The list represents a change from the 1991 top ten, when tea, coffee, grass and tomato ketchup were among the most frequent. Only red wine features in both lists.
The company is training a team of “cleanologists”, specialists who will help high street branches cope with the more stubborn stains of today’s lifestyle.
Johnsons’ technical director, Martin Gregson told LCN that the problems were two-fold: first the stains themselves were more difficult and second, modern fabrics were more delicate, with sheer satins, and textures such as peachskin” becoming popular.
“It’s a question of customer satisfaction,” he explained. “It’s all too easy to send clothes back, still marked, with a “best results” note. We’ve embarked on the new programme to give a better result.”
Cleanologists will be given advanced training – taking the Guild Q-star exam in all five subjects in its syllabus.They will also have a wider range of stain removal agents.
Higher skill levels combined with a more effective product and equipment will give these staff the confidence to deal with stubborn stains and talk to customers about any problems and offer advice.
The programme will roll out gradually and eventually establish at least one “cleanologist” in every branch.
