Yellowing of carpet fiber is often perplexing to the consumer and the carpet
professional alike. Consumers often insist yellowing is a result of a
manufacturing defect and the carpet professional has a difficult time convincing
the consumer otherwise. Yellowing of carpet fiber has become more commonplace
in recent years due to the development of stain resist technology. Consumers
are now able to purchase lighter shades of carpet with less worries about the
cleanability of the fiber. These new, lighter colors hide yellowing less than
the darker colors of the past.
Identifying the source of the yellowing can sometimes be elusive. There are a
number of causes for yellowing of synthetic carpet fiber. Yellowing can be the
result of one isolated source or a combination of sources.
While permanently eliminating the reoccurrence of yellowing can be difficult
without identifying the source, a temporary solution can usually be achieved by
applying an approved acid-rinse solution to the face fiber. An acetic acid
solution or a citric acid solution should be used by a carpet cleaning
professional to remove any yellow discoloration. A ten (10%) percent
pharmaceutical grade citric acid solution often works well due to the residual
benefits of the citric acid solution. In some cases, the consumer may use a
solution of one cup water mixed with one cup white vinegar to neutralize small
areas of discoloration. Any other consumer application should be discouraged.
The application of any detergent solution should also be discouraged since some
types of yellowing can be permanently "set" by the high alkalinities of many
detergent solutions.
Possible Causes of Yellowing
BHT (butylated hydroxy toluene) or BHA (butylated
hydroxy anisole) is probably the most
commonly recognized yellowing situation and probably the most over-blamed. BHT
serves as an ultrviolet inhibitor and an antioxidant. It was used through the
years as a preservative in polypropylene yarn systems, carpet adhesives, some
latex formulations, various backings and backcoatings, and many other consumer
products. BHT is considered non toxic and is even contained in many food
items.
latex yellowing olefin surfactants and other spin finish
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