Why Do Brown Spots Appear On The Carpet?

Brown Spots are quite a common issue with the carpet. But this issue, often appearing unexpectedly sometimes, can be frustrating. Brown spots can make your carpet look unsightly and this may even affect the overall appeal of your home as well.

But having said that, when you understand the root cause of these pesky spots, you can effectively prevent them before they occur in the first place. So, to explore those root causes, all you have to do is read this blog. 

Here, we will discuss four common reasons why brown spots appear on the carpet. And the good thing is that we will also offer some useful tips on how to prevent them so that you can keep your carpet spotless. 

Brown Spots On The Carpet: Causes And Prevention Tips 

1. Weather 

Weather is one of the most important reasons why brown spots appear on the carpet. In fact, it plays a crucial role. On any humid day, the air holds moisture (as you may know). Now, if there’s poor ventilation in your home, the carpet can quickly soak up the moisture. 

As a result, the carpet becomes damp and even allows moisture to seep into the backing or padding and release dyes or impurities. These dyes or impurities, in turn, can rise to the surface and create brown spots. 

Besides, during wet weather conditions like rain or snow, water can get tracked into your home and eventually the carpet. If you do not address this water (moisture) on time, it can cause brown spots as water will react with the carpet’s material or mold, and mildew begin to grow. 

So How To Prevent It? 

One of the best ways to prevent weather from forming brown spots on your carpet is to use your dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers help control indoor moisture levels and reduce the risk of carpets soaking moisture. 

In addition to this, place doormats at the door to reduce the amount of water and dirt that usually gets tracked into your home and the carpet during rainy or snowy days. 

2. Leaks

When we talk about leaks, there are mainly two factors that cause brown stains on your carpet: (i) Dye Migration and (ii) Cellulosic Browning. Let’s read more about them in detail. 

Dye Migration: Many Carpets have dyes that migrate when they are exposed to excess moisture. The water from leaks can cause these dyes to shift or even bleed. The result – these leads to uneven coloring or brown spots as the dyes settle into different areas. 

Cellulosic Browning: Carpets are made from natural fibers like cotton or jute. These materials are often prone to a process we call cellulosic browning. This usually occurs when natural fibers release tannins (a type of pigment) in response to moisture. And then, when these tannins rise to the carpet surface as they dry, they leave behind brown stains. 

How To Prevent It? 

So, the key to preventing leaks from forming brown spots on your carpets lies in regularly inspecting leak-prone areas of your home. This includes windows, doors, and under sinks. Coming across such leaks early on prevents water from seeping into your carpet. 

Moreover, if a leak occurs, act quickly to dry the affected area. Use fans, wet-dry vacuums, and other tools to remove as much moisture as possible. This is because the faster you dry the area, the less likely it is for brown spots to form. 

3. Improper Cleaning Technique 

When it’s about cleaning the carpet (particularly the stains), the right solution plays a crucial role. Using the wrong solution or let’s say even a harsher one to clean a stain can damage the carpet fibers and cause discoloration. 

This is due to the fact that some cleaning solutions may react chemically with the carpet’s dye and lead to brown or faded spots. Equally important is to know that using too much cleaning solution and not rinsing it after cleaning the carpet can leave a residue on the fibers. 

This residue, then, becomes a magnet and traps dirt and dust. Over time, this gathered dirt turns out as brown spots that you see on the carpet. 

What’s The Solution To Prevent It? 

The solution lies in using the right cleaning solutions for the type of stain you are dealing with. For example, use vinegar or mild dish soap to remove coffee stains from the carpet and rubbing alcohol for ink stains. 

Most importantly, after applying a cleaning solution, don’t forget to rinse the carpet with clean water to remove any leftover residue. 

4. Carpet Wicking 

Carpet wicking occurs when moisture (from a spill, especially) rises to the surface as the carpet dries. Sometimes, spills often carry dirt and oils when they embed down into the padding. 

Later, as they emerge back, they bring these particles with them and form unsightly brownish marks on the carpet surface.

You can also read: Tips to remove Grease and Oil Stains from Carpets

How To Prevent Carpet Wicking? 

One of the best ways to prevent carpet wicking is to clean a spill the moment it occurs. Blot the area with a clean, dry cloth to soak as much spill as possible. Also, ensure you do not rub, as this can push the spill further deep into the carpet fibers. 

After cleaning, increase airflow in the room using table fans, your dehumidifiers, or by opening windows and doors. The faster the carpet dries, the less chance there is for moisture to carry filth back to the surface. 

Let’s Close It UP 

Carpets often have to deal with a number of issues. Although some of these issues are quite common, in fact, an everyday matter to deal with, brown stains (in particular) can be a real and frustrating mess. 

A variety of factors that make brown spots appear on the carpet are leaks, weather, and even the wrong cleaning solutions. But come what may, taking the right steps can help prevent this mess from appearing in the first place so that you can maintain and prolong the lifespan of your carpets for many years to come.