National Clothesline

recently read about the life of Charles Darwin and his treatise on evolution in which he made numerous references to “natural selection” and the ability of many creatures to conceal themselves by the use of camouflage.

Some of the everyday problems in our industry have developed a similar means of never being detected. It seems some stains have evolved through “natural selection” the ability to become invisible. They take on a life form of their own by being impossible too see, much less removed.

It surely can’t be that we cannot see these stains, while all our associates or even the customers, see them as clear as day. It is not unreasonable to state, “If it can’t be seen, it can’t be removed!”

Could it be, then, that some of us are color blind?

I did some research and uncovered some facts. Ten times more many men than women are color blind, which explains why the ladies pick out our ties and clothes for us. It is not a significant handicap, and affects only about six percent, but yes, it is hereditary.

The most common form of color blindness is the inability to distinguish reds from greens or blues, especially in pastel shades. Less common are problems in distinguishing blues from yellows.

A simple test for color blindness uses a swatch of multicolored dots with a symbol, letter or number outlined on it. The color-blind individual will be unable to identify the outline, while a normally sighted person will see the contrast immediately with or without glasses.

How serious is the problem of a color-blind spotter?

The time has come to do everything possible to enhance our image and make our industry and ourselves as professional as possible. We all suffer when something goes wrong, and we have to make every effort to correct a wrong as quickly as possible.

Every so often in my travels I come across an idea or item that captures my imagination. So it was with a product developed by Dan Eisen when he was with NCA called the Spectralight. It was nothing more than a fluorescent blue light enclosed in a box to block out any outside source of light. It had the ability to detect all tannin type and invisible stains, and even reveal a weakness in a fabric, as in the underarm or other worn areas.

The same light was used to detect counterfeit bills in banks some years ago. Many stores use two such lights, one at the counter and a second at the spotting board for the spotter to use for further detection.

It is very impressive at the counter, and shows that the professional drycleaner is using the latest in technology. Immediately when a question arises, the counter person checks a garment with the “Spectralight,” and the revelation is established.

I can assure you all of us should be concerned in achieving and taking a professional approach in impressing customers when the question arises, “Can you remove this stain?”

Our industry can now show we have advanced in technology and, with the use of this fluorescent light revealing the path, we have improved our knowledge of fabrics and what limitations there may be in safely removing certain stains with sensitive dyes. It is no accomplishment to remove a stain but damage the surrounding area.

All the risk is removed when the customers can witness the technology and technique in use before an attempt is tried. That is the time to sign a release with full knowledge of the process involved. Isn’t that the true mark of a professional?

The color blindness test chart will determine if you, or your spotter, is seriously plagued by color blindness. Details and information about the Spectralight and Spotting Guide, plus the full color blindness test chart, can be ordered from me for $20 prepaid, including postage, at the address below.

I believe the time has come for our industry to show we no longer operate a secret service, but we are truly The Professionals!

Ray Colucci, a consultant to the fabric care industry, has revised and made available three timely pamphlets: “Up Front Is Where It Counts” for counter training; “Pressed for Perfection” for finishing techniques; the popular “Route to Success To the Home of Office” for complete route training. The pamphlets are $20 each or all three for $50. Immediate delivery with all postage paid is promised. Send requests and payment to to R. Colucci, 410 Warren Ave., Mamaroneck, NY 10543.