Carpet Stain Removal and Repairs

Stain Removal

It is important to understand the basic difference between spots or marks and stains. Spots and marks on carpets fibres or upholstery fabrics are likely to come out with mild solutions and just a little effort. Stains on the other hand are fibres which have been dyed a new colour or where the original colour has been damaged or chemically altered. The chemistry involved in reversing stains is therefore much more complex, requiring stronger solutions and more time. Lengthy removal attempts, regardless of the competence of the technician carrying out the work, may fail to yield a perfect result. Even expertly conducted removal techniques may result in damage being done to the original colours of the fabric being worked on. Some stains will initially appear to reduce quite quickly, then, progress may slow down dramatically or even come to an abrupt halt. This is usually due to the early successful removal of the staining fluid which was not absorbed and the ultimate failure to remove that dye in the fluid which was absorbed.

Success or failure in stain removal will be dependent on the properties of the dyes contained in the fluid spilt, the temperature it was spilt at (heat is a key element in the dying process), the absorbency properties of the carpet or upholstery fibres the spill affects (which can be reduced through application of Stain Protectors) and the time the spill is allowed to remain on the area it is in contact with. Furthermore, stains can return to the surface of a carpet if the staining fluid is not rinsed out thoroughly enough from the base of the yarns or the backing fibres.

It should be remembered that some of the everyday liquids we drink, e.g. tea, coffee, fruit juices and flavoured drinks can be amongst the most difficult to remove from our absorbent home furnishings. Miracle products as advertised on TV should not be expected to work every time on every carpet and some of these products should not be used on wool. Always read the label. Click here for First Aid – Stain removal tips.

Carpet Repairs

If the first aid techniques offered on this website do not work for you, contact us at VCRS as we are trained in Advanced Spot and Stain removal procedures. Remember, if stain removal does not work we are also trained in carpet repair techniques such as re-tufting, re-weaving and re-construction for those slightly more expensive carpets and rugs.

Where stain removal techniques simply won’t work . . .

reconstruction may be an alternative . . .

Now you see it . . .

 . . . and now you don’t!
(. . . a successful VCRS repair)

This customer’s carpet had been rotting under a large pot plant. Repair was the only solution. You can see the damaged section resting on the fire place surround following the repair work. The new section is already in place. Another successful VCRS repair!!

Finally, it should also be remembered that carpets are subject to wear and sunlight damage. The continuous combined action of wear and tear and ultraviolet light on carpet (and upholstery) fibres removes dyes resulting in colour loss, scores and scratches fibre surfaces and causes loss of fibre content giving carpet (and upholstery) fabric surfaces differences in appearances from area to area. The resulting apparent discolouration is sometimes mistaken for soiling or staining and is referred to as “apparent soiling”.