Advanced Spotting Guide
Advanced Stain & Dye Removal Guide
The following are procedures used to remove dye stains from carpet. Serious side effectsare possible. Proceed slow and stop when the process fails to show an improvement.
Dye / Color Removal (Kool-Aid or Artificial Colors)
Carpets dyed in the mill have a very stable dye. This is necessary to prevent color from being removed during use. When something is spilled, the dye is not as stable as the carpet's dye. Therefore, during the color removal process the undesired color should be removed first. Once the stain is removed or the carpet begins to lose its natural color, the process should be stopped.
Apply a solution made of 50% ammonia and 50% water to the unwanted dye. This area should be damp, not saturated. Dampen a white terry cloth towel with the same solution. The process is trying to generate steam, therefore, it is important the towel stays damp. Place the towel over the affected area. With an iron on the highest setting, place it on the towel. Hold for about 15 seconds and check the area. The color should be drawn into the towel. Rotate the towel and repeat the process, if necessary. Note: This process may scorch the iron.
Wax / Crayons
Place a brown grocery bag over the area of wax. With an iron on medium, apply the iron to the bag over the affected area. Check periodically. The iron should draw the wax into the bag. Change bags, as necessary, if removing large amounts of wax. After the wax is removed, if color remains see: dye / color removal.
Mystery Spots
Peroxides: Found in acne medication, makeup and some lotions, this agent will discolor and often remove color from carpets. Damage from a product like benzoyl peroxide is not seen immediately and usually not discovered until months later. This is because it is activated with water either from humidity or cleaning.
Browning or Yellowing: Carpet may turn brownish or yellow in color, usually because the carpet's pH is out of balance. To correct this, mist a solution of one part vinegar with two parts water over the area. Gently rub the area and allow to dry. The carpet should return to its natural color. Repeat if necessary.
Insecticides: Many professional insecticides will cause gradual fading of dye. This reaction occurs naturally and is not influenced by cleaning. Also, over-the-counter flea control products with Diazanon, Vaponite or Malathion might effect dye color.
Plant Food: Spills or leakage from plants containing fertilizer might cause a loss or change in color, possibly even dry-rot of carpet. These problems develop near the backing and progress toward the surface over the course of several months or years.
Warning: Remember a stain by nature is permanent. Trying to remove a stain may create a worse situation. Please call Adelman for help prior to attempting these procedures.