Wetcleaning Equipment Report

A report on washers, dryers, finishing equipment, and detergents for machine-based professional wetcleaning

By Anthony Star and Cindy Vasquez
July, 1999

Center for Neighborhood Technology
2125 West North Avenue
Chicago, IL 60647
773/278-4800 ext. 299
www.cnt.org/wetcleaning

© 1999 Center for Neighborhood Technology

Introduction

Wetcleaning Machines Finishing Equipment Detergents
Aqua Clean  Clean Concepts Adco Kreussler
Aquatex  High-Steam  Aqua Clean  Kirk’s Suede Life
Böwe Permac Hoffman Aquatex Laidlaw
Continental Girbau Pony Büfa  Pariser
Daewoo  Sankosha  Colorex R.R. Street
Edro Dynawash  Veit  Daewoo Royaltone
Marvel   Fabritec Sanitone
Miele   Fiber Tech  Seitz
Milnor   Gurtler  Stamford
UniMac      

Introduction

Professional wetcleaning can be called something old and something new. Cleaning in water has always been part of the repertoire of professional cleaners. The ability to clean a large portion of clothes in water in an economically viable way became possible with the development of machine based wetcleaning. By reducing reliance on perchloroethylene -- the most commonly used dry cleaning solvent – wetcleaning can reduce concerns regarding environmental and health impacts of the garment-cleaning industry. It can help dry cleaners provide their customers with high quality service while avoiding the burdens of regulation and liability.

Wetcleaning machines are a new line of high-tech commercial washing and drying machines that increase the range of dry clean only garments that can be cleaned in water. Wetcleaning processes include these computer-controlled washing and drying machines and professional, labor-intensive techniques which control factors, such as mechanical action and temperature, that can cause shrinkage.

Wetcleaning is a process that requires skill, experience, and knowledge- with a dose of experimentation for best results. With machine wetcleaning, several machine manufacturers believe that the essential components of a quality wetcleaning system should include: a high tech washer, the specifically formulated wetcleaning detergents/chemicals, a high tech dryer, and proper training, cleaning skills, and knowledge of fabrics and fabricare.

This report covers the equipment currently on the United States market. It is divided into three sections. The first section covers washers and dryers, the second section, finishing equipment, and the third section, detergents and other chemicals.

With many new products being released at the Clean Show in June, 1999, complete information and pricing was not available on all products.

Acknowledgments

This report was prepared by Research/Outreach Associate Anthony Star. It was based upon previous editions by Cynthia Vasquez. CNT would like to thank representatives of all the companies for their assistance with information. Partial funding for this report comes from the United State Environmental Protection Agency Design for the Environment project.

Disclaimer

The Center for Neighborhood Technology compiled this information on the features and costs of wetcleaning machines which are presently on the U.S. market. The finding are summarized in this report. This document is not an endorsement of machine based wetcleaning, nor does it include a qualitative evaluation of wetcleaning machines. It is strictly a compilation of information obtained from each company featured.

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Wetcleaning Machines

In machine based wetcleaning technology is harnessed to make washers and dryers with precise controls, chemicals optimized for cleaning in water, and tensioning finishing equipment to restore the proper size and shape to garments.

The machines in this report share many common features. Computer control, programmability and other similar features are the essential components of these machines. Manufacturers have adopted different strategies for their equipment. Some offer a full package system of washer and dryer (and also offer the chemicals and finishing equipment) while others sell components and allow the professional cleaner to put together a system tailored to their needs. The machines span a wide range of sizes. There are inexpensive machines designed to supplement dry cleaning to large systems for heavy production loads. There is no one best way for wetcleaning. The diversity of equipment now on the market allows the cleaner who is considering wetcleaning to shop among brands, technologies and scales. It is the position of CNT and the discovery of many cleaners around the world that wetcleaning is an effective, viable technology. It is up to the individual cleaner to decide what selection of equipment and chemical is appropriate for their particular shop.

When considering the investment in any of this equipment, a cleaner should be sure to try to see the equipment in use first hand. Ask a dealer for a demonstration, inquire about other local cleaners using the machine for references, or attend trade shows or seminars.

