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Suzan and Ken, a retired couple, live in a charming thatched cottage just outside Bury St Edmunds on the way to Newmarket. Their home is cosy and filled with years of cherished memories, including those of their beloved English Bulldog, Old Jack. Jack was the heart of their home, loyally following Suzan around as she gardened and curled up next to Ken for an afternoon nap.
However, as Jack grew older, accidents on the carpet became more frequent. Ken, ever the hands-on problem solver, took it upon himself to keep things tidy. He found a good cleaning spray at John Lewis, which seemed to do the job well enough. Suzan noticed over time, though, that the areas Ken cleaned looked darker. But life went on, and Ken was quick to spot clean after Jack whenever needed.
When Jack passed away one Sunday night, it was a sad time for both Suzan and Ken. After a few weeks, as the sorrows eased, they decided it was time for a fresh start. They called Art of Clean to give their entire cottage a thorough carpet cleaning. They wanted to restore the freshness of their home and perhaps clear away some of the stains that had built up over time.
So, why do lighter spots appear on carpets after cleaning…
When Art of Clean arrived, the team noticed some dark areas on the carpet. Suzan and Ken didn’t think much of it, assuming it was general dirt, and the crew got to work. The cleaning took a little longer than expected, with the technicians explaining there was a lot of soap residue in some areas. After a thorough cleaning, they informed Suzan and Ken that some spots might not fully come out, but the carpets looked bright and refreshed as they left.
The following day, however, Suzan and Ken were taken aback. The dark spots had turned into lighter, almost bleached-looking patches across the carpet. Suzan sighed, “Ken, they must have scrubbed too hard. They were probably so determined to remove the marks that they lightened the carpet in the process.” At first, Ken agreed, thinking back to the cleaning spray he’d used for Jack’s accidents. But when the team from Art of Clean came back to inspect the results, they helped Suzan and Ken understand what was really going on.
The team explained that these light spots weren’t due to overly aggressive scrubbing or cleaning—they were actually a result of the cleaning products Ken had been using. Many over-the-counter cleaners, while effective in the short term, contain harsh chemicals that leave sticky residues or even cause gradual bleaching. Over time, these residues attract dirt, and the areas appear darker as more grime builds up on the sticky surface.
When Art of Clean performed the deep clean, their professional equipment removed not only the dirt but also these sticky residues, revealing the lighter, bleached areas underneath. Much like removing tarnish from an old piece of silver, the cleaning uncovered spots where the fibres had been gradually stripped of colour.
If you’ve encountered similar issues or want to avoid them in the future, here are some tips from Art of Clean to help keep your carpets looking their best:
In some cases, bleaching or damage can be extensive, as Suzan and Ken found out. If light spots are extensive and you’re looking for a fresh start, replacing the carpet may be the best option. Art of Clean partners with Art of Flooring to offer high-quality carpet and flooring solutions for beautiful, lasting results. They can help you select new flooring that complements your home and suits your lifestyle.
Whether you’re looking to maintain your carpets, address stubborn spots, or simply want a fresh look, Art of Clean is here to help. Our team understands the value of a well-loved home and works to ensure your carpets stay fresh, clean, and beautiful.
For expert carpet care and maintenance, call Art of Clean today. We’re here to provide quality cleaning with peace of mind, and we’d love to tell you more about our Perfect Care Maintenance Plan. Let us help you keep your home looking its best!
For further advice or information on our Carpet and Soft Furnishing care, please do not hesitate to contact the Art of Clean team on 01223 901551 in Cambridge. Our services include Carpet Cleaning, Upholstery Cleaning, oriental and area Rug Cleaning, Curtain Cleaning, Patio, and Driveway Pressure washing, Leather Cleaning, Stone and Tile Floor Cleaning, and Wood Floor Sanding and Restoration. We also supply new flooring and carpets through our sister company Art of Flooring. Farthings Cambridge provides our Dry-Cleaning service
