Most modern spotting tables are equipped with a high pressure water spray, which will safely remove 90% of the stains that remain after drycleaning, provided they are of manageable size. This includes stains on pure silks and most delicate fabrics.
The other 10% can often be safely treated with pure chemical reagents (a 5% solution of ammonia or 10% acetic acid, for example).
The industry has largely replaced pure chemical reagents with kit spotters, most of which can be used to pre-spot stains before garments are drycleaned. These contain detergents/emulsifying agents that allow them to flush out soiling in the drycleaning machine. If these chemicals are used for post spotting non-volatile components can collect on the exterior of the equipment. When these compounds are flushed out of the fabric with the water spray or the steam gun, they build up inside the narrow end of the table. They accumulate dirt, which is often responsible for the marks that can develop when using the water spray or steam gun on white or light coloured fabrics.
Pure chemicals will not cause this build up of greasy deposits so it will be easier to keep equipment clean. I believe that pure reagents are at least as safe as kit spotters, if not safer. They flush out easily and do not leave residues, which are often responsible for the sweals that can develop during stain removal.
Pure chemicals are cost effective and can often be obtained through a local chemist or hardware store.