Note

In wetcleaning machines, load capacity in practice depends upon whether the operator is doing wetcleaning, washing (i.e., regular laundry), shirt laundry, or leather and suede cleaning. For those articles which are highly sensitive to mechanical action, actual load capacity is often only 50% of stated maximum capacity. The capacity will differ between manufacturers and machine size. Where possible this report lists the recommended wetcleaning capacity.

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Aqua Clean

Manufactured in Sweden and Denmark by Wascator/Electrolux.

Model Capacity (lbs.) Drum RPM Extract G
Mini Aqua Clean  12 35-1300 75-425
System 30S, 30G  18 24-950 40-310
System 50/30S, 50/30G, 50S, 50G 30  24-850 40-300
System 80S, 80G 50 24-650 40-220
EX90  70 n/a n/a

Key Features

Pricelist

Mini Aqua Clean $5,000
System 30S $22,730
System 30G $22,020
System 50/30S $26,165
System 50/30G $25,450
System50S $34,605
System 50G $31,640
System 80S $36,380
System 80G $33,475
EX90 Washer By Request

Options

Base recycling tank for 30 & 50 systems $4,020
Machines without base tanks may have prefabricated steel base to raise washer 6 inches.
System 30 $353.75
System 50 $376.75

Contact

Dan Goldman
Aqua Clean Systems, Inc.
469 Doughty Blvd.
PO Box 960338
Inwood, NY 11096-0338
Web: www.wetclean.com
Phone: 516-371-4513
or 800-381-7222
Fax: 516-371-4204

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Aquatex

Washer manufactured in Belgium by IPSO, dryer in the US by American Dryer, drying cabinet in England by Evapoform.

Model Capacity (lbs.) Drum RPM Extract G
AQW3050 30 10-50,250-1000 383 max.
AQW4065 40 10-50,250-1000 383 max.
AQW75125 75 10-50,250-1000 383 max.

Key Features

Pricelist

Prices were not available from Aquatex.

Contact

Steve Crane
Aquatex
PO Box 1322
Cedar Rapids, IA 52406
Web: www.iowatechniques.com
Phone: 800-727-1592
Fax: 319-366-8941

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Böwe Permac

Manufactured in Switzerland by Schulthess.

Model Capacity (lbs.) Drum RPM Extract G
Wash 150K 25 15-1050 380
Wash 200K 35 15-950 400
Wash 250K 45 15-925 380

Key Features

Pricelist

Wash 150 $19,900
Wash 200 $27,995
Wash 250 $33,895

Options

Single reuse tank for Wash 150 $2,696
Double reuse tank for Wash 150 $4,850
Single reuse tank for Wash 200 $2,995
Double reuse tank for Wash 200 $5,295
Circulation Pump $1,285
Door Pump with Spray $1,225

Contact

John Bogart
Böwe Permac
2425 109th Street
Grand Prairie, TX 75050
Web: www.bowegcs.com
Phone: 972-503-1998
or 800-287-0870
Fax: 972-503-3311

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Continental Girbau

Manufactured in Spain

Model Capacity (lbs.) Drum RPM Extract G
H1055 ISPM 30 44 94/380

Key Features

Moisture sensing dryers are also available in 30 to 190 lb. capacity with steam, gas, or electric heat sources.

Pricelist

H1055 ISPM $15,198

Contact

Joel Jorgensen
Continental Girbau
2525 Bowen Street
Oshkosh, WI 54901-2021
Web: www.cont-girbau.com
Phone: 920-231-8222
Fax: 920-231-4666

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Daewoo

Manufactured in Korea.

Model Capacity (lbs.) Drum RPM Extract G
DWF-1088PA 24 160/770 n/a
DWF-9290PA 20 160/770 n/a
DWF-5590PA 12 145/780 n/a

Key Features

Notes on Specific Models

DWF-1088PA and DWF 9290PA allow programming by the user and have steel cabinets.

Pricelist

DWF-1088PA $1,099
DWF-9290PA $949
DWF-5590PA $599

Contact

CNA, Inc.
1113 Salem Drive
Schaumburg, IL 60194
Phone: 847-885-3600
Fax: 8470885-3672

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Edro Dynawash

Manufactured in the United States.

