Proper use of wetside lubrication
Wetside lubrication is the second method
we use for wetside stain removal after flushing with the steam
gun or water gun. If this method is used properly and we use
the proper lubricant we can remove a far greater percentage of
stains.
First, let’s define the term
lubrication. Wetside lubrication is using a wetside oily
substance that has the ability to
penetrate, emulsify, break up and lift the stain from the
fabric.
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Lubrication also reduces friction so that
proper mechanical action can be applied.
Without proper lubrication the use of
mechanical action using rubbing, tamping or brushing can cause
damage to a fabric.
Types of lubricants
Anionic. This
lubricant consists of a surfactant that aids in stain removal
with negative charged ions.
Non-ionic. This
lubricant consists of a surfactant that is not chemically
charged. This lubricant works on oily based stains effectively.
Most manufacturers combine anionic
surfactants and non-ionic surfactants, but we still refer to
them as anionic detergents because the major part of it is
anionic.
In household products a detergent for
washing clothes would be termed anionic and a dishwashing
detergent used to remove grease would be non-ionic.
Glycerine is
a lubricant that has no cleaning action. It penetrates stains,
loosens and lifts stains, but does not loosen soil.
Glycerine is effective when spotting silks
and wools because it does not leave a clean or lighter area.
Anionic lubricants
Mix with 4 parts water and 1 part
lubricant.
Characteristics
• General spotting agent.
• Usually neutral or slightly
alkaline.
• Can be mixed with acid or
alkali.
• Effective for all types of
wetside stains.
Non-ionic lubricants
A non-ionic lubricant can be used as a
general spotting agent but is especially effective on stains
that have a grease or oily base. This includes many inks, dyes,
lipstick, make-up, oil and mustard.
Characteristics
• Usually neutral.
• Can be mixed with acid or
alkali.
• Generally more aggressive on
fabric dyes than anionic.
Glycerine
• Purchase CP or USP which means
chemically pure.
• Very expensive.
• Very effective for wool and
silk spotting because it does not leave a lighter or cleaner
area on the fabric.
Tannin stain removal method
Choose the lubricant which is appropriate
for stain and fabric.
Flush.
Lubricant (anionic, non-ionic or
glycerine).
Mechanical action.
Flush.
Lubricant plus acetic acid.
Mechanical action.
Flush.
Oxalic Acid. Test fabric.
Heat.
Flush.
General formula. Test fabric.
Mechanical action. General formula has a
lubricant built into its formulation.
Flush.
Rust remover. Test fabric.
Heat.
Flush.
Peroxide and ammonia. Test fabric.
Flush.
Acid to neutralize.
Flush.
Protein Procedure.
Flush.
Lubricant-anionic, non-ionic or glycerine.
Mechanical action.
Flush
Lubricant plus ammonia.
Mechanical action.
Flush.
Digester.
Peroxide and ammonia. Test fabric.
Heat.
Flush.
Acid.
Flush.
Dan Eisen recently retired as chief
garment analyst for the Neighborhood Cleaners Association after
33 years with that organization. He is available for seminars,
consultations and independent garment analysis. He also has
published a book, “The Art of Spotting,” which is
an indexed compilation of articles he wrote for National
Clothesline and NCA over the past three decades. He can be
reached at (561) 340-0909. His address is 274 NW Toscane Trail,
Port St. Lucie, FL 34986. His e-mail address is cleandan@adelphia.net.
