Sometimes
stains that have been hidden by soil are revealed after cleaning. These
stains, which did not immediately cause discoloration, are often from
spilled liquid containing colorless sugar that remained on the fibers.
After long exposure to the air, they changed to insoluble brown stains.
The stains may look like brownish discolorations but often they remain
unnoticed because of the accumulated soil covering them. Some food and
drink stains may inevitably turn even darker from the necessary drying
action after a thorough cleaning.
Other kinds of stains can be caused
by water soaking through and dissolving materials that cause browning,
or dissolving fugitive dyes from the back of the carpet, rug, or
upholstery. Because the fibers act as wicks, moisture will rise to the
surface to evaporate, and discoloration will be left. Consumers who try
to remove stains by using the wrong cleaning compounds (see below) and
procedures (see below) may only make the stained areas more noticeable.
Professional cleaners use specialty cleaning and stain removal
treatments to improve the appearance of forgotten drink spills ~ cola,
coffee, tea, alcoholic beverages, soda and others. Even with the best
treatments, some colored residue or caramelized sugar stain resulting
from the prior spillage many remain.
To lessen the possibility of stain damage, immediate action should be
taken; thoroughly absorb all moisture and, when possible, put a
half-inch thickness of clean, white, absorbent material, such as paper
or cloth toweling, over the area and weight it down. Keep replacing with
fresh absorbent material and repeat as needed. Then call your
professional cleaning expert to learn how to remove the spot safely
before it becomes a permanent stain.
[Words of caution: some over the counter spot lifters,
cleaners and disinfectants may cause discoloration of carpet or textile
furnishings. MAXIM recommends Home Pro Spotter, a pH balanced
spot lifter that is gentle enough for the vast majority of carpets and
upholstery. Contact MAXIM to obtain this product. As with any
agent, it is important to pre-test on an inconspicuous area for 30 to 60
minutes to observe for color transfer, discoloration or other problems.
Additionally, portable, in-home carpet and upholstery cleaners and
rental units have increased in popularity. Whereas these are typically
fine products one must remember they cannot replace the education,
experience, technology AND extraction power of specially trained
professional cleaning experts. Routine carpet cleaning or upholstery
cleaning by a professional is recommended about every 12 to 18 months.
Many carpets and textiles with soil protection warranties actually
require professional cleaning within such a time frame to keep a
warranty valid. It is always best to check any materials,
recommendations and requirements received when you purchased your carpet
or furnishings.
