December 11th, 2024 | Carpet
Cellulosic browning is a common challenge faced by professional cleaners, particularly when working with natural fibers like cotton, jute, or blends found in carpets and upholstery.
This discoloration, often appearing as brown or yellow stains, typically occurs after cleaning due to overwetting, slow drying, or high pH solutions. It can frustrate cleaners as stains may surface hours later, leading to callbacks and dissatisfaction.
Cellulosic browning is caused by the wicking of lignin.
Lignin: is a naturally occurring gum present in cellulosic fibres such as cotton, jute and linen. When dissolved it can wick up to the face of the fibre by capillary action and present as a brown discolouration.
Cellulosic Fibres are affected by cellulosic browning. These are fibres derived from plants such as cotton, linen, jute, viscose and rayon.
It should be noted that the backing material on some wool and synthetic fibre carpets and rugs are made from cellulosic fibres such as jute which can lead to cellulosic browning.
The Encap Fine Fabric is an ideal cleaning solution for sensitive cellulosic fibres. It has a mildly acidic pH and can be used with low moisture methods.
Cellulosic browning is corrected using an acidic solution, a bleaching oxidiser or reducer. When treating cellulosic browning, remember to minimise moisture in this process.
Rug fringes can be especially sensitive to cellulosic browning. Using a no-rinse, dry vacuum method such as Spotaway U can be the most effective treatment.
When there is no cellulose present. Some natural fibres such as wool and silk are derived from animals and do not contain cellulose. Except it should be noted that cellulosic fibres are sometimes blended in or may be present in the backing.
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