Upholstery Yellows months after cleaning
This is two reports; the first was done for the cleaner and the second for the insurance company. The conclusions are weak, but the information should be good
The first report for the cleaning company
THE UPHOLSTERYMANUFACTURER: Kreiss Collection
FIBER/ ID METHOD: Cotton-Burn
FIBER CONSTRUCTION: Osnaburg
COLOR(S): White
TYPE: Sofa
SIZE: Not Determined
EMPLACEMENT STATISTICS
DEALER: Kreiss Collection
SKU NUMBER: Not Available
DATE PURCHASE: 6/93
TYPE DWELLING: Residential
ESTIMATE VALUE $5200
AGE: 4 years
USE & MAINTENANCE INFORMATION AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION
LITERATURE RECEIVED WITH PURCHASE: No
TEMPERATURE: N/A°F - ––––° C RH –––
ADULTS: 2 - CHILDREN: 0 - PET(S): 0
DO THEY SMOKE? Not Determined
SPOTTING AGENTS: None
VACUUM/FREQUENCY: Hand Held Weekly
ENTRY-MATS? Not Determined
SOIL: See Report
HEATING TYPE: Central Force Air Gas
COOLING TYPE: Central - Electric
CLEANING: Professional
METHOD: Steam Cleaning
TYPE OF CHEMICAL: Acidic Rinsing Agent
DATE LAST CLEANED: 10/96
TREATMENTS APPLIED: None Reported
REASON FOR COMMISSION
To determine the cause of spots in the sofa.
THE REPORT
Site Conditions and Geographical Information
The sofa was reportedly situated in the claimant’s free standing house, located in a residential neighborhood in the Hollywood Hills. The house was well maintained and was owner occupied at the time of the inspection.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION MADE TO THE INSPECTOR
The sofa has been cleaned twice by Casey White Fabric Cleaning. There were no problems noticed after the first cleaning. The reason for the second cleaning was for general maintenance.
Approximately one week after the second cleaning, spots were noticed. Correction services were not attempted in hopes that after further drying the spots would go away. The condition worsened with time.
At the end of October, it was reported by a re-upholstered that the brown spots were inherent in the cleaning because too much water was used. He also reported that the seat cushions contained springs.
DESCRIPTION OF PROBLEM AREA BY THIS INSPECTOR
In the one seat cushion available for inspection yellowish/brownish spots were noted on approximately one half of the top side of the cushion and the front panel. These spots were somewhat round in shape and had poorly defined edges and were the sizes of dimes and quarters. They had no apparent hand or odor.
The zipper was opened to examine the inside and there was nothing unusual in the appearance that would contribute to the problem. The urethane foam was covered with a flame resist cotton.
On December 6, 1997 a visit to the house was made and the hold sofa was inspected. Conditions on the other seat cushions was similar to the one inspected.
ON-LOCATION FIELD TESTING
Numerous moisture tests were performed using a Delmhorst Moisture Sensor. This test would indicate the presence of moisture and the results of these tests showed no moisture.
An ultra-violet light was used to draw a reflection from substances with optical brightening agents. Yellow reflection will come from most urine stains; a blue or lavender reflection from detergents. The result of this test revealed that the yellowish/brownish spots shone primarily yellow with some lavender hue under this light.
Numerous pH tests were taken using a digital type pH meter and a special low moisture probe that made direct contact with the face yarns. This device is accurate to ± 0.1 and was calibrated with a laboratory testing solution immediately before these tests were made. All tests were made using distilled water with a pH of 7.0. The test results were as follows:
spotted areas 4.1 4.5 4.7 4.7 4.7 Ave. 4.54
non-affected areas 4.5 5.0 5.1 5.3 2.1 Ave. 4.4
An ammonium salts test was performed using a test kit from E. M Science. Ammonium salts are a by product of urine deposits. This strip was placed on to the affected area and then into a sodium hypochlorite solution. The tip of this .strip turned brown indicating ammonium salt or possibly urine.
On December 6, 1997 these tests were performed at the claimant’s home.
