Remove stains on textile items through cleaning processes
Overview
This standard is for those who inspect items and detect stains and use chemicals or detergents to remove stains. This may be for items being wet or dry cleaned.
This standard is for textile care operatives who specialise in stain removal.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
P1 prepare the work station for stain treatment and/or removal, item inspection and pre-spotting
P2 identify fabric fibres and the correct method for removing stains from the item prior to treatment
P3 identify staining type or possible type using feel, odour, colour, appearance and location
P4 test delicate items and accessories before treatment
P5 ensure delicate items and accessories are protected during treatment procedures
P6 correctly identify wet side and dry side staining
P7 correctly identify protein, albumen and tannin staining
P8 test the item to check for colour fastness to spotting reagents and chemicals
P9 apply and treat the item using wet side and dry side proprietary chemicals
P10 select and use the correct method to remove stains from items without damaging the fabric
P11 safely flush out applied chemicals or detergents from the item
P12 safely handle contaminated, blood stained or unpleasant soiled items in line with organisational procedures
P13 inspect the item following stain removal to ensure it meets organisational quality standards
P14 ensure the work station is cleaned and prepared correctly between treatments
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
K1 how to operate stain removal equipment
K2 the difference between cold spotting and steam spotting tables
K3 the importance of using dedicated pre-spotting tables
K4 why it is important to maintain the cleanliness of the work station between treatments
K5 the correct steam, water, air pressure and lighting requirements to carry out stain removal
K6 the requirements of ventilation air extraction during stain removal processing
K7 the differences between; absorbed staining, built up staining and compound staining
K8 the objectives and limitations of stain removal
K9 the definition of pre-spotting
K10 the risks associated with the dry-cleaning of items containing water after wet side removal treatments or slab spotting
K11 how to interpret care labels
K12 why certain stains need additional treatment or special precautions
K13 the properties of main fibres used in fabrics
K14 the problems that may arise when different fabric/fibre types and construction, trimmings and accessories are brought into contact with certain chemicals
K15 the tests used to identify fabrics and fibres
K16 the different methods used for stain removal including: mechanical action, dissolving , softening and lubrication, digestion and chemical reaction
K16 correct use of stain removal chemicals, their limitations and other stain removal techniques
K17 the personal protection measures to follow when using hazardous chemicals
K18 how to identify hazardous substances
K19 how to safely dispose of hazardous substances following use
K20 the organisational quality standards for stain removal
K21 statutory responsibilities under health, safety and environmental legislation and regulations during the stain treatment process