Help! Kilt pin discolored kilt

[Zardoz]

I broke in my new SWK wool Saffron kilt today, and when I got home I noticed that everywhere my kilt pin touched the wool is stained black! It's one of those sword / clan-crest type pins, (actually a harp one from USA Kilts) I assume pewter.

Anyone have any ideas on how to touch this up without a trip to the drycleaners? :confused:

[cavscout]

I've used Carborator Cleaner on some clothing (not a kilt) to remove small smudges. It's very similar to the stuff dry cleaners use. Of course, anything you try, check for color fastness in a hidden spot before trying it on the apron.

[Nanook]

I've used Carborator Cleaner

Yikes! No.. nasty stuff that often contains among other things Toluene and Xylene alongside the Perchloroethylene (the stuff that used to be used in dry cleaning) and Ethylbenzene. If that's not enough the "cleaners" also contain substances that can not just ruin dyes or hurt wool but also stain cloth. For cleaning solvents I tend to keep to peroxides and white spirits but I don't think they are the stuff to use here.

I'd start off with a weak solution of citric acid (a tablespoon in 500ml of water), max 10% acetic acid or some vinegar concentrate (not Balsamico but the cheap white stuff). Test, of course, first.. citric acid on fabrics is not completely without side effects.

[Mike n NC]

A trick from the old Navy...Get hold of some plain, white toothpaste and a toothbrush. Give it a good scrubbing, rinse in cold water and let dry. It used to work great on my whites.

Mike

[Blu (Ontario)]

... everywhere my kilt pin touched the wool is stained black!

It almost sounds as though something in the kilt is oxidizing the metal which is then rubbing off onto the fabric. Before using that kiltpin again, I would be seriously tempted to spray it with a couple of coats of clear laquer and let it dry thoroughly.

...Anyone have any ideas on how to touch this up without a trip to the drycleaners? :confused:

I would start with non-waterbase solvents first using as many tissues as necessary to blot away the stain. Lighter fluid is very pure and has removed some stain from my wool kilts without problems. Isopropanol might be another possibilty. Avoid rubbing at the stain as that will spread it into a wider area. I also would test a small area somewhere it can't be seen.

If you manage to find a successful agent, be sure to post and let us know how you did it.!

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