Protein and albuminous stains
The use of protein formulas may not be the
best approach to protein and albuminous stains.
We refer to protein and albuminous stains
as any stain originating from a living body. This includes
milk, egg, blood, perspiration, urine, discharge and some
glues. We are taught to use ammonia for
alkaline-based protein formulas for
effective removal. Unfortunately, however, this may not be the
best approach and, in some cases, may be damaging to the
fabric.
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It is interesting to note that the human
body’s digestive system breaks down protein matter using
enzymes and acids. If you put milk in tea and add lemon (acid)
the milk breaks down. Another experiment you might do is put
milk in a glass, add some water and some acid. You will see the
solution turn lighter and almost colorless.
It must be noted that any spotting agent
containing alcohol, such as general formula, should never be
used on protein and albuminous stains. Alcohol sets protein and
albuminous stains, sometimes making it impossible to remove.
Let's backtrack and examine some of these stains and see if we
can come up with a proper method for stain removal:
Perspiration contains a large amount of
salt and is initially acid upon contact. After a period of
time, the perspiration chemically turns into an alkaline state.
This, in conjunction with the salt, affects many dyes on
fabrics. Removing perspiration involves using a thorough
flushing action, wetside lubrication and acids to neutralize
the alkaline color change. Working it with alkaline spotting
agents can then be used.
Milk contains three major ingredients
which consist of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Lactic acid
also forms from a protein portion of the milk. The best
approach to milk stains is to first use a digester. Then follow
with acid and then alkaline based body agents.
Eggs contain albumin and should be worked
the same as a milk stain.
Blood is largely protein in nature and
contains a coloring matter called hemoglobin. Work these stains
with digesters first and then alkaline based spotting agents.
Urine contains sodium chloride, uric acid,
urea, organic acid and a pigment called urobilin. Work urine
stains the same way as perspiration since it also turns into an
alkaline stain. We also note that urine is damaging to fabrics
and dyes.
Before we summarize on these methods, we
have to completely understand the use of digestion.
Digestion in spotting is the use of
different enzymes to convert insoluble protein or albuminous
stains to a soluble sugar. The word enzyme comes from the Greek
words meaning "in yeast."
A peculiarity of enzymes is that while
they affect chemical changes, they themselves are not used up
and do not appear in the final products of the reaction.
For this reason they are known as
catalysts. That is why digestion differs from a chemical
reaction using acids, alkali or bleach.
Types of enzymes
There are two specific types of enzymes on
the market now. Both have their place in spotting and
wetcleaning.
Type I: Low-temperature enzymes. These enzymes come in powder form and can
work in temperatures ranging from 100° to 120° F. When
made up, they are good for one day. They can not be used with
any other chemical such as acid, alkali or bleach. Any chemical
destroys the enzyme.
Type II: High-temperature enzymes can come in liquid or powder form and work
in temperatures up to 158° F. In liquid form, they have a
shelf life of many months. In powder form, the shelf life is
even longer. They can be used with other chemicals providing
the chemical or bleach is not strong or concentrated.
Low temperature enzyme method
Usage: This is very effective for delicate
garments and garments with intense or weak colors for which
normal spotting procedures might be dangerous. It is considered
to be as safe to the color of a fabric as water. It is
effective on all types of albuminous or protein stains, such as
perspiration, blood, vomit, urine, protein or animal glues.
Directions
Put warm water (100° to 120° F) in
a standard spotting bottle. Add one-half teaspoon of the enzyme
and a teaspoon of glycerine.
The glycerine is used to prevent
evaporation and in keeping the area wet. Apply to the stain and
hang in a warm area of the store. Wait for 30 minutes. Flush
area with steam to remove the soluble substance converted by
the enzyme.
Bath method
Put warm water in a clean bucket or
styrofoam container. Add 1 teaspoon of digester per gallon of
water. Add salt as a dye fixer, providing the fabric is not
silk. Soak for one-half hour and rinse thoroughly.
High temperature enzyme method usage
This is not as safe to colors as low
temperature enzymes, but often works quicker and can be more
effective on items such as tablecloths or durable work clothes.
Spotting board method
Apply enzyme to stained area. Heat with a
light feather of steam from spotting gun. Set aside for 30
minutes. Flush area.
Bath method
Add enzymes to washing machine or pail
using temperature up to 150° F. Add enzyme product
according to manufacturer’s instructions. Liquid enzymes
are commonly used in the ratio of one ounce per gallon of
water. Soak for 30 minutes or routinely wash garment. Rinse
thoroughly.
The stain removal method for protein and
albuminous stains is as follows:
Milk, eggs, cream, protein glue, discharge
1. Digestion.
2. Flush.
3. Neutral
Lubricant.
4. Mechanical
Action.
5. Flush.
6. Neutral
Lubricant and Acetic Acid or Tannin Formula.
7. Mechanical
Action.
8. Flush.
9. Ammonia
and Neutral Lubricant or Protein Formula.
10. Mechanical
Action.
11. Flush.
12. Hydrogen
Peroxide Plus Ammonia.
13. Heat.
14. Flush.
15. Acid.
16. Flush.
Blood stains
First digest the stain and then start with
Step 8 followed by ammonia and neutral lubricant up to Step 16
as was mentioned in the method used for milk (above).
Perspiration, urine
Start with Step 5 followed by neutral
lubricant and acetic acid up to step 16 as outlined in the
method used for milk (above).
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 (772) 340-0909. His address is 274 NW Toscane Trail,
Port St. Lucie, FL 34986. His e-mail address is cleandan@adelphia.net.
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