SPILLS HAPPEN.
NOW WHAT?
Bring your stained garment to Pressed as soon as possible and point out the stain to our counter crew. However, you can remove small, fresh stains from your clothes in an emergency by following our hot tips below.
Most Stain
They are water-soluble and require special spotting techniques using moisture that is not part of regular dry-cleaning. The colorfastness of the dye will often determine the degree of stain removal. Sometimes, a dye is initially disturbed by the moisture of the staining substance and will not withstand the additional water needed to remove the stain. As a result, the stain cannot be removed without severe color failure.
Ball-point Ink
Using cleaning fluid, place the stain face down on clean white paper towels. Apply cleaning fluid to the back of the stain. Replace paper towels under the stain frequently. Dry thoroughly. Heavy concentrations of this stain should be brought to us.
Blood
Blot with cold water. Apply an enzyme detergent. Rinse with water. If the stain is still present, apply household ammonia. Rinse thoroughly with water.
Color Fading
Occasionally, dyes are not colorfast to the procedures listed in the care instructions. For example, articles labeled “dry cleanable” will sometimes contain dyes that bleed extensively when dry-cleaned, especially colors that may transfer onto lighter areas. The same is true for some articles that are labeled “washable.”
Coffee
Blot with cold water. If the stain is not removed, apply liquid synthetic detergent (from your kitchen). Rinse with water. If the stain persists, apply white vinegar. Rinse with water.
Beveages
Such as soft drinks, wine, and mixed drinks contain sugars. A spill may be colorless and disappear when it dries, but later the sugar may cause yellow or brown stains, especially when exposed to heat. Be sure to point out such stains so that the dry cleaner can use special pre-treatments on the stain before dry cleaning. In addition, sugar-based beverage stains cannot always be completely removed, especially on silk.
Chemical Stain
Some dyes bleed or change color when exposed to solutions containing alcohol. Allow perfume, deodorant, and hair spray to dry before you dress, and remove spills from alcoholic beverages as soon as possible. Some dyes, especially blues, purples, and greens, are sensitive to alkalis. Many facial soaps, shampoos, detergents, and even toothpaste are alkaline enough to cause color loss or change. If this happens, talk to us promptly about possible restoration. Many bright colors used on fabrics can fade from sunlight or artificial light exposure. Store garments in closets away from any light, such as windows or electric lights that are left on.
Chocolate
Blot with cold water. Apply an enzyme detergent. Rinse with water. If the stain persists, apply household ammonia. Rinse thoroughly.
Wine and Alcoholic Beverages
When fresh, blot these stains with cold water, even white wine, and colorless drinks. Heat can cause colorless stains to become yellow even weeks later. Spot with synthetic detergent and water. Rinse with water. If the stain persists, spot-treat it with white vinegar. Rinse with water. Finally, try chlorine bleach or organic bleach if safe for fabric (test first for colorfastness).