NSD to the stained area.
  10. 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.
  11. Place a towel under the stained area and flush the area thoroughly with steam or water.
  12. Apply acetic acid to the stained area.
  13. Tamp lightly with a stain removal brush.
  14. Place a towel under the stained area and flush the area thoroughly with steam or water.
  15. If the stain remains, remove the towel and reapply NSD. Apply general formula. Tamp lightly with a stain removal brush.
  16. Place a towel under the stained area and flush the area thoroughly with steam or water.
  17. If the stain remains, remove the towel and reapply NSD.
  18. 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 under the stained area, flush with steam.
  19. If the stain has not been removed, apply protein formula or ammonia.
  20. Remove the towel, move the stained area to the solid surface, and tamp lightly with a stain removal brush.
  21. Place a towel under the stained area and flush the area thoroughly with steam or water to see if the stain has been removed.
  22. If the stain remains, use an oxidizing bleach such as hydrogen peroxide. If oxidizing bleaches have no effect, try a reducing bleach. Before using any bleach, test the fabric for colorfastness.