Sometimes stains that have been hidden by soil are revealed after cleaning. These stains, which did not immediately cause discoloration, are often from spilled liquid containing colorless sugar that remained on the fibers. After long exposure to the air, they changed to insoluble brown stains. The stains may look like brownish discolorations but often they remain unnoticed because of the accumulated soil covering them. Some food and drink stains may inevitably turn even darker from the necessary drying action after a thorough cleaning.

Other kinds of stains can be caused by water soaking through and dissolving materials that cause browning, or dissolving fugitive dyes from the back of the carpet, rug, or upholstery. Because the fibers act as wicks, moisture will rise to the surface to evaporate, and discoloration will be left. Consumers who try to remove stains by using the wrong cleaning compounds and procedures may only make the stained areas more noticeable.

Our IIFPC associates use specialized professional cleaning and stain removal treatments to improve the appearance of forgotten drink spills - cola, coffee, tea, alcoholic beverages, soda and others. Even with the best treatments, some colored residue or caramelized 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, put a half-inch thickness of clean, white, absorbent material, such as paper or cloth toweling, over the area and weight it down. Keep replacing with fresh absorbent material and repeat as needed.

Your carpet, rug, or upholstery will have had the best cleaning possible, done by our skilled certified professional services specialists using scientific methods recommended by the laboratory specialists of IIFPC - the International Institute for Fabric Protection and Cleaning.

SPOT AND STAIN REMOVAL

In manufacturing fabrics, many different fibers are used. Sometimes only one fiber type may be used in a textile, but at other times two or more will be blended. Each fiber has its own characteristics such as: the amount of liquid it will absorb; the types of dyes that stain them; special whiteness and brightness features; and wearability. Removing stains from one type of fiber may be 100% successful but may be impossible from others. All spots and stains cannot be removed. Certain staining materials contain dyes that will dye fabric fibers but other staining materials have properties that will remove color from a fiber. The longer stains remain on fabrics, the more permanent they become and might prevent removal even by a professional cleaner. The time to take care of spills, spots, or staining materials is immediately after the accident, or as soon as possible thereafter. Solid materials can be removed by use of a rounded tablespoon. It is important to remove as much excess spillage as possible before using the following removal techniques. Careful drying methods are also important to prevent wicking actions that can cause complications. Always use small quantities of removal solutions especially on upholstery fabrics, carpet and rugs. The materials under the outer fabric are often unknown, and if any of these fabrics become overwet, the backing materials can be seriously affected.