TALES FROM THE LINT TRAP – MAY 31

Sometimes mysterious stains appear on garments after a period of time in storage with no prior
knowledge of how they got there in the first place. Also, faint stains may appear worse or invisible
stains may show up only after the garment is cleaned.
Many substances can react this way when they contact fabrics. Animal proteins such as milk, egg,
perspiration, and many others found in food and beverages will eventually cause such stains. Also,
oils from foods, skin lotions, and lubricants will oxidize and appear due to the heat of tumble drying
or pressing. And of course, we can’t forget that the most common invisible stain is caused by
oxidation of tannins and sugars found in fruits, soft drinks, juices, tea, coffee, beer, wine, candy, and
many other beverages and foods.
Again, many of these stains only show up after cleaning to everyone’s surprise.

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