Recently a carpet cleaner asked what causes wicking.
Remove wicking stains carpet.
Bonnet clean with matrix brite look bonnet cleaner.
Here is an explanation of why carpet wicking happens and what you can do to prevent and clean wicking should it happen to you.
What are carpet wicking stains.
Wicking occurs when the substance that was spilled on the carpet has soaked through into the backing of the carpet and sometimes even the underpad when you clean the stain you are cleaning the surface of the carpet.
The phantom stain is referred to as wicking within trade.
And although there are a number of explanations that could be given here s a simple way to explain what s taking place.
Wicking is a result of capillary action as moisture moves up the fiber during the drying process.
The leftover residue becomes sticky over time.
Without replacement of pad and cleaning and sealing of subfloor wicking may reoccur with next deep cleaning.
Despite your efforts of treating the surface of the carpet the moisture is typically only removed from there and the sub floor remains wet.
These stains keep reappearing through a process called soiling or wicking.
What is the difference between soiling and wicking.
How to treat wicking problems in carpet.
Soiling when you use a carpet cleaner on a stain and the carpet cleaner is not properly blotted or completely rinsed off from the spot it creates a problem called soiling.
As professional carpet cleaners wicking is something we ve all experienced at one time or another.
White vinegar gets rid of pet urine just fine all on its own and you.
Vinegar plus baking soda equals carbon dioxide and water.
This is called carpet wicking the process of spots reappearing on carpets and rugs sometimes just days after you thought the stain was gone for good.
Next dab the affected area with a mixture of water and dishwashing soap.
To remove water stains from carpet start by blotting up as much of the water as possible.
So if you do this you end up with a soggy carbonated carpet.
To illustrate if.
Rub light carpet stains with a mixture of 2 tablespoons salt dissolved in 1 2 cup white vinegar.
With excessive liquid quickly absorbing through the carpet the backing and carpet pad becomes soaked.
How to remove old stains from carpet we ll share tips for how to get hydration back into your stain without making it worse.
The other common cause of reappearing stains is something referred to as wicking.
Directions for large areas.
Speed dry with dry air tempest air mover.
Wicking is the upward migration of moisture or other substances during drying.