Other moisture tests were performed using a Tramex Moisture Encounter. This devise measures the percentage of moisture in the area that was being tested. This devise is suitable for measuring moister in wood and concrete and the device was set at the most sensitive setting. The results of these tests was that there was moisture in the affected part of the spotted cushions, but nowhere else. Also, upholstery that was not cleaned was also tested and there was no moisture found. Moisture was also noted in the wall above the sofa, but not in the ceiling.
Hydrogen peroxide was placed onto one of the yellow spots and the yellow became darker. The ultra-violet light was placed back onto that area and the ultra-violet reflections from the areas that had been treated was gone.
A professional rust removing chemical called Erusticator® was applied to the spotted area. This product is designed to remove rust or iron oxide stains. The yellow spot slowly disappeared. The area treated also appeared to brighter that the surrounding material.
THE ISSUE
The question that I have been asked to address is: what caused the spots in the sofa in question?
GUIDELINES FOR EVALUATING THE ISSUE
Spots can occur when:
1. lighting conditions create shadows on the fabric
2. foreign substances have been spilt on to the fabric
3. substances from manufacturing wick from underneath or in the fabric
INDUSTRY STANDARDS & DEFINITIONS
According to the ASCR International it says this about OSNABURG:
DESCRIPTION; A coarse, rough strong fabric made of uneven yarns which often contain bits of cellulosic waste. It can be made from cotton, rayon, linen, polyester or blends. It is a plain weave, medium of heavy in weight. It is sometimes finished to produce a more lustrous and smoother surface texture.
CLEANING: Dry Clean or Wet Clean with caution. Dry cleaning is preferred for Osnaburg fabrics if lightly soiled, or if unbleached natural fibers are present. If wet cleaned, treat as with Haitian cotton fabric. Browning is a risk with these unbleached "natural-look" fabrics. The synthetic fibers, blends and bleached natural fibers are easier to wet clean. An alternative is to use the Dry-Wet-Dry method.
THE INSPECTOR'S ANALYSIS
All parties agree that the spots are real and are not the result of lighting condition. Also, with respect to the ultra-violet reflections, that professional upholstery cleaning chemicals and materials inherent in manufacturing do not shine under ultra-violet light and that the reflections do have some relationship with the visible spots. Normally yellow reflections from ultra-violet light are indicative to urine, but the evidence that the visible spots are rust. Furthermore, the ultra-violet reflections will brake down in hydrogen peroxide and Erusticator.
The convincing evidence that the visible spots are indeed rust, is that they disappear in Erusticator and get darker in hydrogen peroxide. Whereas some pigment stain might also disappear in Erusticator, they would also weaken in hydrogen peroxide, not get darker.
Thus the resting issue with this problem is whether the rust stains are from the inner springs that have rust through or are they from the dripping from an external source. More conclusive evidence for either argument needs to be supported by further evidence.
· For the over-wetting-cleaning theory additional evidence needs to come from a migration path from the springs to the surface. Such a path was not noted when the cushion was unzipped, but over rapping of the urethane and the inner-springs were not examined.
· For the dripping from an external source, the moisture readings from the higher section of the wall offer a suggestion that some moisture leaking from the outside might be taking place, but evidence needs to come from rust stains in the ceiling of which none were noted at the time of the inspection.
CONCLUSION
Spots in the upholstery in question are due to rust based upon the Erusticator and hydrogen peroxide testing done. The source of the rust must be determined by further research.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Restoration of the appearance of the sofa should be easy although it might be a little tedious. Any type of rust remover product should be applied over the entire surface area to assure uniformity of appearance and to eliminate the ultra-violet reflections as well. Rinsing with a steam extractor or proper neutralizing of the rust remover should be performed as well.
