Daer David,
if your co-worker has followed the most frequently received suggestions, her
favorite dress is definitely spoiled!
Slug slime is most reasonably a proteic substance.
Bleach (sodium hypochlorite in basic solution, i.e. chlorine in strong
sodium hydroxide or soda lime) will destroy it, as well as tissue fibers and
colours,  even when diluted.
Strong acids, like hydrochloric acid, even when diluted can damage the
fibers, depending on their nature.
Softer acetic acid will be ineffectwe in the better instance; most probably,
it will worsen the result, because its action will denaturate the protein,
practically making it insoluble. The last effect can also result from action
of weakly basic substances, like those contained in  regular detergents and
hand soap: this can explain the "patch like acrylic".
Stronger bases, like sodium carbonate, can perhaps break some chemical bonds
in the proteic substance, making it better soluble (try ethanol or
isopropanol); however, they can damage some kind of fiber.
Sodium bicarbonate does harm neither fibers, nor proteins. Keep it to
neutralize stomach acidity.
The election agent to remove protein stains is pepsine, an enzyme that
specifically attacks proteic substance. It acts better at moderately acid
pH. It is very selective; generally, it shoud not affect non-proteic
substances, like colorants and most tissues. I presume that it can also used
with protein-related fibers, like wool and some synthetics, only avoiding
long contact times. A good drugstore should  possibly provide suitable,
ready for use pepsin-containing products, buffered at the optimum action pH.
Good luck.
Carlo


----- Original Message -----
From: "David Kirsh" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, November 20, 2008 12:04 AM
Subject: cure for slug slime


> Listers,
>
> A co-worker of mine accidentally sat on a slug. Unfortunately, she was
> wearing a favorite dress. She's washed it with regular detergent and with
> hand soap. The dress still has a patch on it that's like acrylic.
>
> I assured her that with all the varied expertise of our worldwide
> subscribers, we would be able to solve her problem.
>
> David Kirsh
> Durham, NC
>
> "We can safely abandon the doctrine of the eighties, namely that the rich
> were not working because they had too little money, the poor because they
> had much."--J.K. Galbraith
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> [log in to unmask] - a forum for informal discussions on molluscs
> To leave this list, click on the following web link:
> http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=conch-l&A=1
> Type your email address and name in the appropriate box and
> click leave the list.
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------
[log in to unmask] - a forum for informal discussions on molluscs
To leave this list, click on the following web link:
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=conch-l&A=1
Type your email address and name in the appropriate box and
click leave the list.
----------------------------------------------------------------------