COLOUR LOSS

There are many substances consumers may encounter in the course of the day that can cause colour loss. In many instances, discolouration does not appear until the item is cleaned. This will depend upon the composition and concentration of the staining substance, the type of fibre and dye stuff and length of contact time.

Typical colour loss problems are listed below.

• Silk and acetates can be affected by alcohol products such as perfumes, colognes, hair spray and of course alcoholic beverages
• Bleaches come in many products including hair care products, skin lotions, cleaning products and disinfectants
• Exposure to light, either sunlight or artificial light, can cause colour fading or loss of colour where the ultraviolet rays can alter the chemical structure of dyes
• Wear abrasion colour loss can typically occur in the neck line, elbows, seat, knees and pockets or folds. This friction rubs off the dye on the surface of the fabric which will then be flushed away by the action of the cleaning process.

(Source: The Dry Cleaning Institute of Australia Information Cards)