Anti-Browning Solution for Carpets

Carpet browning or yellowing is common and we get asked the question all the time: 

“Why are there brown spots on my carpet after cleaning?”

We will be reviewing what are some potential causes for your carpet gaining brown spots and how to solve each one.

Carpet Wicking is the Culprit For Reoccurring Brown Spots

Carpet Browning is a directly related to the process of wicking. Wicking is when the carpet gets wet from cleaning, and the deeper parts of the carpet fibers absorb all that excess moisture. The deeper parts of the fiber then push that moisture upward through evaporation to the surface of the carpet, and this causes the browning of your home’s carpet.

Think of a candle, when you light a candle, the flame goes down the wick and then goes out; the carpet does a reverse wicking, the moisture is pushed up the fiber strains and reappears as a recurring carpet stain.

Browning Treatment For Carpets Caused By Wicking

If you have tried to clean this carpet stain continuously, only to see the same stain coming back, then the cleaning method you are using is probably the reason this is happening. The solution is to ensure proper drying of the carpet after the cleaning agents are cleaned off.

To guarantee complete moisture elimination, place a stack of absorbent paper towels on top of the wet spot, and put a heavy item on the paper towels to weigh them down into the carpet. Leave the towels and the heavy object to do their work for at least 24 hours. You can also remove any excess moisture using a wet vacuum. 

After 24 hours, use baking soda over the stain. The baking soda will absorb any lingering moisture that can resurface, and it also acts as a deodorizer for your carpet.

Wait approximately two to three hours, and vacuum the area of the baking soda.

The problem of wicking is the most common culprit for carpet browning.

Jute Backing – Cellulosic Browning 

Cellulosic browning may cause the brown discoloration of a carpet or rug after cleaning. Cellulose carpet fibers in jute carpet are susceptible to discoloration when exposed to moisture, come cleaning chemicals, and slow drying. Aging jute fibers can produce brown or reddish colorants, which wick to the carpet surface after cleaning.

If your carpet is made from natural fibers, it is best to contact a professional cleaning company because the water stain will cause a process known as cellulose browning and it cannot be removed using normal cleaning methods. Browning happens more often with wool, sisal or cotton carpets, or when the carpet is old enough for advanced cellulosic fiber degradation to occur.

Call COIT for the Best Carpet Cleaning Solutions