why does this happen with some Upholstery fabric?

[Donwand]

I recently cleaned a white sofa and as soon as moister hit the fabric all these spots just appeared and it looked like they were past spills and stains. I knew as the fabric dried out they would disappear, but it still gave me a slight heart attack as the owner was watching. Why does this happen on certain types of fabric?

It was a 25 year old white sofa, cotton I think? but not haitian cotton.

Thanks,
Brian

 

[Desk Jockey]

Likely when wet you are seeing the fabrics foundation. Those impurities that are visible when wet are fortunately difficult to see when dry.

 

[hogjowl]

Not so with wet backs.

 

[Desk Jockey]

 

[Donwand]

Likely when wet you are seeing the fabrics foundation

I know what your saying, but these are old looking spots and spills.

 

[ruff]

Excellent question, be interested in what Jim has to say. I've been cleaning for a long time and it still freaks me out.

In my experience it happens with quite a few fabrics. I would assume some are actually related to previous spotting attempts. The spotter used contains wetting agents, creating a water highway inside. The fabric gets wetter. Also wet fabric shows colors differently than when dry.

Luckily some disappear. Unfortunately not all.

 

[Jim Pemberton]

Cotton becomes somewhat clear when wet. It can drive you nuts, but an airmover and hair dryer can be great anti anxiety aids.

Linen can be worse; it often becomes dark, sometimes black, when wet.

 

[Wing It]

Doesn't sound like it's linen, but linen darkens when wet which can be scary seeing for the first time.

 

[Jim Williams]

I cleaned a Cotton sofa this week that had black lines that appeared when I wet it. Thankfully they disappeared as it dried. That was the first time in a few years I thought I was going to have to buy a couch. It would have looked great on my front porch.

 

[Jim Pemberton]

A somewhat indelicate example would be what happens when you see someone wearing a wet t shirt

 

[hogjowl]

Thus, we're back to Chavez

 

[Desk Jockey]

A somewhat indelicate example would be what happens when you see someone wearing a wet t shirt

Pictures? Anyone...anyone?

 

[Jim Pemberton]

I hated using an example that would amuse the concupiscent posters, but it's something somewhat broadly understood, if not appreciated

 

[Desk Jockey]

Thus, we're back to Chavez

From my perspective its always about me.

 

[Bob Pruitt]

concupiscent

That was a new one.

 

[Papa John]

Like what Jim said--
Wet T-Shirt effect is what I tell my customers. What sucks is you discover the fabric is dirty then expected and now the job takes longer.

 

[ruff]

Only problem is, unlike the T-Shirt and its "lovely" (no doubt) occupant, the issue is not limited to cotton or natural fabric.

 

[Sierra Clean Care]

I recently cleaned a white sofa and as soon as moister hit the fabric all these spots just appeared and it looked like they were past spills and stains. I knew as the fabric dried out they would disappear, but it still gave me a slight heart attack as the owner was watching. Why does this happen on certain types of fabric?

It was a 25 year old white sofa, cotton I think? but not haitian cotton.

Thanks,
Brian

Well, think about it as a wet t-shirt contest...... Except no boobies...... Just ugly old ones......

 

[Old Coastie]

Well, think about it as a wet t-shirt contest...... Except no boobies...... Just ugly old ones......

The whole bloody forum is full of 'em.

 

[Sierra Clean Care]

The whole bloody forum is full of 'em.

Um, Steve, that's BOOBS, not BOOBIES......BIG difference. One is fun to play with, the other you just poke fun at.......

 

[Desk Jockey]

ManI know I'm getting old...but which is which again??

 

[Sierra Clean Care]

ManI know I'm getting old...but which is which again??

Have you been married THAT LONG?.... Just pick up a Victoria Secrets catalog..... You'll remember really quick..... Just tell the wife it's for her...... Then you can 'study' while you watch TV with her......

 

[Desk Jockey]

lol

30 years

Its all looky no touchy now. Don't get old!

 

[Sierra Clean Care]

lol

30 years

Its all looky no touchy now. Don't get old!

'TIME STANDS STILL FOR NO ONE'....... Sucks, but reality.....

 

[Cleanworks]

I don't think Victoria has many secrets left.

 

[Desk Jockey]

 

[steve_64]

lol

30 years

Its all looky no touchy now. Don't get old!

You need to learn some new moves.

Fly me out and give me $500 and I'll teach ya. No homo!

 

[steve_64]

I don't think Victoria has many secrets left.

The secret is her clothes suck.

 

[hogjowl]

You need to learn some new moves.

Fly me out and give me $500 and I'll teach ya. No homo!

He doesn't want to know.
You'll understand one day.

 

[steve_64]

He doesn't want to know.
You'll understand one day.

I sure hope not.

I'll teach him what those stains are that appear on furniture after it is wet.