[covenant]

Did a lounge the other day.  Did a colour test on the back and no change.  Then put the same prespray on the front and parts of the gold lounge turned green.   And still a few days later its still there but much lighter

[Roger Koh]

Do you know the pH value of your pre-spray?

If it is too alkaline, neutralize with an acid rinse may solve your problem!


Roger Koh
Leather DoctorŽ
Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification #942
Leather Care Technician
Master Textile Cleaner
Master Fire & Smoke Restorer
Journeyman Water Restorer
Since 1973

[Ken Wainwright]

G'day Covenant

What Roger said above.

I've come across quite a few upholstery fabrics that are pH sensitive and also in the past a few carpets, especially if they contained viscose.  Brintons used to manufacture a range of axminsters that were 40% wool, 40% viscose and 20% nylon.  But other fibres/dyes could be pH sensitive too.

Another possibility is light damage. What was the fibre? Was it by a North facing window? What about animal stains in the area?  You say you tested the backing for dye stability, which suggests a woven carpet, but what about the face pile? Have any other colours been sun damaged? eg some colours may have abraded more so the pile of some colours may be shorter in the damaged area. Previous cleaning treatments could be dormant problems which wouldn't show if testing dyes on the reverse side.

Are you a member of a trade association or the Advantage Group? Franco, Ash and Kim plus others there are all fonts of knowledge in your part of the world.

Good luck with your problem. You will need more information before proceeding and even then it may be permanent damage.

Safe and happy cleaning
Ken

[Jim_77]

I'm trying to work out whether he means a lounge carpet or a piece of upholstery

Either way round, good advice above but impossible to tell without more info and pictures exactly what's going on.

[Ken Wainwright]

Of course Jim :  The Antipodeans call a suite a lounge   We refer to it as a room thinking of the carpet only :

Cov

What Roger said.

It would appear it's sensitive to alkaline pH. Mix a spray bottle with some acidic rinse @ about 250 to 1.  Test and leave for a short while. If no change, increase strength just a little. When OK, mist on fabric and gently brush in. Colour should reverse almost immediately. Job finished.

If sensitive to acid side rears it's ugly head, about a teaspoon of Sodium Bicarbonate to a litre of warm water, disolve and treat as above.  As easy as that.

Always start weak with solutions.

Safe and happy cleaning
Ken