21.
Wednesday, June 169:37 PM
Dissolve the StainStain removers work in four ways. The first, and most common, way stain removers work is by simply dissolving the stain with either a solvent or surfactant. In fact, many stains can be removed by flushing them with water, which is a universal solvent. Water does not work to dissolve all stains, however. Grease stains, such as those made with butter, must be removed with something stronger and organic, such as an alcohol-based stain remover. Another popular organic solvent found in many stain removing products is Limonene. It is a molecule found in most citrus fruits which is great at dissolving stains, including inks and wax.
Surfactants lift stains rather than diluting them out. They work by surrounding the molecules in the stain and loosening them. This in turn makes the stain easier to flush away with a solvent. Many people choose to treat a stain first with a surfactant spray before washing it. Most work quite well at removing stains. However, the majority of these sprays are made with synthetic surfactants and are quite toxic to the environment.
Eat the StainTougher stains that are not easily dissolved can be "eaten," or "cut up." This is done by oxidizing the stain. Oxidizing removes the links holding the stain molecules together, which in turn allows the solvent to wash them away. Chlorine bleach, borax, and peroxide are all oxidizing agents.
Another way to remove the links holding the stain molecules together is to use a biological, or enzyme-based stain remover. These literally "eat" away the links by digesting the fat and proteins in the stains. They are safer for the environment, but cannot be used on wool or silk fabrics.
Hide the StainSome stain removers work by simply "hiding" a stain. Although the stain molecules remain in the fabric, you cannot see them because they have been made colorless. Bleach is one such stain remover. It works by interrupting the bonds between the light-absorbing molecules, which has the effect of removing all color in both the stain and surrounding fabric. For this reason, bleach is usually only used on white clothing, and as a last resort if a stain cannot be removed by other means.
http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4679648_stain-removers-work.html
|