Other Tips on Spot Removal

The stain removal methods described here are for professional fabricare specialists and should not be tried at home. Also read MSDS and follow all instructions and precautions.

• PRECAUTIONS: TREAT ALL CHEMICALS WITH RESPECT AND CARE.
• READ PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS.
• Do not smoke around spotting board.
• Store chemicals in a safe place and OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
• Always be sure chemicals are stored in properly labeled containers.
• Read the MSDS before using the chemicals.
• Have adequate ventilation.
• Wash hands after using.
• Keep spotting board CLEAN.
• Avoid using a bone scraper (and never dig with the pointed end).
• When brushing, tilt brush slightly so the bristles ride over the fiber and do not dig into the fiber.
• Gentle tapping of brush on stain is perhaps more effective (always tap on the glass, not the screen); and it is safer on some weaves and colors.
• Apply steam and air from the gun straight down onto material -NEVER AT AN ANGLE.
• Generally, flushing with water is safer to colors than using steam. However, a gentle wafting of steam (with no pressure) to heat up the chemicals many time helps in the removal of stains.

AMMONIA 10% strength recommended. Add 1 part 26 baume (28%) ammonia to 2 parts water. (also see tip on how to use TERGIT®). Try color first with a drop on an inner seam. Color can sometimes be restored with acetic acid. A valuable aid in removing set blood and perspiration rings.

ACETIC ACID 10% strength recommended. Add 1 part 28% acetic acid to 2 parts water. (also see tip on how to use TERGIT®). May reverse a color change from ammonia or protein spotters. Acetic acid is an aid in "setting" many dyes during the spotting process. Check on an inner seam. 

AMYL ACETATE Full strength CAUTION-FLAMMABLE. Volatile solvent for paint, lacquer, nail polish, airplane glue. Usually safe to all fabrics; but test cellulose acetate.

HYDROGEN PEROXIDE 5 volume strength recommended. Add 1 part 3% (10 vol.) hydrogen peroxide to 1 part water. Try on inner seam. If color is affected, do not use. Avoid skin contact-can cause burns. 10 Vol. (3%) is usual concentration available at supply house or drug stores. An OXIDIZING BLEACH.

SODIUM HYDROSULFITE A white powder soluble in water. Used generally 1 tablespoon per gallon water. Follow directions on container. TEST FOR COLOR. Can reverse color loss from an OXIDIZING bleach and vise versa. A strong REDUCING BLEACH and STRIPPER. A valuable tool when used properly. Do not use on weighted silk or metallic thread. 

RUST REMOVER AVOID CONTACT WITH SKIN: CAUSES SERIOUS PAINFUL, AND NOT IMMEDIATELY NOTICED BURNS. FOLLOW MANUFACTURER'S RECOMMENDATIONS.  Usually safe, but test if in doubt.  Ammonia may restore color change after flushing rust remover first. DO not use on weighted silk or metallic thread. Avoid contact with glass, porcelain or metal. Thoroughly rinse from fabric. (for a safer rust remover, see our Rust Aid®).

copyright 2000 Laidlaw Corporation.