MILDEW
Mildew is a destructive growth that feeds on a variety of organic materials, such as cotton, wood, and leather. While dormant mildew exists freely in the environment, conditions of dampness and warmth can provide the ingredients for rapid growth, frequently within 72 hours.
Since mildew feeds on organic materials, it eventually causes a loss in fiber strength and unsightly discoloration. These effects are not reversible. Once deteriorated by mildew, fibers are permanently damaged. The gray splotches that sometimes develop on walls and fabrics following water damage are colonies of the mildew fungi and represent an advanced stage of growth.
The characteristic musty odor of mildew results from its digestive action. The odor disappears only when the mildew has been eliminated and is evidence that this has occurred.
SEWER BACK-UPS
The residue from sewer backups contains bacteria that are dangerous to human health. Surfaces and objects contaminated by such sewer backups or ground water should be thoroughly cleaned and treated with an appropriate germicide before returning them to use.
Unlike many other types of damage, sewer backups are especially troublesome because the areas you don’t see can be just as important as areas you do see. The pile of rugs and carpets, as well as the padding, provide breeding places that may not be reached by surface applications of a germicide. Hidden recesses within walls and floors should be opened for drying and direct germicidal contact with all surfaces. Some highly absorbent materials such as drywall, insulation, or cardboard cartons may be more economical to replace than restore after exposure to sewage or ground water. The degree of exposure and the nature of the surfaces themselves will determine the precise actions required.
Courtesy of ASCR International
Carpet Spot Guide
Animal Stains
Dog may be man’s best friend but not necessarily that of man’s carpeting. Neglected animal stains have been a problem ever since the first “accident.” Two types of reactions can take place between the chemicals in the urine and those in the fiber dye. Some dyes change color as soon as urine comes in contact with them. Often original color can be restored by immediate addition of a weak solution of ammonia or white vinegar. But first pick an inconspicuous area of the carpet and test small amounts of solution to determine its effect on the fiber and dye.
The other change develops slowly over a period of several months and results in permanent change in the fiber dye. Not only is there a dye changing but also some fibers become weakened or are destroyed. After cleaning, these areas are more obvious because the soil, which hid the true color, has been removed.
The next time you are confronted with an animal “accident,” immediately absorb as much liquid as possible. Wash the area with a solution of one teaspoon of neutral detergent (which contains no bleach) to one cup of lukewarm water. Absorb into white tissues or toweling. Add a white vinegar solution (1 part white vinegar to 2 parts water). Absorb as dry as possible. Place a ½-inch layer of white absorbent material over the area and weight down. Allow it to dry for about 6 hours.
If immediate action is taken to remove the stain in this manner, little or no change in color should occur and that forgotten “accident” will not become apparent after your carpet has been professionally cleaned.
Most Common Stains
Ink (Ballpoint)—Apply dry cleaning solvent. Apply POG, blot. Apply dry cleaning solvent, blot. Apply amyl acetate if available, or acetone (except on acetate fibers). If stain remains, apply rust remover or oxalic acid solution. Bleaching (or professional stripping) may be necessary.
Blood—Apply cool detergent solution, blot. Apply cool ammonia solution, blot. Apply enzyme detergent, blot. Rinse thoroughly with water, blot until dry. If stain remains, apply rust remover or oxalic acid solution. Bleaching with 3–5% hydrogen peroxide may be necessary.
Urine—Blot up as much as possible if still wet. Apply detergent solution, blot. Apply ammonia solution, blot. Apply vinegar solution, blot. Rinse thoroughly with water, blot until dry. If stain remains, apply rust remover or oxalic acid solution. Bleaching with 3–5% hydrogen peroxide or sodium perborate might be necessary. Urine stains may cause permanent dye removal from fibers.
Vomit—Blot up as much as possible. Apply enzyme detergent, blot. Apply ammonia solution, blot. Apply vinegar solution, blot. Rinse thoroughly with water, blot until dry.
Wine—Apply detergent solution, blot. Apply vinegar solution, blot. Apply ammonia solution, blot. If necessary, bleach with 3–5% hydrogen peroxide or sodium perborate. Rinse thoroughly with water, blot until dry.
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