Cellulosic Browning
Description
Brownish discoloration (usually
observed at the tips of the pile fibers) that appears generally
appears after cleaning or due to prolonged exposure to moisture.
Cause
This is caused by chemical changes in
cellulosic fibers, caused by moisture and slow drying. The
cellulosic content in the fibers undergo chemical reactions and,
when combined with sufficient amount of moisture, rise up to the
surface of the pile fibers through capillary action. It is also more
frequent in older carpets, specially those containing jute backing.
Cellulosic browning is increased by high pH or shampoo residue.
Treatment
cellulosic browning can be treated in most cases where it occurs
after cleaning. But in many cases, due to deterioration of fibers,
this process is irreversible.