When a colored fiber loses dye while wet, dyebleeding occurs. Uncolored or lightly colored fiber or yarn may readily soak up fugitive (runaway) dyes from the darker fiber or yarn and become stained. This is most often seen in carpet and rugs where deeply dyed shades (for example, reds, blacks, and blues) become fugitive and bleed into white or light colored areas.

There are at least two conditions that cause dyebleeding in colored fibers and yarns. The first condition is a defective dye or dyeing method. In such a case, the dye is poorly selected or not properly handled during manufacture. The result is excess, unsecured, weak, and/or unstable dye. When a dye with poor stability or washfastness is used, it may bleed during or after the first few cleanings. Likewise, excess dye can adhere near the outside of the fiber where it may readily wash away when too much dye is used during manufacture. Such defects in dye or dyeing method produce a textile product which is defective at the time of manufacture. Unfortunately, these defects are not visible at the time of purchase.

In the second condition which causes dyebleeding, dye is affected by use. Common chemicals, atmospheric fumes, sunlight, animal/pet residues, etc., can weaken dyes over time. Once dyes are weakened they may run or bleed with cleaning.

If a potential dyebleeding problem is not indicated by pretesting or experience, the carpet cleaner should not be held liable for using what would otherwise be usual and customary cleaning procedures. The best guarantee of satisfaction is to use an experienced, reputable ASCR cleaner.

Tags : carpet , cleaning , dyebleeding , rugs , stains