All carpet care professionals have had customers who have stubborn stains in their carpet. New or old, the stains are hardy and getting rid of them is certainly a chore. They are much like B.C. winters – they are coming, and you cannot do much about it.
The desire to keep a home or business clean at all times is important. As one of the leading commercial carpet care groups in British Columbia, we understand the wince you have when wine, soda or a pet makes a stain on the carpet.
Why do carpets accept stains so easily? Why are some easier to get out than others? It all boils down to chemistry.
CARPET CHEMISTRY 101
Carpet is made from a man made fibre called olefin or polypropylene. There is the off chance the carpet is made from another fibre, but it is 99 percent olefin.
Olefin is a very durable material, and it will withstand quite a bit of regular daily abuse. It is when something more traumatic happens, such as a glass of red or a puppy accident, the fibres show some abuse.
DYE
All carpet is coloured with dye. The dye site is where the colour sits on the carpet. The problem with dyes and liquids that stain is a matter of attraction. Dyes have a negative charge, and liquids often have a positive charge. The two bond when they meet.
THE CLEANING ELEMENT
The commercial three step cleaning process: hot water, clean and agitate, break the bond of the two colours and take away the foreign colour. As the carpet dries, the colour returns. Dye sites will eventually tighten their bonds beyond repair. This is when the stain “sets” in the carpet and is permanent.
FIRST AID
Quick action is always the best solution. Clean the spot with soapy water and blot dry. This will hold you over until a professional can come and take over. It may be a particularly stubborn stain, but we at Expert Carpet Care may be able to help you remove the stain completely. Call us as soon as you find a stain you cannot get out.