PROOFING OF RAINCOATS

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29102, 14 January 1960, Page 2

PROOFING OF RAINCOATS

Success Of New Formula The question most often asked by people buying a raincoat is: “What do I do when it gets dirty?” Until recently all raincoats had to be reproofed after each dry cleaning, says the London correspondent of “The Press.’ The problem facing British chemists was to find a formula for a weatherproofing with which fabrics could be impregnated and which would not be removed by dry cleaning agents. Many chemicals were tested. Aqua Five, the fifth version, was successful beyond highest original hopes. In tests carried out at the laboratories of the Retail Trading Standards Association at Henley, the fabric was submitted to the stringent international Bundesmann test. They drenched it with water equal to three inches of rain, and that is only slightly less than Britain’s average rainfall for a month. There was no penetration of the fabric. The same cloth was dry cleaned five times and still withstood all penetration. They gave it an exhaustive wear and tear test which it withstood without any loss of its waterproof properties. In America, the Better Fabrics Testing Bureau submitted the material to six dry cleanings and still there was “nil penetration.” As a result Aqua Five was given the first “heavy rain resistant” award.

Another coat was sent to a garage with the request: “Let one of your mechanics wear it at his v ork for a month.” It was returned stained with thick grease and dirt marks.' After dry cleaning, it came back with all its proofing qualities undiminished.

Cleaning Hands.— lf gardening or housework stains have become ingrained in your hands, put a teaspoon of sugar in the palms and moisten with water. Rub well and your hands should become clean and smooth.