Washing space patches to remove stains

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Author	Topic: Washing space patches to remove stains
Chuckster01 Member Posts: 873 From: Orlando, FL Registered: Jan 2014	posted 12-04-2017 07:22 AM I recently found a set of Apollo Telescope Mount (ATM) Launch Preparation Group (LPG) cloth patches at a yard sale. They were badly stained from what would appear to be water damage and mold. As these patches are so hard to find I purchased them (for $2 each) and took them to my local dry cleaner who refused to even try and clean them. A friend suggested I try OxiClean, So I put a one cup scoop of OxiClean in about a half gallon of warm water and hand mixed until all the powder dissolved. I then soaked all three patches overnight (pushing them by hand into the mix until I was sure they where soaked threw) and this morning the patches look brand new. The white background is pristine and the patch colors are wonderful. There is no sign of a stain ever being on these patches. This is amazing and as the patch stays flat while soaking and was not run through a machine, there is no warping or disfigurement to the original shape of the patch. I took before and after pictures if anyone wants to see them but believe me you would think I had three brand new patches, the results where amazing. I am going to try one of my smoke damaged Beta cloth patches next and see what that does.
JBoe Member Posts: 959 From: Churchton, MD Registered: Oct 2012	posted 12-04-2017 04:31 PM That's great! I have a couple of the "felt" type patches that have stains on them would like to try this method. Hopefully, these patches won't be too "fragile" to attempt this. I hope too that no "bleeding" of colors occurs. By the way, how did you dry them?
Ronpur Member Posts: 1211 From: Brandon, Fl Registered: May 2012	posted 12-04-2017 07:10 PM Great advice! Thanks!!
Cozmosis22 Member Posts: 968 From: Texas * Earth Registered: Apr 2011	posted 12-04-2017 08:59 PM quote: Originally posted by JBoe: By the way, how did you dry them? Not sure how he dried them and that phase can be critical. After thoroughly rinsing place flat face up on a paper towel sheet to drain away most of the water. After a few minutes transfer to a dry paper towel sheet and once again lay flat. Place another towel sheet on top of the patch and gently squeeze with a kitchen rolling pin. Most of the excess water will be gone by then and this also helps remove weird prior warping. Take the mostly dry patch and place flat on yet another dry towel and allow to air dry. Total drying time may vary up to a few hours. Very nice Chuck; let's see the before and after pics.

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