Is it possible to scotchguard your carpets later?

I did!

Good memory...

Matt, a good question!

Mish, hmmmmmmmmm Here's the rub........

There is a lot of misunderstanding about the stain resistance of various carpet fibres. Sadly, ignorance prevails!

Fluorochemical carpet (and fabric) protectors play an enormously valuable role in keeping these textiles looking good, and relatively stain free. The technology WORKS. One of the main problems are when folk have a 'protected' carpet and neglect or abuse it, thinking the protector will magically repel all the nasty stuff that gets thrown at it. Unfortunately, the marketing of such products has given some license to folk who think this way. The bottom line is, when foreign matter, food, drinks etc are deposited on the carpet, it should be effectively removed ASAP. A protected textile will have increased 'REACTION TIME' (will keep the matter from penetrating into the fibre and staining it) for much longer than a textile without such protection. Other aspects of the technology incorporates dye blockers, that resist acid dyes (in nylon carpets).

NOTE, the product brand 'Scotchgard' is owned by 3M. 3M withdrew 'Scotchgard' from the marketplace about 9-10 years ago, after it was reported that fluorine was being found in the environment and linked with their technology. The other major company producing fluoroprotectors is DuPont, the maker of Teflon. At the time of 3M's withdrawal from the market, DuPont issues strong statements, stating that the technology they use is very different, and has none of the risks that supposedly was associated with 'Scotchgard'. So, it remains that DuPont are the major suppliers of advanced technology protectors on the market, with their Teflon range. There are many other smaller companies making protectors, and are similar, but possibly not the same as Teflon.

PROTECTING WOOL CARPET?

There's an element of truth in what Michelle was saying, but essentially it is wrong...

Wool is a natural fibre with remarkable qualities that cannot be duplicated by synthetic fibres. It has excellent appearance retention, and self cleaning properties, due to its cellular structure. Yes, it does have an ability to resist staining INITIALLY when a drink is spilt, as the overlapping scaly outer cuticle gives the fibre good surface tension. If spills are quickly and properly cleaned up, there's often little problem. If however, a spill remains, wool is ultimately very absorbant, and so will take the spill in and stain it. Wool can and will accept and hold dyes (that are in many spills) if it is not cleaned up properly and quickly.

Having a fluorochemical protector will greatly improve the reaction time, and provide better stain resistance than a non-protected carpet. Without going into a lot of more technical stuff, most protectors (although they offer this benefit) may have a slight trade-off, and may adversely affect the overall good appearance retention of the wool carpet. 'DuPont Teflon Advanced for Wool' is a specific product designed to give maximum protection to wool carpets without any adverse affects. This is the only protector I recommend on a wool carpet. http://www.dupont.com/teflon/carpetprot ... -88304.pdf

Note, the carpet must be properly cleaned (according to Aust Standards) before application of the product. I'd suggest ONLY using a Woolsafe certified technician. You should find help at www.woolsafeaustralia.org

Several years ago, I personally asked a question at a Woolsafe function. I directed my question to Paul Bakker, the managing director of the Woolsafe Organisation, asking if a wool carpet will benefit from fluorochemical application. His response was that a quality fluorochenical protector that Woolsafe have tested and certified to be so, will offer benefits.

Myself personally.... I would thoroughly clean the carpets as soon as they were layed. If the area was prone to spills, I would apply Teflon Advanced for Wool. If risk was low, (say, main bedroom) I wouldn't bother.

I could go on & on, but that'll do for now!


Ash.

Note to self....

Will come back and write a bit about 'understanding surface tension, and how to remove spots & spills' later.

Teaser..... most people want a 'quick fix' or magic remedy in a bottle or pill. Reality is, most things don't work this way. Instead of taking a magic pill, its best to address underlying causes to stop the symptoms.

Similarly, cleaning up accidents and spills requires at least a basic understanding of the process...YES you have to actually think about it, and apply practical measures. I could give you the best stain remover in the world, but unless you use it with some degree of competence, you'll probably make a BIGGER mess.

to be continued.............