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Preventive Maintenance for Spotting Equipment |
PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE FOR SP0TTING EQUIPMENT
"This spot was not on my garment when I brought it in to be cleaned." How many times has this been said to the owner or employee of a drycleaning business? As an Owner/Professional Drycleaner this situation can put you, your employee, and most importantly, your customer in an awkward position. Maybe, just maybe, this spot came from the spotting board. Now may be a great time to refresh our spotting board checklists. The spotting board is the piece of equipment that truly makes you a "Professional Drycleaner." Preventative maintenance will not only extend the life of the spotting board, but the board itself will be safer and cleaner, which can help prevent claims and costly "redo's".
A daily checklist should include the following: the board should be free of excess dirt, lint and spotting chemicals. All pedals (steam, air and vacuum) should be working properly. Adjust the needle valves if necessary to deliver the proper amount of velocity of force that is safe to the garments' construction. The steam gun itself should be in good shape with no leaks at the nozzle. Check the vacuum to make sure it is not weak or restricted. Teflon screens should be disassembled and wiped free of residual chemicals, especially after working on ink or dye stains. Check to make sure the drain holes located in the nose portion of the board and under the screens are not plugged or blocked, so spotting chemicals and residue can drain into the drain receptacle bin. (Not to be mistaken for a trash can)
The weekly list should include the following: Check to make sure the spotting bottles are easily readable. Any spotting bottle showing signs of wear and tear should be replaced with a new one. Furthermore, it is essential that the spotting bottles be properly labeled for the chemical contained! Check the operation of the steam trap as "wet" steam may cause excessive moisture and create additional spotting problems. Observe for any visible steam leaks where the steam valve is located; the gasket may need to be replaced.
Remember, "spot-free garments come from spot-free boards!"