Model Capacity (lbs.) Drum RPM Extract G
DX60P26 30 45-700 209 max.

Key Features

Pricelist

Prices were not available from Edro.

Contact

Ed Kirejczyk
Edro Corporation
37 Commerce Street
PO Box 308
East Berlin, CT 06023-0308
Web: www.edrodynawash.com
Phone: 860-828-0311
Fax: 860-828-5984

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Marvel

Manufactured in the US.

Model Capacity (lbs.) Drum RPM Extract G
ADS 40# 40 24-600 98/193
ADS 60# 60 24-600 115/170
ADS 100# 100 24-600 28/111

Key Features

Pricelist

ADS 40# $20,995
ADS 60# $23,995
ADS 100# $29,995

Options

Thermometer $175
Alarm $130
Steam Injection $515
Extra Supply $310
Two Thermal Fills $460

Contact

James DeSanto
Marvel Manufacturing
5922 San Pedro
San Antonio, TX 78212
Phone: 210-344-8551
or 800-487-1326
Fax: 210-344-3004

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Miele

Manufactured in Germany

Model Capacity (lbs.) Drum RPM Extract G
WS5191 29 1100 Max. 460

Key Features

Pricelist

Not available

Contact

Dan McDougall
Miele, Inc
9 Independence Way
Princeton, NJ 08540
Phone: 609/419-9898
Fax: 609/419-1853

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Milnor

Manufactured in the US.

Model Capacity (lbs.) Drum RPM Extract G
30022 F8W 55 5-40/200-835 297 max.
36030F8W 110 5-43/200-810 335 max.
42032F7W 165 5-40/200-750 335 max.

Key Features

Pricelist

30022 F8W $17,900
36030F8W $28,995
42032F7W $37,795
Dryer $7,816

Contact

Leroy Trevigne
Pellerin Milnor
PO Box 400
Kenner, LA 70063
Web: www.milnor.com
Phone: 504-467-9591
Fax: 504-468-9307

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UniMac

Manufactured in USA

Model Capacity (lbs.)  Drum RPM  Extract G
UF18 10 86-1080 350 max.
UF25 13 N/A N/A
UF35 20 69-960 350 max.
UW35 20 65-795 350 max.
UW60 30 65-720 350 max.
UF85 45 63-825 350 max.
UW85 45 70-580 350 max.
UW125 65 62-580 350 max.
UF135 70 55-715 350 max.
UF250 125 55-650 350 max.

Key Features

Pricelist

Washers:

UF18 $4,352
UF25 N/A
UF35 $10,332
UW35 $8,373
UW60 $9,191
UF85 $14,167
UW85 $19,609
UW125 $19,791
UF135 $30,340
UF250 $50,480

Dryers:

DTB35 $2,594
DTB50 $2,896
DTB75 $3,489
DTB120 $7.429

Contact

Kim Shady
UniMac
PO Box 990
Ripon, WI 54971-0990
Web: www.comlaundry.com/unimac
Phone: 800-587-5458
Fax: 414-748-4590

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Finishing Equipment

While some equipment companies say their machines work with standard pressing equipment, tensioning finishing equipment is increasingly recognized as an essential component of wetcleaning. Performance tests have shown that wetcleaning is effective in the actual cleaning of clothes, but that dimensional change (shrinking and stretching) can be a problem. The increased labor costs associated with proper finishing of clothes can increase the cost of wetcleaning and make it not financially comparable to dry cleaning. Tensioning equipment can provide a means to reduce the labor costs of finishing clothes.

There are two main types of tensioning equipment, form finishers and pants toppers. Both pieces of equipment function by using steam to relax fibers, moving parts to stretch and shape clothes and hot air to dry.

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Clean Concepts

Manufactured by Fimas

Model 102 Finishing Station

Full-featured finishing station. Vacuum and up-air. Adjustable height table. Ironing surfaces and sleeve arm are heated.

Model 311 Tensioning Shirt and Coat Finisher

Adjustable for steam, steam and air, air, tension.

