How to Properly Remove Stains and Dirt from Textiles and Leather: A Guide to Selecting and Applying Industrial Cleaning Agents

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Removing stains and dirt from textiles and leather is a crucial step in industrial processing, affecting not only the appearance but also the durability and functionality of the final products. An incorrectly chosen cleaning agent or technique can lead to fiber damage, color changes, or even material degradation. In this article, we will focus on how to select suitable industrial cleaning agents, what factors to consider during their application, and how to avoid common mistakes that could compromise the quality of your production.

How to Choose the Right Industrial Cleaning Agent for Textiles and Leather?

Choosing the right cleaning agent depends on the type of material, the kind of dirt, and the desired result. For textiles, it is crucial to distinguish between natural fibres (cotton, linen, wool) and synthetic ones (polyester, polyamide, acrylic). Natural materials are more sensitive to aggressive chemicals and high temperatures, so mildly alkaline or neutral surfactants with a pH of 6–9 are recommended. Synthetic textiles tolerate a broader range of cleaning agents, including stronger alkaline solutions (pH 9–11), but care must be taken regarding compatibility with dyes and surface treatments.

For leather, the type of processing (chrome-tanned, vegetable-tanned, synthetic) and the final finish (aniline, pigmented, lacquered) are decisive. Chrome-tanned leathers are best cleaned with special emulsions containing surfactants and softeners that do not damage the lipid layer. Vegetable-tanned leathers require pH-neutral agents (pH 5–7) to prevent disruption of the tannins. Always verify the compatibility of the cleaning agent with the material by testing it on an inconspicuous area, especially for coloured or printed textiles and leathers.

How to Remove Specific Types of Stains Without Damaging the Material?

Greasy stains (oils, fats, waxes) require the use of solvents or emulsifying systems based on non-ionic surfactants. For textiles, agents containing alcohol or esters, which effectively dissolve lipids without the need for high temperatures, have proven effective. For leather, gentler emulsions with added softeners must be used to prevent drying out the material. Protein stains (blood, sweat, milk) are removed using enzymatic cleaning agents at temperatures up to 40 °C to avoid denaturing the proteins and their permanent fixation in the fibres.

Pigment stains (paints, inks, soot) often require a combination of mechanical action and chemical decomposition. For textiles, agents containing chelating agents (e.g., EDTA) or reducing agents that disrupt the structure of pigments can be used. For leather, caution is necessary—aggressive abrasives or strong oxidizing agents may damage the surface treatment. Always start with the least aggressive agent and gradually increase the cleaning intensity as needed.

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What are the most common mistakes when applying industrial cleaning agents?

The most common mistake is incorrect dosing of the cleaning agent. Too low a concentration leads to insufficient removal of dirt, while overdosing can cause residual stickiness, material damage, or difficult rinsing. Always follow the recommended concentrations specified in the manufacturer’s technical data sheet and adjust them to the specific type of dirt. Another mistake is insufficient rinsing, which leaves residues of surfactants or salts in the fibres, potentially leading to skin irritation, loss of colour fastness, or deterioration of the material’s mechanical properties.

Application temperature is another critical factor. Excessively high temperatures can cause protein coagulation (e.g., in blood stains) or damage temperature-sensitive materials (e.g., polyester fabrics). Conversely, low temperatures reduce the effectiveness of surfactants and solvents. It is generally recommended to work within a range of 20–40 °C, unless otherwise specified in the technical data sheet. It is also important to observe the contact time – too short a duration prevents the active ingredients from fully reacting, while too long a duration may lead to material degradation.

How to ensure safety and environmental sustainability in cleaning?

Safety when working with industrial cleaning agents is governed by the REACH and CLP regulations, which set out obligations for the handling, storage, and labelling of chemicals. When working with concentrated products, it is essential to use personal protective equipment (gloves, safety goggles, respirators) and ensure adequate ventilation of the workspace. Environmental sustainability begins with the selection of products with a low content of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and biodegradable surfactants that meet wastewater discharge requirements.

