Facts & Figures | Product Line | Find a Distributor | Contact Safe Spotting Chart | Stain Removal Guide | Technical Information

The purpose of this Technical Report is to remind all hydrocarbon/petroleum cleaners of the proper use of spotting agents and prespotters. The proper use of spotting agents is important to prevent contamination of the drycleaning solvent. For example, drycleaners often use an oily type paint remover as a prespotter, which can lead to the hydrocarbon solvent taking on the odor characteristics of the paint remover. Thus, garments processed in the contaminated solvent can also take on this objectionable odor. Overuse of solventcontaining products, such as paint removers, can also lower the flash point of the hydrocarbon solvent. Lowering the flash point of the solvent also lowers the fire safety of the system.

Proper spotting procedures are the same regardless of the drycleaning solvent of choice. Universally, drycleaning clinics and courses teach the cleaner/spotter the following procedure: Select the proper spotting agent for the stain.

Apply the spotting agent to the stain.

Dissolve or break up the stain with the proper tool and mechanical action.

Flush the stain and spotting agent with a volatile dry solvent (VDS) if a dryside spotter was used or flush with water/steam if a water based spotter was used.

Finally, dry the treated area with air and vacuum before cleaning the article. If a wetside-spotting agent was used it is recommended that a leveling agent be applied to the area to prevent redeposition.

The above general procedure prevents solvent contamination by spotting agents and allows cleaners to use the same spotting agents for all drycleaning solvents.

In general, prespotting agents are formulated specifically for drycleaning solvents. Stamford PRESPOT HC was formulated for use in all petroleum systems including the new high flash hydrocarbon solvents. Stamford PRESPOT HC is effective on most stains and can be used safely on all fabrics. The solvent base for Stamford PRESPOT HC is a high flash low odor hydrocarbon solvent that is compatible with all low and high flash hydrocarbon solvents. Stamford PRESPOT HC is self-leveling in all hydrocarbon systems.

AQUADOL: Neutral Lubricant
A gentle, safe, neutral lubricant for water soluble stains. AQUADOL flushes easily with
steam or water. It can be used with other wet side spotters to improve wetting and
penetration.

PROTEEN: Protein Spotter
A fast-acting, quick-rinsing wet side spotting chemical for blood, egg, milk, and all other protein stains derived from animals or humans. Flush with steam or water.

TRIK: Protein Spotter
A safe, effective spotter for tannin stains such as coffee, tea, beer, soft drinks, liquor, fruit
juices, grass stains and mustard. Flush with steam or water.


S.S.S. : Silk Spotter
A gentle spotting agent specially formulated to remove oily or water soluble stains from
fragile fabrics such as silk, rayon, and sheer polyester. S.S.S. may also be used as a
leveling agent. Does not require flushing,

LEVELOL: Leveling Agent
A dry, clear leveling agent which is mixed with 5 parts hydrocarbon solvent or VOL and
applied to garments which have been spotted on the wet side to prevent sizing
disturbance, distortion of fibers and spotting rings. It is especially useful on silks.

SPOL: Wet/Dry Spotter
A safe all-purpose spotting product which contains both wet and dry components for use on unidentified stains, food, grease, many inks, oil, collar and cuff soil. Flush with steam or water.

FLIK: Gel Type Paint, Oil and Grease Remover - Totally Unique
A unique gel type thixotropic paint, oil and grease remover. FLIK dissolves and suspends stains so they do not set before cleaning. Flush with VOL.

P.O.G. : Liquid Paint, Oil and Grease Remover
A fast, effective spot remover for paint, varnish, grease, oil and lipstick. P.O.G. is compatible with all detergent systems and is safe on most fabrics. Flush with VOL.

VOL: Volatile Spotter
An effective dry volatile spotting agent for use on greasy pick-up soil, purses, belts and
other post-spotting applications. VOL feathers easily and dries quickly. VOL will not
contaminate drycleaning solvent.