Model 370 Tensioning Pant, Coat, Dress and Skirt Finisher

Tensioning finishing for multiple garment types.

Suction fan pulls steam away from operator.

Steam: 75-80 lbs
Air Pressure: 80 psi

Contact

John Tipps
Clean Concepts
11129 Shady Trail
Dallas, TX 75229
Phone: 972-406-8107
Fax: 972-406-8057

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High-Steam

Hi-Steam sells a "European Finishing Center" which includes a tensioning form finisher, a tensioning pants topper and a finishing board.

JAM500 Tensioning Form Finisher

Telescoping Form-Adjusts in height to allow for finishing of long garments and overcoats.

Front and rear blades along with inside expanders-Hold the garment in the proper position and shape.

3 Timers-Steam, Steam/Air, and Air cycles with the variable cycle times.

Automatic tensioning-at start of steam cycle the form raises slightly to put the garment under tension.

Foot Pedal Controls-Allows both hands free for proper positioning of garment.

Steam Pressure: 60-90 PSI

Air Pressure: 90-125 PSI

PAM200 Tensioning Pants Topper

Waistband Tensioning Device.

Adjustable Cuff Clamps, Inside Cuff Expanders.

Electronic Program Controls- Can program Steam, Steam/Air and Air cycle times.

Automatic Tensioning- At the start of the steam cycle the pants are placed under tension.

Steam Pressure: 60-90 PSI

Air Pressure: 90-125 PSI

Contact

Stuart Ilkawitz
Hi-Steam
610 Washington Avenue
Carldstadt, NJ 07072
Phone: 201-560-9333
Fax: 201-460-3578

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Hoffman

TFF Judi Form Finisher
Computer controlled air, steam and dry times.
Electronic height control
Adjustable shoulder tensioning

T804 Pants Topper
Steam Pressure: 100 PSI
Air Pressure: 80 PSI

Contact

Hoffman/New Yorker
25 Lackawanna Place
Bloomfield, NJ 07003
Phone: 201/748-0500
Fax: 201/748-1341

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Pony

Cosmos
Unit has two forms, one for jackets, coats, dresses, the second for pants and skirts
100 different programs.
Can also steam 5 light garments.
Does not require compressed air.
Steam Pressure: 118-145 PSI

MPT
Pants Topper
Various models available with manual and automatic settings.
Steam Pressure: 118-145 PSI
Air Pressure: 118-145 PSI

Contact

Philip Harber
Pony Finishing Systems
1250 Mile Post Drive
Atlanta, GA 30338
Phone: 770/394-4316
Fax: 770/394-9618

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Sankosha

CN-50 Automated Form Finisher

Sankosha claims that a garment may be finished in 40 seconds.

The form height is adjustable to suit various types of garments and adjustment of garment on the form is easy to do.

Button Control- Once garment is on the form, front and back clamping, upward and sideways stretching are in automatic operation.

Steam, Steam-air and drying time set by button control.

Form Height selection 9 increments.

3 modes: No sideways stretching; Before and after steaming the form is stretched up in 2 steps; Steam-air is eliminated.

Steam: 71 PSI

Air: 71 PSI

CN-200 Panther Press

Combination pants topper and legger.

Contact

Wesley Nelson
Sankosha USA Inc.
1715 Elmhurst Road
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
Phone: 847-427-9120
Fax: 847-427-9634

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Veit

8355 & 8360 Multiform

Pneumatic height adjustment.

Easy garment positioning is granted by a suction facility in the hem area.

Lateral slide, clamps and height controlled separately.

Removable lapel clamp with height adjustment and long pressure clamp are included.

Base unit with strong, adjustable fan and bust, can be turned through 180°.

Controls on a separate stand.

Rotating chest on 8360 model.

Accessories:

Sleeve tensioners.

Sleeve fix, small and large sizes

Cabin. Creates less condensate, no steam escapes during the finishing process

8740 & 8730 Trouser Topper

Veit claims 125 parts per hour output.

Excellent, condensate-free steam provided by integrated steam reheater.

