A chemical common in many households is bleach. Among other disinfecting needs, these products are typically used to kill mildew and mold. Bleach is used to lighten many things, including white laundry, lighter shades of grout, teeth, hair, and such substances in addition to bleach killing germs and bacteria. Though bleach has its benefits, it does have its downsides, particularly when it connects to the carpet or furniture’s upholstery. If it manages to find its way on your commercial or residential carpets, we at Carpet Dry Tech would like to discuss how bleach is problematic.
Types of Bleach
Although we use the term bleach as if it was only one substance, there are actually several different types of bleach. The most popular is common household chlorine bleach, and it is a water-based product that contains a chemical called sodium hypochlorite. When mixed with water, another popular type of bleach is oxygen bleach, as it contains hydrogen peroxide or other compounds that release peroxide. Bleach also comes as a powder in the form of a chemical called calcium hypochlorite.
How Does Bleach Remove Color?
To whiten clothing, all of these types of bleaches can be used. They also make good cleaning agents since they kill mold, germs, and bacteria. For instances, a solution of bleach and water, which are often used to clean and disinfect hard surfaces in kitchens and bathrooms. Even though early man didn’t understand the science behind bleach, the bleaching process has been around for thousands of years. To understand how bleach removes color, it is helpful to understand a bit about how colors work. We see colors a certain portion of the visible spectrum of light is reflected. These chemical compounds are called chromophores. For example, a blue dress contains chromophores that reflect blue light that our eyes see as the color blue. Bleach works by releasing oxygen molecules in a process called oxidation. The oxygen molecules break up the chemical bonds of chromophores is released by bleach. The changed chromophore molecules, either reflecting no color or a color outside the visible spectrum. This absence of color is seen as white through our eyes. The fabrics left out in the sun may also notice discoloration, looking faded or bleached over time. It works very similarly though sunlight does not possess bleach. High energy ultraviolet sunlight can disrupt the chemical bonds in chromophores, causing them to lose their color much like the oxidation process with bleach.
Carpet Cleaning, Stain Removal & More in Marietta, Roswell, Alpharetta, Sandy Springs, Johns Creek, Atlanta & Greater Woodstock, GA
The color is broken down with bleach and is not a stain, as mentioned. As a chemical or solution that has physically stripped the dye from the fibers. Depending on if the bleach spot is mild or severe, the color or combination of the three primary colors are gone. Once the bleach has marred the carpet. To restore the carpet to its original state, the professionals of Carpet Dry Tech is readily available. Our skilled technicians carefully match the existing color and dye the carpet’s fibers for a seamless restoration, no matter if you have commercial or residential carpeting. Call our friendly office today to spare you the hassle and cost of replacing the carpets with the more affordable solution!
