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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...

 

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