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Stain Damage to Suit (Quelle Horreur!)

The False Prophet

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This evening I was on the receiving end of a flying glass, knocked off a table I suspect, rather than intentionally flung. The upshot is that my best suit was splashed with some kind of beer (I think), though mercifully I am unharmed.

Of course, dry cleaning is out of the question. Could some sort of spot-cleaning and steaming deal with this? Are there any home remedies I can employ in the meantime?

Thanks,

Eden
 

stach

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A)What kind if fabric is the suit, and

B) Why do you dislike dry cleaning?
 

Margaret

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The drycleaning process involves harsh and damaging chemicals; pressing can also be quite traumatic. It's best that drycleaning be done as little as possible. I suspect that 'organic' drycleaning is less harmful, but by how much, I have no idea.

But when it must be done, it must be done.
 

SGladwell

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Beer shouldn't be a problem. Steam it and hang it in your bathroom for a day or two, and it'll be fine.
 

The False Prophet

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Thanks S,

I must say, I'm surprised at the rosy prognosis. I've tried to sponge it a little, and I'll apply the steam soon, but I'm not sure that'll be enough? Won't the beer (especially as beer's quite high in sugars?) cause it to more rapidly deteriorate over time?

I think I shall take advice from one of the bespoke tailors with whom I'm friendly, and *maybe* the retailer also.

For those wondering, the suit is 100% wool, a light Zegna fabric. Dark grey in colour, but the mark still faintly shows. Perhaps this is more insidious, as a spot cleaner is liable to miss some splashes?

Thanks,

Eden
 

j

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Why is drycleaning out of the question? I say take it to a good cleaner ASAP. The longer you leave it on there or try random stuff on it, the worse it may get.
 

The False Prophet

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Originally Posted by j
Why is drycleaning out of the question? I say take it to a good cleaner ASAP. The longer you leave it on there or try random stuff on it, the worse it may get.

j,

The problem is finding that *good* cleaner. I have only bad experiences with drycleaning, in particular fading the colours of my clothes. There is one place that, I understand, specialises in cleaning wedding dresses and the like, which I might trust.

Cheers,

Eden
 

The False Prophet

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Originally Posted by stach
Eden, try spotting it with dry cleaning fluid.

Is that commercially available? Also, is the extreme heat not an integral part of the process?

The damage, it seems, is mostly to the side of one leg. I've just been sponging the splashes on the coat, using a wet and a dry handkerchief, and there is no trace of either marks or smell left (the latter being a good indicator).

I think I shall continue with the same approach to the trousers, and then perhaps seek my tailor's advice as to whether a professional steaming will suffice.
 

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