Correcting Browning & Yellowing

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Definition of Browning

Most browning will occur in older carpets. The factors that cause browning are not as prevalent in new carpeting, and the cellulosic materials have not had the time and abuse that will begin to break them down. Browning might also be described as colour change. There are many factors that cause colour change on carpet after cleaning. The Four main factors that contribute to browning are:

  1. Over wetting (technician error)
  2. High Alkalinity
  3. Cellulosic fibres (true cellulosic browning)
  4. Extended drying time.

Prevention

Carpets that are constructed of cellulosic fibres such as cotton and acrylics, as well as light coloured wools should be cleaned with neutral chemicals and have the pH left neutral through the use of an acidic rinse. In flooded or very damp situations, moisture coming up from the damp floor can create browning and make that which is present more difficult to remove. It is important to know the cause of the browning.

Correction

When browning or discolouration occurs, the correction maybe very simple or quite difficult. The methods of removal are listed with the simple solutions first. Moving to the more complete solutions. Start with Browning Removal Method No.1 and move down the list until you get a satisfactory result.

Browning Removal Method No.1 

  1. Dilute 350ml of Acidic Rinse per 4litres of hot water,
  2. Spray the solution directly onto the carpet /upholstery,
  3. Work solution in with a grandi groom (carpet) or horse hair brush (upholstery).

Browning Removal Method No.2

  1. To each 4 litres of hot water add 200grms of Citric Acid and 250ml of acidic rinse,
  2. Spray the solution directly onto the carpet /upholstery, 
  3. Work solution in with a grandi groom (carpet) or horse hair brush (upholstery),
  4. Allow 5mins dwell time,
  5. In difficult cases bonnet buff (carpet) or wipe over with clean white toweling cloth (upholstery) or dry extract to remove residual colour.

Browning Removal Method No.3

  1. To each 4 litres of hot water add 30grms Bridgepoint BoostAll (allow to dissolve), 60grms Bridgepoint BuffAll, and 60ml Bridgepoint Fabric Shampoo,
  2. Spray the solution directly onto the carpet /upholstery,
  3. Work solution in with a grandi groom (carpet) or horse hair brush (upholstery),
  4. Allow 5mins dwell time,
  5. In difficult cases bonnet buff (carpet) or wipe over with clean white towelltoweling (upholstery) or dry extract to remove residual colour.