In response to Nechama Berg's recent stain-removal series,
she received this FAX from a professional cleaner, Mr. Steve
Rappaport, from the Bar Gerson Company. He advises the
following:
Scotchgard Protector
The Scotchgard Protector was a 3M invention back in the early
fifties. Technically, Scotchgard Protector is a man-made
substance called a fluorochemical textile treatment and its
secret is that it's incompatible with oil and water. It has
been improved over the years, and, in addition to repelling
most stains, it has outstanding durability and exceptional
soil resistance. Millions of homemakers are pleased today
that they decided upon Scotchgard Protector. Their
furnishings are proof positive that this finish is durable
and effective.
It resists oil and water stains, looks newer longer, cleans
more easily, saves time and money, and provides peace of
mind. Scotchgarded fabrics are also ultraviolet fade
resistant.
With proper care and under normal use conditions, Scotchgard
Protector will remain effective for quite a long time. Just
how long? Mr. Rappaport, with his many years of experiene
with this process, will be happy to consult with you. His
number: 02-5341-213.
What About Silicone Sprays?
Whatever you do, don't let anyone sell you a spray-on
silicone `protector' either at the time of purchase or when
professionally cleaned, for the following very good
reasons:
1. Silicone protects against water and water-based stains,
but it does nothing to protect against oil-based stains like
butter, spaghetti sauce, salad dressings, grease, etc.
2. Most silicones attract dirt and can actually cause fabrics
and fibers to soil faster than if they were untreated.
How Does One Care for Scotchgarded Furniture?
1. Vacuum or brush away loose dirt before it becomes embedded
in the fabric.
2. Clean up spills and stains right away. The longer soil and
stains are allowed to remain, the more difficult they are to
remove.
The Scotchgard Protector Treatment causes oily or water
liquids to bead up on the fabric. Blot stains or spills
quickly with an absorbent cloth, facial tissue or sponge. Be
careful not to rub the stain deeper into the fabric if the
spill is solid or semi-solid (like butter or ketchup etc.);
remove the excess by gently lifting it with a dull knife.
If you have any other questions, feel free to contact Mr.
Rappaport.
Postscript
Some while back, the HOME & FAMILY section presented excerpts
from the very moving story of Batsheva Wittow o.b.m.
translated from the original, Eineni Shona. The
English translation of this book is being launched these
days, but meeting R' Asa recently, I was told the real
version of that translated vignette, which is much more
dramatic than the `original' Hebrew one.
As you may recall, at the age of four, Batsheva, born with
defective kidneys, was taken to a Hadassa Hospital specialist
for an evaluation of her physical, mental and motor
development. The doctor asked her to do all kinds of
activities, and she complied, without a word. She seemed up
to par in most areas, despite her diminutive size, but he
couldn't get a peep out of her. He coaxed her, made funny
faces, took off his white coat and even got down on hands and
knees, but she remained mute.
Asa and Hannah kept begging Shevi to `show her stuff,' to
prove that she could communicate, and very intelligently, but
she persisted in refusing, and the doctor, losing his
patience, wrote down his verdict in her file.
A heavy atmosphere of dejected silence pervaded the car as
they drove home. Finally, Asa couldn't take it any more, and
pulled the car over to the side and turned around. "Why did
you refuse to speak to the doctor, Shevi?" he asked his
daughter.
"Because he wasn't wearing a kipa!" she replied very
naturally.
And the POSTSCRIPT: Asa conveyed this to the doctor through a
neighbor who worked in that clinic, hoping perhaps for
another appointment. The doctor's reaction was, "I [with a
very capital letter] should put on a kipa for that
kid?"
To remove his white coat - he was willing, notes R' Asa. To
go down on all fours - he was willing. But to put on a
kipa - that was beyond the call of duty...
