carpet. These products include benzoyl
peroxide or other oxidizers. Reactions
that are very slow at room temperatures
are greatly accelerated by the heat of hot
water extraction cleaning. A few minutes
after your hot water activates the spot,
the damage is done. Watch out for this
especially if teenagers are in the home.
Scott Warrington
Bridgepoint Systems
2) For stubborn stains, fill sprayer with
Encapuguard Green mixed at twice
the standard dilution rate. In areas
where cleaning with pads or bonnets
is not removing all the asphalt, spray
on Encapuguard Green mixture and
do a few more cleaning passes.
3) Remember that asphalt and other
petroleum products bond to olefin
fibers and oxidize over time. Some
asphalt yellowing will be permanent if
carpets are not cared for regularly.
Q. “I have seen white or orange spots
that appear to be bleach out. These
appear after I finish cleaning with hot
water extraction. I know that I have not
used any spotter or stain remover on
those locations. What is happening?”
A: Usually this issue is from acne
medication, some treatments for athlete’s
foot or other fungus issues and even teeth
whiteners were probably present in the
Creams or gels are applied to the skin or
teeth. They are in an oily base that is only
removed from the hands by thorough
cleaning. Many users simply run their
hands under the water, wipe their hands
on a towel or simply don’t wash their
hands at all after using this product. Some
medication remains on the hands and is
transferred to the carpet. Benzoyl peroxide
is a powerful bleaching agent (oxidizer) and
actually removes color. It is not simply a
stain. Discoloration often appears orange,
often in a halo with greater color loss in
the center. The shape of fingers or hand
print may be seen. Bleaching action is
greatly accelerated by heat and moisture.
Color loss may not be seen until several
minutes after HWE cleaning has started.
Here is what I would
recommend for cleaning:
1) To neutralize known or suspected
Benzoyl peroxide contamination,
apply All Solv Extreme or Solvent Clean
using a clean white cotton towel. Wipe
gently from several directions.
2) Mix Coffee Stain Remover with hot
water. Apply generously with sprayer.
3) Agitate gently to assure penetration.
4) The above steps will remove and
neutralize the contamination and keep
it from getting worse during HWE
cleaning, but will not replace lost color.
Color repair with spot dyes or making a
bonded insert should be considered.
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