To minimize environmental impact, it is advisable to use closed systems for dosing and application, which reduce the risk of leaks and waste. Rinse waters should be neutralized and filtered before discharge to prevent contamination of watercourses. For large cleaning volumes, consider recycling rinse waters using membrane technologies or reverse osmosis. Employee training in proper chemical handling and waste management according to applicable regulations is also important.

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How to adapt the cleaning process to the type of textile or leather?

Choosing the right cleaning procedure depends not only on the type of stain but also on the material being cleaned. Cotton and linen tolerate stronger alkaline agents and higher temperatures (up to 60 °C), while synthetic fabrics such as polyester or polyamide require a gentler pH (ideally 5–8) and temperatures up to 40 °C. For wool and silk, neutral or slightly acidic preparations (pH 4–6) are critical, as alkaline substances damage protein fibres and cause shrinkage or loss of lustre. For leather, it is essential to distinguish between smooth, suede and nubuck – smooth leather can withstand mildly alkaline cleaning foams, while suede and nubuck require special solvent or emulsion systems with a low water content to prevent surface deformation.

Always perform a test on a hidden area before applying a cleaning agent, especially on coloured or printed textiles. For leather, test not only colour fastness but also structural changes – some preparations may cause hardening or excessive softening. For sensitive materials such as suede or aniline leather, use preparations containing protective polymers that form a thin film after cleaning to prevent dirt from penetrating deep into the material. For textiles with membranes (e.g. Gore-Tex), choose products without silicones, which could clog pores and reduce breathability.

How to optimise the dosage and contact time of cleaning agents?

Accurate dosing of the cleaning agent is crucial for both efficiency and process economy. Too low a concentration will not remove dirt sufficiently, while overdosing can lead to material damage, unnecessary waste and problems with subsequent rinsing. As a general rule, for aqueous systems, 1–5 % of the cleaning concentrate is dosed depending on the degree of soiling and the type of material. For example, 3–4 % solution is sufficient for heavily soiled workwear made of cotton, while for delicate silk or leather, 0.5–1 % is enough. For solvent-based cleaning agents, the concentration ranges from 5–20 %, but always follow the manufacturer's recommendations and work in well-ventilated areas.

The exposure time of the cleaning agent should be as short as possible but sufficient to dissolve the dirt. For most textiles, 5–15 minutes is sufficient, while dried or greasy stains on leather may require extending the time to up to 30 minutes. Prolonged exposure increases the risk of material damage, especially for colored or printed surfaces. After the exposure time has elapsed, always rinse thoroughly with water or a suitable solvent to remove residues of the cleaning agent and loosened dirt. For leather, it is advisable to apply a conditioner or impregnating agent after rinsing to restore the material’s original properties and extend its lifespan.

How to Address Residual Stains and Repeated Soiling After Cleaning?

Residual stains after cleaning often occur due to incorrect selection of the cleaning agent, insufficient exposure time, or incomplete rinsing. If the stain persists, first verify whether it is permanent damage to the material (e.g., discoloration from tannins or chemical degradation of fibers). For organic stains, such as food or bodily fluids, repeated treatment with enzymatic cleaning agents, which break down proteins and carbohydrates, may help. For inorganic dirt (rust, mineral deposits), acidic preparations based on citric or phosphoric acid are suitable, but be cautious of their aggressiveness toward colors and fibers.

Repeated soiling of textiles and leather is often related to insufficient surface protection after cleaning. For textiles, apply hydrophobic or oleophobic treatments to reduce dirt adhesion and facilitate subsequent removal. For leather, impregnating agents based on fluoropolymers or silicones, which create a protective barrier against water, oils, and dust, are ideal. For workwear, consider using antistatic treatments to reduce dust adhesion and electrostatic charging. Regular maintenance and preventive treatments can significantly extend the intervals between deep cleaning and reduce overall maintenance costs.

Need help choosing cleaning products?

Every textile and leather requires an individual approach. GCG Group provides detailed safety data sheets and technical specifications for supplied raw materials, as well as expert advice to help you select the optimal solution for your specific application. Contact us – or browse our catalogue of over 1,300 products right away.