A number of unusual carpet stains occur such as yellowing,  optical brighteners, color fading, color loss, bleach, bleaching agents, redye, toilet bowl cleaners, insecticides, plant foods, drain cleaner, laundry detergents, and pet urine Unusual Spots and Stains Carpet yellowing - Most yellowing can be eradicated using an acid solution. Acetic acid (white vinegar), citric acid, or tartaric acid can be effective in eliminating some yellowing complaints. A solution of one part white vinegar and one part water is recommended for consumer use. SEE ALSO CARPET YELLOWING Optical brighteners - Select a spot removal (carpet stain removal) solution that does not contain optical brighteners. Optical brighteners are actually fluorescent dyes that brighten the color of the fiber. However, ultraviolet light from the sun may cause these dyes to exhibit a lavender cast in areas where the solution has been used. These dyes can eventually oxidize causing a yellow discoloration or color fading of the fiber. (See photo at right) Bleaching agents - Many household cleaning products contain bleaching agents that attack the dyes in most residential carpet. Care should be used in selecting a home carpet cleaning product for use as a spot remover on carpet fibers. Bleaches actually destroy the dye leaving a white or yellow discoloration. In large areas of damage, it may be necessary to remove the area of damaged carpet and reinsert an undamaged portion of carpet taken from an inconspicuous area. Some carpet cleaners have the knowledge to re-dye these damaged areas. Acids - Some toilet bowl cleaners contain hydrochloric acid that dissolves carpet fibers, as well as coloring agents that can dye carpet fibers. Tile grout cleaners contain phosphoric acid and can damage carpet fibers and dyes. Most acids should be neutralized with an alkaline rinse solution. Acne medications - One of the most common chemical stains that can occur in the home is caused by benzoyl peroxide used in most acne medications. Benzoyl peroxide is a very strong oxidizing agent capable of destroying most dyestuffs used on carpet. Because of the slow reaction time, this chemical is classified as a latent intruder. In many cases the chemical will remain on the carpet fibers for months before activation by moisture or humidity. Benzoyl peroxide can be transferred through direct contact of the skin or through the shedding of skin scales containing benzoyl peroxide. As the chemical reaction continues, the center of the affected area may be bleached white with a pink or orange halo around the outer edges of the affected area. Filtration Soiling - One of the most common carpet stain questions, soiling around the out edges of carpet and along the walls, isn't actually a stain at all. This soiling or graying is actually the deposition of soil created by the heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC system. For a detailed description of this soiling visit our page, Filtration Soiling. Insecticides - Many insecticides approved for indoor use can cause color changes in carpet. Insecticides should never be applied directly to carpet fiber unless specified. Most chemicals should be applied to walls and baseboards only. Many insecticides that are recommended for use on carpet may damage carpet color. Some insecticides may attack the red dyes used in beige carpet. This leaves the blue and yellow dyes, which together form green colorations. Plant foods - Many plant foods contain oxidizing agents that attack dyestuffs leaving green, yellow, or brown discolorations. These stains typically occur near the backing material and migrate upward. Strong alkalis - Any chemical with high alkalinity can cause permanent damage to carpet fiber. Some carpet cleaning solutions with high alkalinity such as laundry detergents may cause yellowing (see yellowing). Stronger alkalis such as drain cleaners and oven cleaners may cause permanent bleaching. Pet urine - Pet urine stains and the resulting odor is the most common consumer carpet inquiry. Stains may appear yellow or brown and odors may linger long after the stain has been removed. Not all urine stains can be easily removed. The most effective treatment is the Fabrisan/Odosolv Spot Lifter.
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