Case studies - rare faults

1 February 2005



Richard Neale takes a second look at some unusual problems


Speaking with authority

Unusual faults continue to cause cleaners a disproportionate amount of time and aggravation. This month we examine some more problems that may only crop up once or twice a year.

At this time of year, hopeful claimants abound, so cleaners must be able to assess the problem, recognise those that are not their fault and be able to argue their case with authority.

Never worn?

Fault: This evening dress was returned to the retailer for a refund as it had not been worn,

Cause: Strong magnification (60x with good lighting) revealed residues of food staining clinging to the sheer over-fabric. There was also localised weave distortion in the stained area consistent with surface scratching, but there was no trace of make-up or perfume on the fabrics.

The conclusion is that the garment had been worn, sustained spillages and been drycleaned. This removed all traces of make-up and perfume but could not remove every trace of the protein staining from the food nor restore the distorted weave.

Responsibility: The blame for the present condition of this dress lies with the customer. Drycleaning cannot remove all traces of protein staining and the garment cannot be returned as unworn.

Rectification: Further improvement is unlikely.

A swell party!


Fault: Following drycleaning, it was possible to see background marking on this top and the owner was certain it was not there before.

Was this marking caused by the cleaner, or was it the result of normal wear?

Cause: Examination under ultraviolet light exposed very starkly a wide range of marking – far more than could be seen under natural daylight. The pattern and distribution of the marking is consistent with contamination acquired in use. There were no characteristic signs of misapplication of stain removal reagents or pre-treatment detergents.

Several cleaners now use ultraviolet lighting for inspection and give a greatly improved customer service as a result.

Responsibility: The owner was to blame. The surface dyes have been damaged, probably by sugar- or protein-based splashes.

Rectification: None is possible.

Wool coat suffers from early baldness

Fault: Following cleaning this expensive wool coat had lost its soft surface texture and developed bald patches.

Cause: Examination under magnification revealed matting and interlocking of the scales on the soft surface fibres. It also revealed total loss of the surface fibres in other areas but there was no trace of abrasion or other mechanical damage.

Responsibility: The blame for the matting and felting of the surface fibres lies with the cleaner because it has been caused by poor control of moisture in the drycleaning machine process. This was an isolated complaint so the problem was probably that the garment was slightly damp before it went into the machine. It had not been aired for long enough.

The blame for the patches of lost surface almost certainly lies with the owner. This type of fabric is susceptible to household spills and a trace of bathroom cleaner or baby bottle sterilising fluid is all it takes to damage the surface sufficiently for the weakened fibres to be flushed away during the next cleaning cycle.

Rectification: None is possible

Mottled marking on blazer

Fault: Following drycleaning and pressing, this black blazer displayed mottled grey marking in one area across the back.

Cause: This marking is produced when a free-steam press or finishing table is supplied with very wet steam at the start of the finishing lays.

Responsibility: The blame here lies with the cleaner. This problem stems from the way in which the press or finishing table is installed. It is essential to trap out any moisture from the steam supply before it can either wet the press cladding or break through and damage the article being pressed, as has happened here.

Rectification: None is possible.


BLAZER MARKS BLAZER MARKS
Magnification Magnification
INSPECTION INSPECTION
BALD AREA BALD AREA


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