In any discussion on stain removal it is most important that the terms used are clearly understood.
The term pre-spotting refers to the application of dryside / wetside kit chemicals which are used to treat specific stains prior to drycleaning. General pre-spotting is the use of soaps, soap / water mixtures to treat ingrained soiling and large stained areas. In both cases the chemicals are left on the fabric and are flushed out during drycleaning. In post spotting and pre-cleaning stain removal, the chemicals are completely flushed out on the spotting table and the fabric dried. In terms of pre-cleaning stain removal, complete drying is often vital to fabric safety.
Stain removal
There is always a risk involved in any stain treatment procedure and no cleaner should be in any doubt that the potential risks associated with pre-spotting are much greater than with pre-cleaning stain removal and post spotting.
The main risk areas are :-
• Pre-spotting soaps and chemicals can stain fabrics if left on for too long before cleaning. Pre-spotted garments should should not be left longer than half-an- hour before being cleaned. White and light coloured textiles are particularly at risk.
• Wetside chemicals and soaps can cause localised shrinkage and/or greying.
• Chemicals used in pre-spotting can migrate and cause damage if sensitive fabrics are left in a pile with pre-spotted garments.
• Localised colour loss and adverse surface effects can occur and may only be apparent after drycleaning. In particular great care is needed when using the spatula on textiles such as polyester/cotton raincoat fabrics.
The conditions that prevail in a drycleaning machine cannot be created on the pre-spotting table and therefore it is not possible to accurately test for some adverse effects that might occur in pre-spotting / general pre-spotting. However, provided staff are well trained and fully aware of the risk areas, modern procedures and techniques are relatively safe and very effective on a wide range of soiling and stains. They can save much time and effort as chemicals do not have to be flushed out and the fabrics dried before garments are cleaned.
Methods
General pre-spotting reagents, depending on the product can be applied by brush or sprayed on to the soiled/stained areas. In most cases brush application deposits more product on the soiled/stained areas and this will increase the risk of damage if the product is inadvertently applied to a sensitive garment or if soap / water mixtures are applied in a liberal and random manner. In terms of overall fabric safety within individual loads it is vital that general pre-spotting products are applied sparingly and brushed only onto soiled/stained areas. Application by spray is generally quicker, safer and more economical. It is debatable which method is more effective.
However it is important to ensure adequate ventilation where spray systems are employed. In the case of sensitive textiles special products are available for brush and spray application. When treating heavy localised stains, spotting chemicals should be applied around the stain to reduce the risk of spreading. Old towels are ideal for absorbing colour from biro and water based inks.
It is fair to say that in many cases when there is fabric damage in stain treatment it is often caused by inappropriate use of the spatula. To ensure maximum fabric safety, stains should be worked with the rounded end flat against the fabric. Tamping with a suitable spotting brush can be more effective and is safer.
The vast majority of drycleaners now use kit spotting chemicals as opposed to straight chemicals such as ammonia and acetic acid, many in the mistaken belief that they are safer in terms of fabrics and dye-stuffs.
They are not, in fact the reverse is true. Three bottle pre-spotting kits have been available for many years and comprise a dryside paint/tar spotter and two wetside reagents (a protein remover and a tannin remover).
Post-spotting kits with around six chemicals are also available. While three bottle pre-spot kits can be used for post spotting, there are considerable benefits to be had from using a specialist post spotting kit or straight chemicals for post spotting.
The relative merits of kit chemicals versus straight is beyond the scope of this article, suffice to say that the use of straight chemicals for post spotting or a specific post spotting kit can make life much easier for the cleaner, particularly in terms of flushing out the reagents.
The overwhelming advantage of pre-spotting products is that they can be applied to stains and left on the fabric to be flushed out during drycleaning. Some three-bottle kits can be used with perchloroethylene and hydrocarbon solvents and also for pre-spotting prior to wetcleaning or washing. Other three bottle kits are specific to one solvent or to wetcleaning/washing.
It is therefore important that you check with your chemical supplier regarding their recommendation for specific products. However, it is better to opt for a kit product which is specific to one solvent or to water based systems. In wetcleaning, because most stains and soiling respond well to water based processes there is less need for comprehensive pre-treatment. However dryside stains in particular must be pre-spotted or removed prior to processing.
Equipment
There is a wide range of equipment options available. Which type is right for your business will depend on the skill level of the staff and the space available. Good lighting (minimum 500 lux) is essential in all areas where inspection, pre- and post spotting are carried out.
Pre-spotting equipment :
A domestic table at least 60cm x 90cm with a laminate surface is ideal for inspection and general pre-spotting purposes. Moreover, the dimensions can be easily tailored in line with specific requirements and the space available. Tables are generally most suitable where soaps and detergents are applied by brush. If products designed for spray application are used, a suitable air extraction system should be provided.
Stainless-steel pre-spotting cabinets are particularly suitable for the spray application of general pre-spotting products.
They are usually supplied with a high- pressure pump and a carbon filter air-extraction system. If a single pre-spot / post spotting unit is required a cold post spotting module can be fitted. This arrangement can be well worth considering in units where space is limited.
Air gun
Post spotting equipment falls into two main categories: Cold spotting tables are normally supplied with two high- pressure sprays for post spotting with water and chemicals.
The tables are fitted with a vacuum unit and an air gun. A compressed air supply needs to be provided. The tables are available in a variety of specifications. Typically a cleaner will be able to choose between space efficient equipment with a small spotting arm and much larger tables with a large working surface adjustable for height and fitted with a sleeve arm.
Steam spotting tables are fitted with a steam gun instead of high-pressure sprays. Steam is generally supplied to the gun through a heat exchanger which heats the compressed air used for drying. Significantly higher production rates are possible with this type of equipment as many stains can be solubilised quickly with steam and the fabric dried rapidly with hot air. High pressure sprays can be specified as optional extras.
The use of steam and heat greatly increases the versatility of spotting equipment and in the hands of an expert spotter a much greater range of difficult stains can be successfully removed if a steam gun is available. However, as the P care label only allows the use of cold water for stain removal, the cleaner is responsible for any damage associated with the use of temperature. Therefore a cold spotting system is by far the safest option if well developed spotting skills are not available.
For the spotting expert the ideal equipment is a steam table fitted with high-pressure sprays. In many cases garments are taken to the cleaners not because they need cleaning but because they are stained. A cleaner’s ability to remove stains can have a major influence on levels of customer satisfaction and approval and the overall success of the business.
Stain treatment and removal requires a comprehensive knowledge of stains, textiles and the wide range of spotting chemicals that are available.
If your spotting skills leave something to be desired, a professional spotting course is an investment that really will pay dividends.