Abstract
We conducted a survey of cases in which clothes are stored away or disposed of because of spot soil. In addition, we found what kind of spot soil remover is used most frequently by referring to the literature, as we had thought that more clothes would be made use of if spot soil was removed properly.
Both the female students and the middle-aged to elderly women surveyed indicated that soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup were the most common sources of spot soil. Most of the female students get spot soil out in the home, whereas many of the middle-aged to elderly women also have their soiled clothes dry-cleaned. When the women try to remove spot soil in the home, they find it hard to remove Indian ink, and when they have their clothes dry-cleaned, it is usually to have food stains removed. This result was common to both the female students and the middle-aged to elderly women.
Among the cases in which spot soil could not be removed or cases in which problems occurred (discoloration and fading, a ring forming around the spot soil, expansion and contraction, and damage to the fabric), most involved combinations of cotton and Indian ink. Among the latter problems, discoloration and fading was most common, regardless of the treatment method. Furthermore, it was found that more female students continue to wear clothes with spot soil-related problems than do the middle-aged to elderly women, many of whom store them away or dispose of them.
From these results, it could be expected that fewer clothes would be wasted if consumers learned the proper method of removing spot soil. However methods vary from book to book, and it is hoped that a guidebook for spot soil removal will be made available.
