Dear Stain Wizard, A customer brought in this 25 year old Quinceanera dress that was improperly stored. As you can see, the metal grommets on the back have rust and stained a large area.
I tried using a rust remover on this, but it didn’t really do much. Is there anything else I can do?
Signed Adam Cataffo
4th Ave. Cleaners
Brighton, Colorado.
Dear Adam,
Thanks for sending me the photos, it really helps me try to figure this out. If you tried a rust remover on this and the rust didn’t respond, there might be an oily component to this stain that must be removed first.
Take your dry side or wet side P.O.G (paint, oil, grease) remover and apply to the stained area. Be careful and limit your mechanical action you use because prolonged rust exposure to the fabric can weaken the fibers.
Once you remove the oily component, flush with steam and follow up with your RustGo.
You might have to repeat these steps back and forth a few times. Each time the stain should lighten dramatically.
You might not get this out 100%, but you have to know when to stop. Not every garment can be successfully restored.
Good luck,
Jeff Schwarz “The Stain Wizard” has been in the drycleaning and laundry industry since 1991. He represents A. L.Wilson Chemical Company covering 18 states and Western Canada.
Jeff has been part of several drycleaning associations and conducts seminars and in-plant training across the United States.
He wears his stained lab coat as a tribute to Doris Easley. He writes for various trade publications as a tribute to the legacy of his closest friend Kenney Slatten.
Jeff can be reached at (201) 240-9446 or email: JeffSchwarz@Alwilson.com.
