Optical (Fluorescent) Brighteners in Carpet Cleaning Chemicals and Detergents

by Donald W. Terry, V.P.

   Optical brighteners are highly specialized dyes which absorb invisible ultraviolet light and re-emit it as visible light, making the carpet appear brighter than it really is.

   They are used by some carpet cleaning chemical manufacturers who don’t realize that their use will permanently cause the carpet to turn yellow.

   Since these are dyes, there is no cure for this problem

   Optical brighteners are frequently found in carpet shampoos and bonnet cleaning compounds.

   Carpet manufacturers don't approve of carpet cleaning detergents and spotters containing optical brighteners.

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