Q – Hi Jim,
A customer has a sectional comprised of a light colored denim fabric. There are numerous baby formula spots on multiple panels.
I mentioned to the customer that there is a good likelihood that the spots will not be removable, but they would like me to try. I will burn test it, but, assuming it is cotton, I was thinking of trying either cool protein spotter (Zoop, or possibly Avenge or Perky spotter), letting it dwell for a few minutes, rinsing with Clean Rinse in my rinse solution, then force-drying with a blower.
What are your thoughts on this? I would appreciate any advice you would be willing to give.
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A – From Jim . . .
Much of the outcome will depend on whether the fabric had a protector on it, how long the spots have been on the material, and if they tried anything first.
What color is "light color"? Dark denim, like jeans, loses color easily, and spotting often causes color loss. To be on the safe side, I'd follow this procedure:
- Precondition the entire fabric with Avenge Heavy Duty Prespray. It has a high enough pH to break protein bonds in most cases, especially if the furniture was protected.
- DO NOT apply it only in spots.
- Allow ten minutes of dwell time, and then extract with your Clean Rinse. You will take out some, if not all, of the spots. If any do remain, you can try the Zoop Enzyme Spotter, as it is very mild and unlikely to cause color loss. Also, if you apply it immediately after you rinse the fabric, the presence of moisture will prevent water marks.
- You can accelerate the Zoop by lightly steaming it with a steamer or iron, but hold the steam back and do not let the iron touch the fabric.
- Rinse again with the Clean Rinse and see what you have.
If you have any before and after pictures, please send them!
Jim
