Your textile furnishing was treated to expert, professional care during its recent cleaning. An extra effort was made to treat all stains before and/or after cleaning. Even with the best of cleaning and spot removal efforts, however, certain stains may not have come out completely. These tenacious stains were absorbed by the fibres, just like a dye, and have permanently discoloured or recoloured the fibres in the stained area. It is also possible that the prior spillage or stain produced a damaging chemical change to the fibre and its original dyed colour. Such colour changes are usually permanent and cannot be reversed or returned to their original colour.
Some common causes of permanent stains on textile furnishings are discussed below. Many common spills will permanently stain certain fibres and affect dyes. Pet urine stains are a quite common occurrence and can lead to permanent discolouration. This discolouration may be visible before cleaning, or it may become evident during or after the cleaning process. Spills of coffee, tea, cola, and other drinks can also cause permanent stains, especially on wool, some nylons, cotton, and silk. Even “stain resistant” nylon carpets can be permanently stained by hot coffee, hot tea, and other common foods, bleach, household chemicals, or medicines.
Many over-the-counter acne creams and medications may cause lightening or colour changes on textile furnishings. However, these changes may appear during or after cleaning. The primary cause of these discolourations is the presence of benzoyl peroxide (a bleach). Benzoyl peroxide is a powerful colour remover, but it often does not become fully activated until the moisture in the textile (usually carpet) is increased, usually during cleaning or humid weather.
There are numerous other household chemicals that may produce stains, such as some pesticides, ammonia, strong cleaners, chlorine bleach or peroxides, chlorine from pool or spa water, furniture scratch remover, shoe dye, chemical preservatives, cosmetics, and many more. Your professional cleaner has attempted to identify the source of any residual stains or discolourations and has treated them accordingly. Unfortunately, not all stains can or will come out, even with the best professional stain removal and/or cleaning methods.
An additional service offered by some cleaners is spot dyeing of discoloured areas. This may provide a closer colour match to the surrounding, unstained areas, but it is only possible on some textiles. Stronger stain removal treatments may also be possible, but with these come the added risk of further colour change or colour loss. Many cleaners avoid these specialty procedures because of the difficulties and risks involved. Some cleaners will undertake these measures in selected cases, with the permission and signed damage release from the customer, for an additional service charge.
To lessen the possibility of staining, immediate action should be taken when any spillage or accident occurs. Blot up all liquid or scrape up as much of the spilled substance as possible. Then, put a thick layer (1-2 cm) of clean, white absorbent material or towelling over the area and weigh it down with a large book or suitable weight. Replace the absorbent material often to absorb as much of the spill as possible until no more stain removal is evident. Then call your local ASE cleaner to learn how to safely treat the area before it becomes a permanent stain.
The skilled professional technicians who are affiliated with ASE can give your textile furnishing the best cleaning and stain care possible.
