It’s important to colorfast test carpets and rugs to prevent color changes in carpets and rugs. Color changes can be caused by many different factors even in stain resistant carpets and rugs.
Instructions for testing carpet or rugs for colorfastness.
In an inconspicuous area, use a paper towel or cloth wet with the cleaning agent you are planning to use on the carpet or rug stain. Blot the spot and check to see if any color from the carpet or rug transfers onto the paper towel or cloth. If you see color transfer, this carpet or rug is not colorfast using that product.
If it does not transfer or bleed, proceed testing in another inconspicuous area, this time letting the product soak a minute or two. Again blot with the paper towel or rag. If you see color transfer, STOP. This means the carpet or rug is not colorfast. Colorfast testing is important even if you’re just planning on using water to clean up a stain.
Colorfastness and Pet Stains
Animal urine and vomit both weaken the dyes in carpet and rug fibers that otherwise might be colorfast. When we are sending our technicians out for rug or carpet cleaning Raleigh NC area homes, it is this type of stain they find that causes irreversible color bleeding or color loss. Contact our Raleigh rug cleaning office immediately if this happens. Unfortunately most urine stains are permanent after drying. Some get lighter after professional cleaning, but many do not. Treating immediately is the most important thing you can do. Visit our blog post “Pet Stains & Odor” to find out how to safely and successfully treat these stains.
Bleach
Household bleaches or products containing bleach can and will take the color out of carpet and rug fibers no matter what you do. In some cases this can be corrected or patched. It depends on the extent of the damage and can only be corrected by professionals.
Fading
Color loss or change caused by the sun is known as fading. Unfortunately this is not correctable. To avoid this color loss or change, protect your carpets and rugs from direct sunlight.
Pesticides
Treating carpets and rugs with pesticides can also result in color loss or change. If done on a large scale, this may not be repairable. Avoid using pesticides directly on carpets and rugs.
Feel free to contact Ace Rug Cleaning, Raleigh, NC with any questions or concerns you might have. We’ve seen it all. 919-832-2275.
