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Mysterious Stains on Carpet

Mysterious Stains on Carpet

Article Originally From Michigan State University

Benzoyl Peroxide - Yellow or Orange Spots: This strong bleaching chemical is used in acne medications, age creams, some foot care products, and some pet shampoos. It's not water soluble and hard to wash off hands and face. Spots may show up in hours or not until months later depending on temperature and humidity. Most spots start as orange or dark yellow, and get lighter over time. On blue carpets they may be pinkish or white.

Bleaches - Yellow or Green: Oxygen bleaches act more slowly then chlorine bleach but both will fade dyes. So will swimming pool chemicals (calcium hypochlorite) tracked into the home, and mildew inhibitors that contain bleach if not used according to directions. Chlorine usually causes yellow spots, but will turn some red dyes to green.

Acids - Pink or orange spots on carpets are caused by as little as 1% hydrochloric acid in solution. Stomach acid is 10% stomach acid, so vomit must be cleaned up promptly and neutralized with a mild alkali such as a detergent solution and rinsed, or there will be permanent colored spots. It can turn some red dyes to bright blue. Toilet bowl cleaners, corn and callus removers, tile cleaners, and some rust removers also contain acids. Strong acids can cause red spots on tan/beige carpets.

Alkalis - Strong alkali as lye in oven cleaners and drain cleaners can change colors, and also destroy the textile. Remove, then neutralize spot with white vinegar solution, and rinse.

Furniture Polish - This can destroy red carpet dyes and cause green or blue spots. This usually happens where polish has gotten on carpet around the base of furniture by careless spraying or wiping, and is not found until furniture is moved.

Insecticides - Spraying insecticides on baseboards and getting the insecticide on the carpet can fade carpet dyes. Most often cited in this are malathion, diazinon, and DDVP.

Phenol Disinfectants - Some, not all, phenols in disinfectants and germicides, fade carpets. Some bathroom cleaners contain phenols; read label.

Plant Foods - Yellow Spills of liquid plant foods or leakage from house plants can discolor carpet. Spots are usually dull yellow. They start down near the backing and develop up into the pile, sometimes taking months to show up.

Urine - Urine stains discolor carpet and upholstery, as well as causing a musty odor. Spots turn dull yellow or red.

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What Your Neighbors Say About Gator Clean

Awesome work ethic and great customer service. They were on time and did a thorough job cleaning the ducts in our two story historic district home. 45 vents later and they never stopped until the job was done. Highly recommend Danielle and her team- wish they did windows! Thank you, Ladies!!

Leila Baker
August 28, 2025

Review from Google

Review from Google

We had a great experience with Gator Clean for our duct cleaning! From start to finish, the team was professional, courteous, and right on time. Daniele took the time to explain what they were doing and even showed us before-and-after photos of our ducts—which were way dustier and lots of mold than I realized! The whole process was quick, tidy, and made such a difference in the air quality in our home. It feels fresher already. Highly recommend them to anyone looking for a thorough, honest, and friendly service.

Stephanie Duncan
August 7, 2025

Review from Google

Review from Google

Great team! Daniele returned my phone call right away. We made an appointment for the following week and they arrived as promised. Great job cleaning my air ducts and dryer vent with taking care to protect my home. They were a pleasure to have in the house. Thanks for an excellent experience!

Kathy Ruben
August 4, 2025

Review from Google

Review from Google

I had a great experience with this company, especially thanks to Daniele! From the very beginning, her communication stood out—she texted me when she was on her way and arrived right on time. She was responsive, professional, and made me feel truly heard when she arrived. Daniele was not only knowledgeable about the work, but also took the time to explain things clearly and offered helpful tips for maintaining air quality in my home. She was personable, professional, and made the whole experience smooth and stress-free. I really appreciated her attention to detail and customer care. Highly recommend!

sadie shalane
August 1, 2025

Review from Google

Review from Google

This company was awesome. Danielle and her team were extremely detailed they documented the entire process of the duct cleaning services from before/after photos- to noting anomalies- to recommendations on hvac maintenance. Fast, efficient, clean. It’s hard to recommend contractors nowadays but this one exceeded expectations.

William Gray
July 25, 2025

Review from Google

Review from Google

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Gator Clean

Gator Clean is a residential and commercial carpet and tile cleaning company, serving Lake, Sumter, Marion and surrounding counties.

(352) 508-4556

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