Three criteria assist in identifying the most commonly known types of stains and classify them accordingly.
- Type of edge
- Feel
- Colour
Type of Edge
We distinguish between strong, clearly defined edges of the stains and less clearly defined stain area, which merge with the fabric. The following stains have sharp and dark edge.
- Blood stains
- Varnish
- Starch stains
- Oil paints
- White of egg stains
- Glue
All stains cannot be recognised by the appearance of the edge.
Feel
Here we distinguish between hard and soft stains.
Hard stains are caused by varnish, oil paints or glues. Stains, which are less hard but can be described as stiff, are stains containing albumin. When rubbed against a hard object (finger nails) a stain containing albumin pulverizes and thereby becomes lighter and vanishes altogether.
Colour
- Yellow/brown stains: Rust, coffee tea tannin tobacco juice, banana, sugar, suntan emulsion, urine, perfume, burns and scorches, blood.
- Blue stains: Water colour, ink, ball point pens ink, dyes.
- Green stains: Grass, water colours, ink, ballpoint ink, dyes.
- Red stains: Water colour, ink, lipsticks, nail varnish, hair dyes.
Stain removal tips
Removing stains from textiles is one of the most difficult tasks of the laundry industry. We give below some tips of how to remove the most common types of stains.
Stains Removing Procedure
Application of spotting chemicals
Spotting chemicals should be applied by means of a small plastic bottle with a long necked nozzle. Every endeavour should be made to keep the area to be spotted as confined as possible.
Effect of steam
Steam from a steam gun server heats the chemicals in order to increase their effectiveness. The steam gun must be always be handled with great care as the high steam pressure can damage the fabric or effect the surface properties, dyes, and thermoplastic fiber can be irretrievably altered. A distance of 3-4 inch has to be maintained between fabric surface and steam gun nozzle. An exceptional can be granted for very hard surface.
Rinsing of stained surface after stain removers
Rinsing off the stain treated spot is very essential. Making stain invisible is not sufficient, it can reappear, while doing the pressing or ironing. This spot should be rinsed thoroughly several times so that all the chemicals are removed from the surface.
Formation of spotting rings
Always apply the spotting chemical on the outer edge of the stained area and treat the stain. Then rinse the spotted surface several times by forming a ring. Work the edge towards the centre when drying with compressed air, i.e. begin with blowing at the outer zone and gradually shifting liquid towards the centre.
Navin Sethi, Key Accounts Manager – Laundry JohnsonDiversey India Pvt Ltd
