Operations

Perspiration stains usually appear as yellow stains in the underarms and on the back, and may have a noticeable odor. Perspiration is composed of mainly water, but it also contains other substances, such as chloride salts, amino acids, and ammonium compounds. These substances can oxidize with the heat of the drying cycle or the heat of pressing, causing the stains to turn yellow. Perspiration begins as acidic substance but later decomposes to an alkaline condition. Silk is very susceptible to becoming discolored by alkaline substances.

Manufacturers will often add coatings to the reverse side or surface of fabrics to make them more water repellent, wind resistant, and insulated. These coatings, as well as adhesives that are used to apply the coatings, may be adversely affected by drycleaning solvent. Outerwear fabrics containing polyurethane coatings are especially susceptible to damage.

After the item has been drycleaned a few times, the coating may begin to separate from the shell fabric, resulting in a darker appearance in the separated area. The garment may also take on a cracked appearance.
 

Manufacturers often add trim materials to garments to enhance their appearance. Such items may include buttons, beads, appliques, or leather patches. Decorative buttons are one of the more popular trims.

After cleaning a wool coat, some consumers may complain that there is a change in appearance or that the fabric is not as soft as it was before cleaning. Many winter coats are made from wool or wool blend fabrics and have a surface nap. While the garment is in use, the surface nap may become slightly matted due to rubbing and abrasion. When the item is cleaned, the necessary agitation in cleaning can further mat the nap. Often, a pilled appearance will result on the surface of the fabric.

Dark stains on down comforters is most often attributed to excess oil coming from the down. Drycleaning may cause the oils found in down to migrate and stain the shell fabric.

What do you do if a customer brings in a knitted wool sweater that had stretched in the waistband and is now out of shape? In most cases, this damage can be remedied. Place the sweater on the buck of the press, align the waistband so it is straight, moisten slightly with bottom steam, push ribbing together with fingertips, and vacuum dry. You may need to repeat this more than once until the waistband is restored. Severely stretched knits will need to be reshaped a little at a time to avoid distortion of the waistband.

The EPA is required to review its regulations periodically and the National Perchloroethylene Air Emission Standards for Dry Cleaning Facilities (PCE Dry Cleaning NESHAP) was up for review. Following a technology review, EPA is proposing to add provisions to the rule which will require all perc dry-to-dry machines to have both refrigerated condensers and carbon adsorbers as secondary controls.

DLI has been working with a coalition of small business trade associations to retain the ERTC through the fourth quarter of this year. The recently enacted Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act disallowed this credit for the fourth quarter of 2021. Congresswoman Miller (R-WV) will lead a bill with support from Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy (D-FL), Congressman Kevin Hern (R-OK), and Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-AL) called the Employee Retention Tax Credit Reinstatement Act which will restore the final quarter of the ERTC.

As the holiday season comes to an end, you may find customers coming to you for advice on how to remove various stains from their clothes, including eggnog and gravy.

Satin fabrics are very popular in garments that are worn for special occasions, as well as those that typically appear during the holiday season.

This fabric is woven by passing a yarn under one yarn and over four or more yarns in the opposite direction. Satin fabric is often made from silk, rayon, or acetate yarns. The fabric is made into wedding gowns, evening wear, and sometimes, household items such as draperies. The long float yarns give the fabric its shiny, lustrous appearance as well as its need for special handling requirements.