Solutions for Problem Areas of Carpeted Floors

 

FILTRATION MARKS

Description

Dark line around room perimeter, stair edges, under doorways,drapery, window coverings.

Cause
The effect of doors and windows opening, elevator movement, furnace starting etc. that cause changes in room air pressure. Air is forced into wall cavities or under doors filtering airborne particulate through the carpet fibers.

Solution
Permanent solution is to seal the walls or floor. Filtration lines are very difficult to clean and can quickly return if the area is not sealed. Interim solution is to spot-clean the problem areas.

CELLULOSIC BROWNING

Description
Spotty brownish appearance in parts of the carpet.

 

Cause
Carpet has been over-wet causing vegetable dye that is present in jute backing to wick to the surface.

Solution
Acid rinse the carpet or topically spray a souring agent.

SOIL WICKING

Description
Brownish to yellowish discoloration of the carpet or a yellowish color on the tips of the fibers.

Cause
The moisture in the cleaned carpet pulls residual soil up to the tips of the fibers. Usually occurs in a heavily soil-compacted area or in an area that has taken an extended period of time to dry.

Solution
Bonnet clean or extract with a carpet neutralizing rinse and immediately place a a high velocity air move r to dry the carpet.

 

HIGH pH

Description
Yellowish to brownish discoloration on the carpet

Cause
Caused by alkaline residue build-up from cleaning chemicals, improper rinsing of the fibers or ice melting compounds.

Solution
Test to determine the pH of the carpet. Select an acidic rinse with opposite acidic value to balance the pH at 7.

TRAFFIC LANES DISCOLORATION

Description
Dark areas or graying in areas which receive the highest level of foot traffic.

Cause
Scratches and abrasions to the fiber (level loop) matting, flaring or tip compression (cut pile).

Solution
This is not reversible and is not a warranty item.

OPTICAL BRIGHTENERS

Description
Gradually evolving yellow discoloration. Carpet slowly losing its color to a yellowish tinge. Ionic optical brighteners are agents used to convert invisible ultraviolet light to visible light, which increases apparent brightness.

Cause
Ionic optical brighteners found in some cleaning compounds applied to the carpet

Solution
Avoid use of ionic optical brighteners. Not possible to reverse once damage is done.

ASPHALT YELLOWING

Description
Yellowing of carpet in traffic areas around entrances and exits especially from parking or street areas.

Cause
Caused by asphalt sealers, tar, or oil. Particularly frequent during hot seasons, fresh coatings, or from asphalt being dissolved by coolants, gasoline, or similar solvents.

Solution
Very difficult to remove. Use entrance mats to reduce problem. Solvent-based cleaner to remove from the carpet.

WATER STAINS

Description
Shows as a lighter area on the carpet surrounded by a darker ring.

Casuse
Occurs when liquid is spilled on the carpet. The spill pushes the contaminants that are present in the carpet to the edge of spill where they dry.

Solution
Extract or bonnet clean with a mild acidic solution.

SHADING, POOLING & CARPET NAP REVERSAL

Description
Carpet appears to have different colored sections. Sometimes looks like a waterline.

Cause
Fibers in cut pile carpet lie in different directions usually as a result of an installation defect.

Solution
This is not reversible. Carpet producers do not warranty this.

REFLECTION & SHADOWS

Description
Carpet has light or dark spots in random locations.

Cause
Light reflections from a non-obvious light source (e.g. pinholes in draperies, reflection from shiny objects, shiny kick plates in elevators and corners in buildings.)

Solution
Change light or reflective sources.

WEAR

Description
Carpet looks worn or old.

Cause
Reduction in the amount of fiber on the face of the carpet.

Solution
Replace carpet.