Stain on silk

[helena.perkins@xxxxxxxxxxx (Helena Perkins)]

Re:  Stain on silk -on behalf of Joanna

On behalf of the Textile Analysis Service at the University of Alberta I
replied to Joanna's rquest for help with a stain on her silk garment.  The
dress had an alcohol based stain and was sent to the drycleaner to remove
the stain.  It came back with an orange coloured spot surrounded by a
lighter ring.

This is my reply:

The dye in the silk fabric has been affected by the alcohol spilled on the
dress.  Unfortunately there is no remedy for this type of dye loss.  The
spot removal by the drycleaner is unlikely the cause for the dye removal.
With this type of stain the dye disturbance may not appear until after
removal of the stain.

Professional dry cleaners are not responsible for consumer-caused stains,
including those that are invisible prior to cleaning.  However, the dry
cleaner is considered to be responsible for any stains that result from
cleaning or spotting techniques.  Dry cleaners should check the dye's
colourfastness in an inconspicuous location before attempting stain
removal.

The Textile Analysis Service provides garment analysis to determine the
cause of problems noticed after dry cleaning.  The dress could be tested in
our laboratory to determine the affects of alcohol and spot removers on the
colour of the silk fabric.  However, the problem you have encountered is
typical of alcohol based stains.

The fee for garment analysis is $45.00.  For further information please
contact me at the number below.

Joanna e-mailed me with additional information.  The dress had other stains
around the hem that were from the same staining substance as the orange
stain.  These stains were not entirely removed but they were not
discoloured or faded after cleaning so they are acceptable.

This was my second reply:

Seeing the damage on the garment is a necessary part of the analysis.  I
did not know there were other spots as well.  An alcohol stain is typically
white or lighter in colour than the original colour, with a dark ring
around the stain.  However, depending on the nature of the staining
substance, other colours can be produced.

This stain may be the result of improper stain removal or there may have
been a greater concentration of the staining substance in that area.
Drycleaners are often aware of textile testing facilities and may be able
tell you if there is one in your area.  It may be worth pursuing.  Good
Luck.


Helena M. Perkins, MSc

Textile Analysis Service                phone:  780-492-3832
Department of Human Ecology             fax:    780-492-4111
B33 Human Ecology Building              e-mail: helena.perkins@xxxxxxxxxxx
University of Alberta                   web site: http://www.ualberta.ca/
Edmonton, AB  T6G 2N1                                  ~hecol/textileanal.html
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