The Ultimate Guide to Wet Side Spotting: Tips for Dry Cleaners
In the world of professional fabric care, the battle against stains is a constant one. Dry cleaners, whether they’re fresh on the scene or seasoned vets, often grapple with issues like spotting rings, redeposition, dye fading, and localized shrinkage, particularly following wet side spotting. This challenge is a universal struggle, as shared by many dry cleaners across the states.
Understanding the Challenge
With the continued rise of hydrocarbon machines, there’s been noticeable trepidation surrounding wet side spotting. The root of this anxiety is often a lack of understanding of the crucial relationship between detergent, solvent, and water when managed properly. There’s also an irrational fear that any moisture in the drycleaning machine will result in bacteria growth.
What is Wet Side Spotting?
For those who do not know, wet side spotting is the procedure used when water and other wet stain removal agents are necessary for the removal of water-soluble stains. These stains can be caused by food, beverages, blood, milk, and more.
Avoiding Post-Spotting Rings
We want to zero in on one aspect of the process: avoiding those pesky rings post-spotting. Here’s how you can do it:
- Drying the Stain Area: Once you’ve managed to lift the stain and have washed away the stain remover, it’s time to dry. The preferred method we recommend is ‘feathering,’ where we want to focus on drying the outer edges first using an air gun and vacuum, gradually moving inward. This tactic leaves behind a slight dampness — the very culprit behind ring formation.
- Using a Leveling Agent: This is where the game-changer comes in: the leveling agent. By applying it directly to the area you’ve just treated, you manage that residual moisture and stop ring formation in its tracks. Don’t rinse or dry after; just let the garment head straight into the dry cleaning machine. It’s that simple.
Best Practices and Tips
- Always opt for high-quality products from a reputable company that offers solid support.
- Always pre-test your method on a hidden part of the garment before diving in.
May this guidance be the ace up your sleeve in the endless stain removal saga. Happy cleaning!