In the textile industry – in Europe and in many countries around the world – partial contamination on clothes is removed using chlorinated hydrocarbons generally known as spotting solvents.
These solvents are applied to the fabric by high-pressure guns, but also a cloth or a brush soaked in solvent may be used. Typically, the fabric is left to dry by natural evaporation. This method has been considered convenient, simple and fast, but it is also a fact that these solvents pose a severe risk to user health and environment safety. Since the early 90s in Germany, it is forbidden to use chlorinated hydrocarbons for stain removal in open spaces, and throughout Europe the regulation is very stringent. These constraints were absolutely necessary, but at the same time confronted the textile industry with a problem of how to effectively manage spot removal under these changed conditions. The biggest problem in view of an alternative, gentle cleaner is the insufficient evaporation of the cleaning liquid. An immediate drying of the treated textile is therefore essential to avoid annoying spot marks. The Swiss company Theo KREBS AG, also known under the brand name „KREBS Switzerland“, has early faced the challenge of innovative spot removal systems and respectively found innovative solutions via permanent product development initiatives. Since 30 years KREBS Switzerland is present on the global market for effective stain removal in textile finishing and garment production. Today KREBS offers handy spot cleaning spray guns and larger systems with integrated drying in combination with dedicated solvent liquids. For the development of these systems KREBS worked in close collaboration with the textile manufacturers, chemical industry as well as the re-known Hohenstein Research Institute. The mechanical effect of the pulsating spray jet of the electric hand spray gun or of the larger spotting system, coupled with the KREBS spot removal chemistry, today enable the easy handling of stain removal. Suitable for every kind of fabric, they allow the best possible cleaning process and are safe for the environment.
The use of cleaning equipment is based on two different types of cleaning products:
- The KREBS Cleaner 580: a solvent hydrocarbon based with a flash point of >61 ° C. (not dangerous for transport) – or
- the KREBS CV concentrate: a surfactant, which is diluted in water and is heated inside the KREBS machine (gun or system ). This means that you clean with hot detergent solution.
What kind of cleaning agent is suitable for which kind of stain and fabric needs to be determined individually.
KREBS Cleaner 580: the basic detergent
The KREBS Cleaner 580 is a hydrocarbon-based solvent. The solvent, approved according to directives and endorsed by the Hohenstein Research Institute, has excellent dissolving properties for all kinds of oil and fatty stains. Its effectiveness equals that of 1,1,1 trichloroethane. The mechanical impact of the pulsating spray jet and the fast drying system prevents the creation of stain marks. Compared to 1,1,1 trichloroethane this type of stain remover entails less risk of surface damage. It should be noted that hydrocarbons dry slower than halogenated hydrocarbons, which is why devices with integrated drying facilities, such as the systems of KREBS, are recommended. Halogenated hydrocarbons such as 1,1,1 trichloroethane are prohibited, because of their ozone depleting effect. KREBS Cleaner 580 it is not dangerous according to ADR / RID and does not contain substances listed in REACH Candidate list. The flash point is >61 ° C, the ignition point > 200 ° C.
KREBS CV-concentrate: the high performance detergent
Thanks to the fat-dissolving properties of surfactants, virtually all water-based stains can be removed with the KREBS CV detergent Concentrate. Environmentally friendly, odorless, skin friendly and cost efficient are other important features. The agent can be diluted with tap water in a ratio of 1:100 to
1:50. Transportation, storage and proper handling of the product are uncritical. It is not subject to regulations for solvents. The surface agent and the special detergent booster dissolve the dirt and hold it in abeyance. The stain is then dissolved by the warm detergent solution and removed by the pulsating jet. The liquid is ideal for use with the gun KREBS TEX -4 or the systems KREBS 1000 and KREBS Duo.
KREBS K1 bis K4: Special stain remover for persistent stains
In addition to the previously described basic agents, KREBS Switzerland offers a variety of special spotting agents (K1 to K4) to solve specific constituents of the most persistent stains. With all four types of spotting agents, it is important to apply the liquid in small doses on the stain and then remove it with water or detergent solution. Just a few drops are sufficient to do the job.
The K1 is the spot remover for grease and paint stains, especially against persistent oil- based stains, such as machine oil, grease, makeup, lipstick, nail polish, pens and other staining substances.
K2 is effective against stains of blood, protein, food residue, fish and meat sauces, milk, ice cream, cream, beer, chocolate, cocoa, sweat, dirt pigment, spot urine and related substances.
The agent K3 helps against tannin and tannin-like stains caused by coffee, tea, wine, cola, fruit juice, fruit, liqueurs, tobacco, grass, perfumes, medicines and similar substances. KREBS spot removal liquid K4 is dedicated to rust, verdigris and other metal oxide stains. The environmentally friendly stain remover either hydrocarbon or detergent based are integral part of KREBS system together with the pulsating mechanical action. The synergistic effect of the two allows a safe, fast and efficient removal of all kind of stains, even from sensitive surfaces. The ringless stain removal with KREBS hand spray gun or the larger stain removal systems, thanks to its user friendliness, can be performed also by non-professionals without any risk of damaging the materials. It protects the operator‘s health, the health of the customer wearing the cleaned garment, and is safer for the environment than the old halogenated solvents.
Founded in 1946, KREBS has been a leading producer of quality professional electric spray systems for paint, food materials and textile production stain removal. The distinctive KREBS Switzerland logo is recognized in the world over for its promise of high quality electric spray technology products. Each product is manufactured in Switzerland, using quality components and is tested before leaving the factory thereby ensuring reliability and long life.
The textile spot removal
KREBS Switzerland also excels in producing fast and economical spot removal solutions for garment and textile producers, with a wide range of electric guns, integrated systems and halogen free cleaning liquids. Customers of KREBS systems include factories producing for brands like Boss, Nike, Olymp, Triumph International, Marccain and Marks & Spencer. KREBS environment friendly systems enable stains like sewing machine oil, caused during garment production, to be removed safely thereby avoiding the risk that the clothes that you purchase contain dangerous cleaning chemicals.
