RE: stained silk

["Richards, Elizabeth" <elizabeth.richards@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Garments stained with beverages containing sugar will often show a stain
AFTER drycleaning because the sugar in the stain may carmelize due to the
heat in drying (even if the heat is controlled carefully).  Stains
containing sugar need to be identified BEFORE cleaning so a spotter can use
a wet side (water soluble) spotting agent.  If the stain is not removed
before dryclening often it may become permanent.  Some examples are soda
drinks with sugar, alcholic beverages such as beer, and infant's formula.
Often the stain is not visible prior to drycleaning and appears after
cleaning - to the horror of both the customer and the cleaner.  (No one
likes to be told that they have spilled an alcholic beverage on themselves!
Often a customer won't belive that the solvent didn't cause the stain.))

You might try washing the garment - sometime this works - but not often.

Dr. Elizabeth Richards
Professor Emeritus, Department of Human Ecology
337 Human Ecology Building
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada  
T6G 2N1
Phone:  780 - 492-9480  Fax:  780-492-4821


-----Original Message-----
From: Steele, Wendy [mailto:wendy.steele@xxxxxxx]
Sent: Monday, November 06, 2000 11:41 AM
To: 'texcons@xxxxxxxxxxxx'
Subject: stained silk


I am not a member of your organization but hope someone has a moment to
offer some advice.  I have a light blue ribbed sweater.  Didn't realize it
is 100% silk till disaster struck.  I spilled Killian's Red beer on the
front, so had the sweater drycleaned.  It looked great till I got under a
different light from the one at home.  Then I realized there was a very
faint stain only visible in certain lights.  Had it re-cleaned to no avail.
Since I can't wear it as is, I'm want to attempt washing it myself.  Any
advice, techniques or product suggestions would be most appreciated.
Wendy
Birmingham AL