CONCORD, N.C. — The fake suede garments or garments with fake suede trim are easily restored in a wetcleaning operation.
For me the most useful advancement in garment care over the last 35 years has been the refinement of wet cleaning.
Once it was viewed as a “pipe-dream,” but, when used under the strict parameters of reduced pH detergent, reduced mechanical action, and reduced temperature, the door has been opened to restoring a wide variety of items with less effort and less risk.
A great example of this is the imitation suedes, imitation leathers, and imitation furs.
There was a time, not so long ago, when polyurethane struck fear in the eyes of garment care professionals. It is a synthetic film-like material that can be formulated in a way to mimic suede and leather.
Often, it is used as a trim to enhance the garments appearance and its perceived value. It is a synthetic, glued together in layers, or bonded to the fabric portion of the garment.
Exposure to drycleaning solvent will often lead to the adhesives weakening. This will result in bubbling or peeling and a ruined garment.
The advances in wetcleaning technology now allow the garment care professional to use water as the immersion solution, rather than a chemical solvent. The wetcleaning protocols seldom have an impact on the bonding of the polyurethane.
You should not apply any type of dry side POG to polyurethane. It is sensitive to the chemistry used by manufacturers to penetrate and remove paint, oil and grease. When needed use a laundry degreaser even at the spotting board.
Check back Thursday for the conclusion.
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