Thread: How do you identify carpet cleaning stains?

I usually ask the customer if I am not sure. I read Jasons post about Craig Jaspers scratch and sniff. Al righty then.

How do you identify carpet and furniture stains?

Can't you Ph test it and get close on what to use to get it out?

WARNING LONG POST> DO NOT READ IF YOU ARE SLEEPY!

This is something I worte for IICRC with input from some smart guys like Steve Johnson, Jim Smith, Jeff Cross and Tony Wheelwright.

IDENTIFYING SPOTS AND STAINS

The quick examination of a spot often provides enough information to identify the category of a spot or stain, if not the exact substance. For example: a shiny stain could be oil-based paint, varnish, nail polish, glue or similar material; a brown ring is generally a water stain, and food stains typically turn lighter when scratched indicating sugar or starch is present. Examine the area closely, comparing it with unstained areas.

When the identification of a spot or stain is not readily apparent, additional information will be helpful in determining how to treat the spot or stain. See the stain identification chart that follows.

Ask

Ask about the source of the stain. People who live or work in the house or building are most likely to know what caused the stain. A direct and truthful answer is not always available, but you may obtain useful information.

Texture

The texture of a stain can also help in identification. If there is a substance on the carpet, usually it can be felt. Determine: if the spill is tacky or sticky, waxy, hard, soft, oily, dry or wet. Oily substances are naturally slippery or gummy, while foods usually are dry or crusty. Other sources can be identified similarly.

Odor

A spot or stain’s odor can be the most efficient method of identification. Your nose is the best instrument for identifying odors. Your experience with different odors and the sensitivity of your nose determines the individual accuracy of odor identification.

Some spots or stains may have a distinctive odor that will clue you in. Sometimes a few drops of water will bring out an otherwise non-detectable odor and help identify the substance.

Appearance

The color and the reflective brilliance or lack thereof also can help indicate the source of the spot or stain. The shape of a spot or stain gives an indication of its source. Round, square or other geometric substances would not come from a spill, but rather may have been transferred by contact with an object such as a chair leg. Irregularly shaped stains may indicate spills. Spots in a row indicate dripping from a container being moved or carried, such as a baby bottle.

The appearance of a spilled liquid increases the possibility of wicking. Thorough flushing of the substance from the carpet or rug’s pile and backing can help prevent wicking. Following cleaning, applying absorbent materials, either an absorbent powder or white towels weighted down with a durable object will assist in removing remaining spot or stain residues.

When liquid spills are indicated, consider the possibility that a hot liquid may have been spilled. Hot liquids readily penetrate fiber protectors making them more difficult to remove.

Appearance under Ultraviolet Light

Some spot or stain materials fluoresce under ultraviolet light. A common example would include animal urine, which fluoresces yellow to greenish-yellow. Some consumer spot removal agents contain optical brighteners that fluoresce in the presence of UV light. Typically, these products have a bluish reflection. These examples are not the only materials that fluoresce.

Location

The location of the spot or stain in the area to be cleaned will add clues to its identity. Be aware of surrounding conditions that could give a clue as to the spot or stain’s category or origin. A substance in front of a soft drink machine or a coffee pot has a good chance of being a beverage spill. An oily spot or stain just inside an entrance from a parking area might be tracked-in oils.

Portion of the Tuft Affected

The thickness or depth of the substance on the fiber will provide a clue to the composition of a spot or stain, as well as the amount of time required for removal. Substances that are only on the upper portion of the yarns could indicate that a wicking action has occurred from a previous cleaning. Examine the base of the yarn and the primary backing for similar discoloration.

pH Test

Knowing the pH of water soluble spotting or staining materials is also helpful. When an acid and an alkaline (base) react, they will form salts that are often more readily dissolved in water than the original materials. Treating a spot or stain with a cleaning agent of the opposite pH tends to neutralize it and make it easier to dissolve with water and water-based cleaners. pH can be checked with litmus pH testing strips, or with an electronic meter.

To directly use pH paper, moisten the stain slightly with distilled water and press a strip to the carpet; then, check the color of the paper on the pH chart provided with your test kit. Some of the color may transfer to the fibers. Thus, a safer way is to scoop up some of the damp staining material and apply this to the pH strip. Soils and oil from fingers can affect pH, so use gloves or don’t touch the part of the paper where the reading will be made. Compare the color of the paper to the color guide on the test kit to determine the pH of the spot.

To check the pH with a meter – Dampen the spot or stain with distilled water, then touch the tip of the meter onto the stain and press the activation button to take a reading. The pH will be shown on the meter’s display. Follow the meter manufacturer’s instructions.

Meters can be calibrated to give answers accurate to two decimal places. Usually, this degree of accuracy is not required. Generally, a cleaner does not need to know the exact pH, only a general range. For example: 0-3 would be a strong acid, 4-6 is mildly acidic, 6-8 is approximately neutral; 8-10 is mildly alkaline and above 10 may indicate strong alkalinity. The chart that follows is helpful in interpreting pH readings as they apply to cleaning, and spot and stain removal.

Unknown Spots or Stains

The above steps will not always completely identify a spot or stain, but they should enable technicians to classify the type of stain they are attempting to remove. Treat it accordingly.

If you still have no idea as to the identification of the spot or stain material, and do not know if a water-based or a dry solvent spot remover would be most appropriate, apply a dry solvent first. Water-based cleaning agents can form a barrier that prevents dry solvents from reaching the staining materials.

There are three possible outcomes when using dry solvents on unknown spots first:
1. The dry solvent removes the spot or stain.
2. The dry solvent does not remove the spot or stain, but some change indicates the spot is solvent soluble. In this case, proceed to remove the stain using NVDS or citrus solvent.
3. Dry solvents have no effect on the spot or stain. In this case, it is probably water soluble and water-based solutions may remove the substance.

Originally Posted by NuTech Carpet Care™

Have you had any experiance dealing with the u.v. dyes in pet urine products Scott? or is that part of the optical brighteners?

Those are various optical brighteners used in over the counter / off the shelf pet urine cleaning products.