The second report for the insurance company
THE UPHOLSTERY
MANUFACTURER: Kreiss Collection
FIBER/ ID METHOD: Cotton-Burn
FIBER CONSTRUCTION: Osnaburg
COLOR(S): White
TYPE: Sofa
SIZE: Not Determined
EMPLACEMENT STATISTICS
DEALER: Kreiss Collection
SKU NUMBER: Not Available
DATE PURCHASE: 6/93
TYPE DWELLING: Residential
ESTIMATE VALUE $5200
AGE: 4 years
USE & MAINTENANCE INFORMATION AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION
LITERATURE RECEIVED WITH PURCHASE: No
TEMPERATURE: 67°F - 19.4° C RH 44%
ADULTS: 2 - CHILDREN: 0 - PET(S): 0
DO THEY SMOKE? Not Determined
SPOTTING AGENTS: None
VACUUM/FREQUENCY: Hand Held Weekly
ENTRY-MATS? Yes
SOIL: See Report
HEATING TYPE: Central Force Air Gas
COOLING TYPE: Central - Electric
CLEANING: Professionally
METHOD: Steam Cleaning
TYPE OF CHEMICAL: Acidic Rinsing Agent
DATE LAST CLEANED: 10/96
TREATMENTS APPLIED: None Reported
REASON FOR COMMISSION
To re-inspect the sofa from an earlier commission of this inspector so as to resolve the issue about spots.
THE REPORT
Site Conditions and Geographical Information
The sofa was reportedly situated in the claimant’s free standing house, located in a residential neighborhood in the Hollywood Hills. The house was well maintained and was owner occupied at the time of the inspection.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION MADE TO THE INSPECTOR
The sofa had been cleaned twice by Casey White Fabric Cleaning. There were no problems noticed after the first cleaning. The reason for the second cleaning was for general maintenance.
Approximately one week after the second cleaning, spots were noticed. Correction services were not attempted in hopes that after further drying the spots would go away. The condition worsened with time.
At the end of October, it was reported by a re-upholsterer that the brown spots were inherent in the cleaning because too much water was used. He also reported that the seat cushions contained springs and speculated that the moisture from cleaning had caused the springs to rust.
The sofa was inspected on 11/28/97 by this inspector and the conclusion of that reports said ‘Spots in the upholstery in question are due to rust based upon the Erusticator and hydrogen peroxide testing done. The source of the rust must be determined by further research.’
DESCRIPTION OF PROBLEM AREA BY THIS INSPECTOR
Yellowish/brownish spots were noted on approximately one half of the top side of the seat cushion and the front panel. These spots were somewhat round in shape and had poorly defined edges and were the sizes of dimes and quarters. They had no apparent hand or odor.
The inner cushion was examined and the urethane foam was covered with a flame resist cotton. Within the urethane there appeared to be springs. There was no trail of rust on the urethane that corresponded to the spots on the fabric exterior. Apparent rust spots, did correspond to the zipper as noted in the photograph.
An arm rest cushion also with yellowish/brownish spots was also noted during this inspection, however it did not have inner springs.
ON-LOCATION FIELD TESTING
A professional rust removing chemical called Erusticator® was applied to the apparent rust spots and they did disappear.
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THE ISSUE
The issues of this reports are:
were the ‘rust spot’ noted in the previous inspection come from the inner springs?
if not, where did the spots come from?
how responsible is the cleaner with respect to the spots?
GUIDELINES FOR EVALUATING THE ISSUE
Yellowing in upholstery according to the Shirley Institute of the United Kingdom can be from:
1. low sensitivity of oxides of nitrogen
2. fabric finishing compounds where phenolic compounds such as butyl hydroxyl toluene are involved
3. where phenolic deviates and mixed with slight alkalinity
Other causes of yellowing in upholstery can come from:
1. cellulose materials in the face yarn coming in contact with alkalinity
2. rust
3. excessive alkalinity in the presents of natural fabrics
INDUSTRY STANDARDS & DEFINITIONS
The American Furniture Manufacturers Association has adopted Joint Industry Fabric Standards Committee standards called WOVEN & KNIT RESIDENTIAL UPHOLSTERY FABRIC STANDARDS & GUIDELINES.
According to Joint Industry Fabric Standards Committee, the following requirement are set for textile furniture:
4.1. All upholstered furniture manufacturers should clearly identify the appropriate method of cleaning by the prominent display of a colorfastness code either permanently attached to the upholstered piece or as a part of the hang tag.
