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Stain Removal

There are several factors to consider when removing stains from fabrics. It is important to first identify the stain by its color, texture, or smell to determine the best removal agent. Stains can be classified as animal, vegetable, grease, mineral, dye, wax, or acidic. The appropriate stain removal method depends on selecting an agent like an organic solvent, acid, alkali, bleach, or enzyme and applying it via dropping, dipping, steaming, or sponging to safely remove the stain in the least damaging way. Proper identification and treatment of stains requires choosing the right agent and application method.

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84 views11 pages

Stain Removal

There are several factors to consider when removing stains from fabrics. It is important to first identify the stain by its color, texture, or smell to determine the best removal agent. Stains can be classified as animal, vegetable, grease, mineral, dye, wax, or acidic. The appropriate stain removal method depends on selecting an agent like an organic solvent, acid, alkali, bleach, or enzyme and applying it via dropping, dipping, steaming, or sponging to safely remove the stain in the least damaging way. Proper identification and treatment of stains requires choosing the right agent and application method.

Uploaded by

ANUJAT DE
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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STAINS & CLASSIFICATION

A stain is defined as a discoloration brought about by contact with a foreign


substance which is difficult to remove.
Like first-aid in an accident, the treatment of stains requires immediate action. Some of the
first-aid treatments include blotting, grease absorbent, salt absorbent and often a cold water rinse.
It is virtually impossible to guarantee stain removal, as the agents that are used to remove the
stain often have an adverse effect on the fibre contained in the fabric.
However, a set of general rules for stain removal may serve as a guideline.
• Identify the stain.
• Deal with the stain as quickly as possible. Remove excess staining material immediately.
• Test the stain removal agent in an inconspicuous place.
• Avoid hot water with an unknown stain.
• Use simple methods before resorting to the use of chemicals.
• Use milder agents then stronger ones.
• Repeated mild applications are better than one strong one.
• Ensure that the stain removal agent has been neutralized or washed away.
There are two major factors which are responsible for ensuring correct stain removal. One is the
stain removal agent and the other is the method of stain removal. It is important to select the right
stain removal agent. However, this becomes complex due to the many fibres and fibre blends that are
used in the fabric since they may get damaged by the agents used.
Identification of stains:
Identification of stains helps in selecting the reagents and procedures to be used for
stain removal. Stains can be classified based on:-

• Based on colour– for example, a red stain can be of tomato, lipstick, nail polish,
blood etc.
• Based on Texture-by touching surface of stain it can be deduced:- If hard it may be
an egg; if soft it may be oil, ghee, lipstick; if sticky can be of glue and gum.
• Based on Smell– every stain has a distinct smell like eggs, medicine, food,
perfume
Classification of Stains:

BASED ON SOURCE-
Animal stains– such as blood, eggs, milk, meat e
Vegetable stains– these are caused by plant products such as tea, coffee, juices, fruit
etc.
Grease and oil stains– These stains are from grease or some pigmented matter eg.
Butter, oil, paint, tar, grease.
• Mineral stain– These stains are caused by Caused by henna, tobacco, chocolate
rust, writing ink, medicines.
Dye stains- , tea, coffee etc.
Wax stains– Caused by nail polish, lipstick and shoe polish
Acidic stains– these include vinegar, perspiration, urine, medicines etc.

BASED ON DEGREE OF ABSORPTION:-


Absorbed stains– the stains which penetrate the fabric completely like ink, tea, coffee,
syrup
Built up– These stains which leave residue on top of fabric like lipstick, nail polish,
chewing gum, chocolate
Compound– when it is a combination of both of above
STAIN REMOVING AGENTS:-

There are five main stain removing agents: –

Organic solvents
Acids
Alkalis
Bleaches
Enzymes

i)Organic solvents – These dissolve grease and require care because they are inflammable
and harmful if inhaled. Generally, it does not harm any fibres or dyes. When using, an
absorbent cloth should be placed underneath and work from the outside of the stain
inwards.

E.g. Flammable-benzene, acetone, amyl acetate, methylated spirit, white spirit,

Non inflammable- Carbon tetrachloride(Ccl4), Perchloroethylene(PERK),


trichloroethylene. These take out stains like chewing gum (after scraping), grease, oil
paint, lipstick, ballpoint ink, etc.
Stain Removal Method:

According to mode of action:–

a) Solvent action- Here solvent or water is able to dissolve the stain like ballpoint ink
stain.

b) Mechanical action- This dislodges the stain without dissolving it.

c) Chemical action- Chemicals produce an oxidation or reduction reaction which helps to


remove the stain.

d) Absorption- Certain powders such as fullers earth are able to absorb the stain like
grease and oil.
According to method of application:

• a) Drop method- the stained part of the fabric is stretched and small drops of stain removal
agents are poured on it with a dropper.

• b) Dip method- The stained area of the fabric is immersed in the stain remover solution. This
is the ideal method when stain is large or if there are many spots on the fabric.

• c) Steam method- Stains on wool, silk or any coloured fabric can be removed by steaming.
The stained area is saturated with steam by spreading the cloth over a basin half filled with hot
water into which a small amount of appropriate removal agent has been placed.

• d) Sponge method- the stain removal agent is applied on the stained area of the fabric with a
sponge. This is the most frequently used method of stain removal.

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