[Steve Chapman]

Can hydrogen peroxide be reversed once applied to a carpet ? i.e. if you apply to much and it bleaches too heavily.

Im not asking this because i've had an accident  just been wondering for a while as we use it alot and at quite high strength and would be comforting to know that something could be done if it was over applied.

My guess would be that it can, but not sure how 

Regards
Steve

[slioch]

I'm no chemist so I stand to be corrected.

Hydrogen peroxide adds oxygen (it is an oxidiser) so to use your words it can be "reversed" by removing oxygen with a reducing agent such as sodium met.  That's the theory.  Some years ago I had a minor mishap with an oxidiser - the customer called me back the next day and I put the theory to the test.  It improved the look but I suspect that all it did is blend the lighter area into the surrounding carpet. 

I think the real use of this technique is to stop the oxidising reaction when it is still in process which means you need to be there (remember, oxidisation usually continues for hours after you have left).  With this in mind I have applied peroxide with a strong catalyst to remove a stain and then used sodium met. when the desired result has been achieved. 

[Steve Chapman]

Ok thanks, nice concise answer 

I was thinking along those lines, but having never tried it wasnt sure if it would actually work.

Will probably be something i pratice with when i get the time.

Regards
Steve

[Paul Moss]

I'm no chemist so I stand to be corrected.

Hydrogen peroxide adds oxygen (it is an oxidiser) so to use your words it can be "reversed" by removing oxygen with a reducing agent such as sodium met.  That's the theory.  Some years ago I had a minor mishap with an oxidiser - the customer called me back the next day and I put the theory to the test.  It improved the look but I suspect that all it did is blend the lighter area into the surrounding carpet. 

I think the real use of this technique is to stop the oxidising reaction when it is still in process which means you need to be there (remember, oxidisation usually continues for hours after you have left).  With this in mind I have applied peroxide with a strong catalyst to remove a stain and then used sodium met. when the desired result has been achieved. 

Spot on
Then rince all chems out

[slioch]

Quite right Paul and that applies to most chemicals.  It is much easier with a truckmount so more attention to rinsing is required for portable users.

[Paul Moss]

Hi John, not nec, the reduction agent will neaut the oxidisation agent, but with some of the stronger chems the reaction can take a bit longer to fully neautralise, ie rust removal so a good flush with water will help it big time. Truck or porty.