Optimal steam distribution through double steam nozzles.

Adjustable horizontal/vertical tensioning.

Times for steam, steam/air and air can be adjusted separately to give good finishing with all types of materials.

Contact

John Bogart
Böwe Permac
2425 109th Street
Grand Prairie, TX 75050
Web: www.bowegcs.com
Phone: 972-503-1998
or 800-287-0870
Fax: 972-503-3311

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Detergents

A wide range of detergents and other chemicals for wetcleaning are now available. Some products are marketed with wetcleaning machines while others may be purchased from distributors or directly from the manufacturer. The typical chemicals used in wetcleaning include spotting agents, detergents, fabric conditioners and sizing products. Because wetcleaning will handle water and oil based stains differently then dry cleaning, the process of treating stains will require different chemicals and process. Some of these products were originally designed for laundry and hand washing and have been adapted to machine based wetcleaning. Others have been specifically formulated for wetcleaning.

Cleaners particularly concerned with the complete elimination of toxic and hazardous chemicals from the cleaning process may wish to ask for Material Data Safety Sheets (MSDS) from the supplier. These information sheets will provide information on specific chemicals, and risks associated with the use of a product. Some of the chemicals listed here are completely non-toxic while others contain small amounts of hazardous substances.

Professional wetcleaning is most successful when specially formulated detergents and chemicals are used. In the early days of wetcleaning, cleaners had a limited selection of soaps to choose from. As the popularity of wetcleaning has increased, there is now a strong line-up of products available.

Wetcleaning chemicals can be generally classified as:

Spotting agents for wetcleaning are different from spotting agents for drycleaning, and care must be taken not to use drycleaning products that are inappropriate for wetcleaning.

Many companies offer more than one detergent, each tailored to a particular classification of garments

Conditioners are add smoothness and softness to garments. They also coat fibers in a way that helps prevent shrinkage.

Sizing adds body to garments. It improves creases and helps with finishing.

Other products for wetcleaning include water repellents and specialized products for the cleaning of leather and suede.

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Adco

Detergents
Wetcleaning Detergent
Wetcleaning Combo
    Combines detergent, sizing and conditioner into one package.

Conditioner
Wetcleaning Sizing and Conditioner

Contact

Jerry Harlan
Adco
PO Box 999
Sedalia, MO 65302-0999
Web: www.adco-inc.com
Phone: 800-821-7556

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Aqua Clean

Detergent
Aquasafe Detergent

Conditioner
Prefinish Conditioner

Other
Dye Fixer
    Dye fixer inhibits color loss and bleeding.
Suedesoft
    Suedesoft restores the oils and suppleness to leather and suede garments and trim

Contact

Dan Goldman
Aqua Clean Systems, Inc.
469 Doughty Blvd.
PO Box 960338
Inwood, NY 11096-0338
Web: www.wetclean.com
Phone: 516-371-4513
or 800-381-7222

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Aquatex

Detergent
Aquatex Detergent

Sizing
Retex

Conditioner
Aquatex Finish

Leather Cleaning
Leather Det Leather Finish

Contact

Steve Crane
Aquatex
PO Box 1322
Cedar Rapids, IA 52406
Web: www.iowatechniques.com
Phone: 800-727-1592

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Büfa

Spotting Agents
Oldopal Forte Detafix-Set

Detergents
Oldopal Basic
Oldopal L
Oldopal W

Conditioner
Oldopal Prefinish

Other
Terasit + Scotchgard

Contact

John Bogart
Böwe Permac
2425 109th Street
Grand Prairie, TX 75050
Web: www.bowegcs.com
Phone: 972-503-1998
or 800-287-0870

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Colorex

Leather Cleaning
Surfactone Detergent
Surfactone Softener
Surfactone Prespotter
Surfactone Dye Inhibitor

Contact

Yvonne Matsoukas
Colorex Chemical
7115 N. Austin Ave
Niles, IL 60714
Phone: 847-647-0472

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Daewoo

Detergent
Dryten

Contact

CNA, Inc.
1113 Salem Drive
Schaumburg, IL 60194
Phone: 847-885-3600

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Fabritec

Detergents
Gentle Tex
Versa Tex

Conditoner
Condition-it

Contact

Harold Mains
Fabritec
200 Industrial Road
Cold Spring, KY 41076
Web: www.fabritec.com
Phone: 800-543-0406

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Fiber Tech

Detergents
Opticare Opticare AGC
    Lower pH, designed for cleaning wools.

