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.