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Posted on: 29 January 2015

When cleaning your carpet, one of the main issues you may have to deal with is colorfastness. Carpets that are not colorfast will bleed and fade when you try to clean them. Rugs and carpets most likely to not be colorfast are exotic products from Iran and Turkey.

Determine if Your Carpet is Non-Colorfast

The best way to determine if your carpet is colorfast is to find a part of your carpet that is not noticeable, such as the carpet in your closet. Then, vacuum that area of the carpet to remove all debris. Test a cleaner on the carpet. Then, place a white cloth over the area that you dampened. After an hour, check to determine if the carpet bled onto the white cloth. If so, it isn't colorfast.

Use Chemicals Designed for Non-Colorfast Carpets

If you discover that your carpet is not colorfast, you can still clean it with chemicals. However, you will need to use chemicals that are designed specifically for carpets that are non-colorfast. These are cleaners that have a low pH and are low foaming. But even if you are using a cleaner that is designed for non-colorfast carpets, you should still test your carpet to make sure that it does not bleed. Depending on how sensitive your carpet is, you may still have problems with bleeding.

Before using the cleaner, you will usually need to dilute it with water. Follow the instructions on the product to know the ratio of the cleaner. Many cleaners are intended to be used with hot water extraction machines. By doing so, you will be able to lift the stains up quickly and allow the carpet to dry to minimize the risk of bleeding.

Try White Vinegar

If you cannot find a cleaner that is designed for colorfast carpets, another option is to use white vinegar. Two thirds will be vinegar and one third will be water. Again, you will need to test the cleaner on your carpet before using it throughout to avoid causing irreparable damage to your carpeting.

Apply Dry Powder

Dry powder carpet cleaning is also usually safe on non-colorfast carpets. The dry powder is sprinkled into the carpet and worked into the carpet with a brush. This method is effective against removing dirt, but is not as effective against removing grease.

Be Careful with Heat

Carpets that are not colorfast are sometimes also not resistant to heat. This includes carpets made out of wool or velvet. You should not expose these carpets to temperatures exceeding 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you find yourself in need of more help or simply have other questions about your carpet, try contacting a professional company such as Doug's Rug Spa with your concerns.