Conditioner
Opticare B

Sizing
Opticare C

Contact

Marion Giammerse
Fiber Tech
Post Office Box 13588
New Orleans, LA 70185-3588
Phone: 504-482-2169

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Gurtler

Spotting Agent
Dis-it

Detergent
Easiclean

Conditioner
Softfab

Sizing
Handle

Contact

William Gurtler
Gurtler Chemicals Inc.
15475 South LaSalle St.
South Holland, IL. 60473
Phone: 708-331-2550
or 800-638-7300

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Kreussler

Prespotters
Lanadol AVANT
Prenett A-B-C

Detergent
Lanadol AKTIV

Conditioner
Lanadol APRET

Contact

Jim Giddings
SA Equipment/Kreussler
201 Eileen Ave
Toronto, ONT M6N 1W3
CANADA
Phone: 416/767-6126
or 888/289-4080
Fax: 416/767-6954

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Kirk’s Suede Life

Leather Cleaning
Pre-spotter
De-Ink
Geep
Leather Bath #1
Leather Bath #2

Contact

Robert Stewart
Kirk’s Suede Life
2501 W. Fulton St.
Chicago, IL 60612
Web: www.ksl-c-g.com
Phone: 800-447-5475

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Laidlaw

Spotting Agent
Laundry Wetspo

Detergent
Powerbrite
Soft ‘N Brite
    For fragile garments

Conditioner
SoftenAll

Sizing
AquaSize

Contact

Tom Beckman
Laidlaw Corp.
6625 North Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85250
Web: www.laidlawcorp.com
Phone: 800-528-8295

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Pariser

Spotting Agent
Spot Shot

Detergent
Wet-Dette
Ultra

Conditioner
Hydrocon

Other
Luxol

Contact

Jack Miller
Pariser Industries
30 Galesi Drive
Wayne, NJ 07470-4829
Phone: 201-890-5700

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R.R. Street

Spotting Agents
AquaSolv
Universal Pre-Treatment

Detergent
Hydrocare Detergent

Conditioner
Fabric Conditioner

Sizing
Retexturizing Finish

Other
Ready-Strip

Contact

Andrea Lovelady
R.R. Street & Co.
184 Shuman Boulevard
Naperville, IL 60563-8464
Web: www.4streets.com
Phone: 630-416-4244

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Royaltone

Spotting Agents
Spot Plus
Magic Kit
Soft Set

Detergent
Soft Wash

Conditioner
Soft Feel

Sizing
Soft Size

Other
Magic Kote Repellent

Leather Cleaning
Prosuede Leather Magic Spot Magic
Ink Magic Leather Fix Leather Soft
Leather Size Leather Seel

Contact

Frank Lucenta
Royaltone
PO Box 35949
Tulsa, OK 74153
Phone: 800-331-5506

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Sanitone

Detergents
Elegant Care
Casual Care

Conditoner
Revitalize

Contact

Harold Mains
Fabritec
200 Industrial Road
Cold Spring, KY 41076
Web: www.fabritec.com
Phone: 606-781-8200
or 800-543-0406

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Seitz

Spotting Agents
Superspot
Prespot Maxx

Detergents
P1
Megal
Main S
Color

Conditioners
Top Size
F+Size

Contact

John Phillips
Seitz
3105 W. Waters Ave
Suite 214
Tampa, FL 33614
Web: www.seitz-gmbh.de/englisch/seitz.htm
Phone: 813-930-6119

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Stamford

Spotting Agent
Laundry pre-spotter

Detergents
DLD
Wetcleen

Conditioner
Conditioner

Contact

Harold Mains
Stamford
200 Industrial Road
Cold Spring, KY 41076
Web: www.fabritec.com
Phone: 606-781-8200
or 800-543-0406

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