Sometimes stains that have been hidden by soil are revealed after cleaning. These stains, which did not immediately cause discolouration, are often from spilled liquid containing colourless sugar that remained on the fibres. After long exposure to the air, these sugars oxidise and change into insoluble brown stains.
The stains may look like brownish discolourations but often remain unnoticed because of the accumulated soil covering them. Some food and drink stains may inevitably turn even darker due to the necessary drying action after a thorough cleaning.
Other kinds of stains can occur when water soaks through and dissolves materials that cause browning or fugitive dyes from the back of the carpet, rug, or upholstery. As the fibres act as wicks, moisture rises to the surface to evaporate, leaving behind discolouration.
Consumers who attempt to remove stains using incorrect cleaning compounds and procedures may inadvertently make the stained areas more noticeable. Professional cleaners use specialty cleaning and stain removal treatments to improve the appearance of forgotten drink spills. However, even with the best treatments, some coloured residue or caramelised sugar stain resulting from the prior spillage may remain.
To lessen the possibility of stain damage, immediate action should be taken. Thoroughly absorb all moisture and, when possible, place a half-inch thickness of clean, white, absorbent material (such as paper or cloth towelling) over the area and weigh it down. Replace with fresh absorbent material and repeat as needed.
Then, contact your professional ASE cleaner to learn how to safely remove the spot before it becomes a permanent stain.
