A number of unusual carpet stains occur such as yellowing,
optical brighteners, color fading, color loss, bleach, bleaching agents, redye, toilet bowl cleaners, insecticides, plant foods, drain cleaner, laundry detergents, and pet urine
Unusual Spots and Stains
Carpet yellowing - Most yellowing can be eradicated using an acid solution. Acetic acid (white vinegar), citric acid, or tartaric acid can be effective in eliminating some yellowing complaints. A solution of one part white vinegar and one part water is recommended for consumer use.
SEE ALSO CARPET YELLOWING
Optical
brighteners -
Select a spot removal (carpet stain removal) solution that does not contain
optical brighteners.Optical
brighteners are actually fluorescent dyes that brighten the color of the
fiber. However, ultraviolet light from the sun may cause these dyes to
exhibit a lavender cast in areas where the solution has been used.These dyes can eventually oxidize causing a yellow discolorationor color fading of the fiber. (See photo at right)
Optical
brighteners - Select a spot removal (carpet stain removal) solution that
does not contain optical brighteners. Optical brighteners are actually
fluorescent dyes that brighten the color of the fiber.
However, ultraviolet light from the sun may cause these dyes to exhibit a
lavender cast in areas where the solution has been used. These dyes can
eventually oxidize causing a yellow discoloration or color fading of the fiber.
(See photo at right)
Bleaching agents - Many household cleaning products contain
bleaching agents that attack the dyes in most residential carpet. Care should be
used in selecting a home
carpet cleaning product for use as a spot remover on carpet fibers.
Bleaches actually destroy the dye leaving a white or yellow discoloration. In
large areas of damage, it may be necessary to remove the area of damaged carpet
and reinsert an undamaged portion of carpet taken from an inconspicuous area.
Some carpet cleaners have the knowledge to re-dye these damaged areas.
Acids - Some toilet bowl cleaners contain hydrochloric acid
that dissolves carpet fibers, as well as coloring agents that can dye carpet
fibers. Tile grout cleaners contain phosphoric acid and can damage carpet
fibers and dyes. Most acids should be neutralized with an alkaline rinse
solution.
Acne medications - One of the most common chemical stains
that can occur in the home is caused by benzoyl peroxide used in most acne
medications. Benzoyl peroxide is a very strong oxidizing agent capable of
destroying most dyestuffs used on carpet. Because of the slow reaction time,
this chemical is classified as a latent intruder. In many cases the chemical
will remain on the carpet fibers for months before activation by moisture or
humidity. Benzoyl peroxide can be transferred through direct contact of the
skin or through the shedding of skin scales containing benzoyl peroxide. As the
chemical reaction continues, the center of the affected area may be bleached
white with a pink or orange halo around the outer edges of the affected area.
Filtration Soiling - One of the most common carpet stain questions, soiling around the out edges of carpet and along the walls, isn't actually a stain at all. This soiling or graying is actually the deposition of soil created by the heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC system. For a detailed description of this soiling visit our page,
Filtration Soiling.
Insecticides - Many insecticides approved for indoor use can cause color changes in carpet. Insecticides should never be applied directly to carpet fiber unless specified. Most chemicals should be applied to walls and baseboards only. Many insecticides that are recommended for use on carpet may damage
carpet color. Some insecticides may attack the red dyes used in beige carpet. This leaves the blue and yellow dyes, which together form green colorations.
Plant foods
- Many plant foods contain oxidizing agents that attack dyestuffs leaving green, yellow, or brown discolorations. These stains typically occur near the backing material and migrate upward.
Strong alkalis - Any chemical with high alkalinity can cause permanent damage to carpet fiber. Some
carpet cleaning solutions with high alkalinity such as laundry detergents may cause yellowing (see yellowing). Stronger alkalis such as drain cleaners and oven cleaners may cause permanent bleaching.
Pet urine - Pet urine stains and the resulting odor is the most common consumer carpet inquiry. Stains may appear yellow or brown and odors may linger long after the stain has been removed. Not all urine stains can be easily removed. The most effective treatment is the
Fabrisan/Odosolv Spot Lifter.
Mildew Removers - Most
products that make a kill claim or suggest they kill mold and mildew provide a
potential for causing permanent carpet discoloration. Many of these
products contain oxidizing bleachesthat can permanently remove carpet color.
Shampoos - many colored
hair shampoos (especially blue and green dandruff shampoos) may add color to
your carpet and cause a discolored area.
Toilet Bowl Cleaners -
The tidy bowl guy sometimes finds his way out of the toilet bowl and onto
surrounding carpeted surfaces. These blue cleaners can sometimes
permanently discolor carpet. Sometimes the spill can be removed if
persistence is exercised while the spill remains wet, but once the spill dries,
the spill may require a professional. The professional may use a reducing
bleach solution, but there are never any guarantees.
Acne medications - Many
acne medications contain benzoyl peroxide an oxidizer. In inspecting acne
medication complaints, I have rarely seen a consumer that would admit that their
teenager cause the problem. In some case, I have found perfect handprints.
These medications do not rinse freely and can be left on the hands of the
teenager (or adult). Once the oxidizer is applied to the carpet, it may
take months to appear. The oxidizer gradually removes moisture from the
air and color slowly fades. The center of these spots may be devoid of
color while the edges my have a pinkish halo.
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fluorescent dyes that brighten the color of the
fiber. However, ultraviolet light from the sun may cause these dyes to
exhibit a lavender cast in areas where the solution has been used.