4.2. Each manufacturer of upholstery fabric shall identify each style and color manufactured with a colorfastness code as follows:
W - Spot clean only with water based shampoo or foam upholstery cleaner. Pretest a small, inconspicuous area before proceeding. Do not overwet. Do not use solvents to spot clean. Pile fabrics may require brushing with a non metallic, stiff bristle brush to restore appearance. Hot water extraction or steam cleaning is not a recommended cleaning method. Cushion covers should not be removed and laundered. To prevent overall soiling, frequent vacuuming or light brushing with a non metallic, stiff bristle brush to remove dust and grime is recommended. When cleaning a spill, blot immediately to remove spilled material. Clean spots or stains from the outside to the middle of the affected area to prevent circling. Use a professional furniture cleaning service when an overall soiled condition has been reached.
S - Spot clean only with a water free dry cleaning solvent. Pretest a small, inconspicuous area before proceeding. Do not saturate. DO NOT USE WATER. Pile fabrics may require brushing with a non metallic, stiff bristle brush to restore appearance. Cushion covers should not be removed and dry cleaned. To prevent overall soiling, frequent vacuuming or light brushing with a non metallic, stiff bristle brush to remove dust and grime is recommended. When cleaning a spill, blot immediately to remove spilled material. Clean spots or stains from the outside to the middle of the affected area to prevent circling. Overall cleaning by a professional furniture cleaning service only is recommended.
WS - Spot clean with upholstery shampoo, foam from a mild detergent, or mild dry cleaning solvent. Pretest a small, inconspicuous area before proceeding. Do not saturate. Pile fabrics may require brushing with a non metallic, stiff bristle brush to restore appearance. Hot water extraction or steam cleaning is not a recommended cleaning method. Cushion casings should not be removed and laundered or dry cleaned. To prevent overall soiling, frequent vacuuming or light brushing with a non metallic, stiff bristle brush to remove dust and grime is recommended. When cleaning a spill, blot immediately to remove spilled material. Clean spots or stains from the outside to the middle of affected area to prevent circling. Use a professional furniture cleaning service when an overall soiled condition has been reached.
X - Clean only by vacuuming or light brushing with a non metallic, stiff bristle brush. DO NOT USE ANY WATER OR SOLVENT BASED CLEANER.
NOTE: The colorfastness code refers to the ability of the yarns in a particular fabric to remain colorfast to either water, solvent, or both and does not reflect the ability of that fabric to withstand specific cleaning methods. The above given methods are "guideline" procedures used to evaluate color changes within the cleaned areas under standardized conditions. The results are not necessarily directly related to consumer cleaning with water base cleaners or solvent base cleaners, but the codes will give reliable information on the fastness of the fabric coloration to water and solvent, the principal agents that cause color migration and bleeding.
THE INSPECTOR'S ANALYSIS
Initially the theory that over wetting had merit based upon the discovery that the yellowing disappeared in the presence of Erusticator®, but in the absence of the migration trail and the discovery of a cushion with the same yellowing without springs to rust, the idea falls apart. Also, a theory that the yellowing was from urine that was supported by yellow reflections from ultra-violet light and acidic pH readings, fell apart with ammoniated salt test strips. pH testing from the first report clearly indicate that there was no alkalinity, only acidic compounds present in the face yarn. Thus, the normal conditions that cause yellowing in relation to poor cleaning procedures are not found based upon testing and observations.
Of the guidelines that could cause yellowing from the Shirley Institute, oxides of nitrogen and phenolic compounds would be the most likely candidates based upon the absence of alkalinity. Phenolic compounds would be a likely ingredients of the urethane where it would at as an anti-embattling agent. Cleaning could/would initiate an off gassing the phonic compounds that yellowed on the face yarns, which in not only common to upholstery, but to stretch-in carpet installations where pad or cushions also contains butyl hydroxyl toluene or BHT. This would not necessarily suggest that overwetting has occurred.
Other cleaning errors or contributions from the cleaning that lead to the yellowing would be the moisture issue, but the time that has elapsed and test performed using a Tramex Moisture Encounter showed moisture readings in the affected yellow area have less reliable ties to cleaning after the months that past since the cleaning. The significance of these readings and the yellow reflections is all that left to a more thorough understanding of the yellowing, but at this point yellowing from oxides of nitrogen and butyl hydroxyl toluene has more merit than poor cleaning.
CONCLUSION
Yellowing in the sofa in question was due to either oxides of nitrogen and butyl hydroxyl toluene's or both based upon testing and observations. Errors in cleaning are not substantiated based upon pH testing.