Abstract: Carpeting, upholstery, drapery and other textile fibers are cleaned by applying to the fibers, from a pressurized container, an aqueous effervescing internally carbonated non-detergent cleaning composition prepared by admixing, in percent by weight, about 20 to 60% of a carbonate salt, about 20 to 60% of a natural solid acid, and 5 to 40% urea in an aqueous medium such that the natural solid acid reacts with the carbonate salt to produce carbon dioxide and the solids concentration in the solution resulting from the carbonate salt, natural solid acid and urea is between about 0.5 and 10% by weight. Citric acid and sodium carbonate are the preferred solid acid and carbonate salt. The composition is prepared from naturally occurring ingredients and the container is pressurized by air or other environmentally safe gaseous materials.

Abstract: Self neutralizing compositions and methods for their use are disclosed for treating polyamide fibers, such as nylon or wool carpeting, to render them stain resistant. The compositions are aqueous solutions carbonated to an appropriate acid pH containing one or more dye-resist agents which are condensation products of formaldehyde and a sulfonated naphthol or phenol. When the carbon dioxide escapes or evaporates subsequent to application, the pH rises to about neutral leaving the dye-resist agent ionically bonded to the polyamide fibers. An appropriate amount of a fluorochemical may also be contained in the solution which also physically interacts with the fibers and deters yellowing caused by the presence of the dye-resist agents. The process can be carried out during one or more cleaning, rinsing or subsequent finishing or protectant steps. In each step, the carbonated solution is applied under pressure at a pH of between about 2.5 and 7.0 and preferably between 3.5 and 6.5.

Abstract: Solutions and method for the solubilizing and removal of dyes, synthetic red dyes in particular, are disclosed. The solutions consist of an aqueous mixture containing as essential ingredients (1) a detergent, preferably anionic, (2) a sulfite or bisulfite, (3) a lower alcohol and (4) ammonia or an amine. The combined ingredients cooperate to chemically alter the dye chromophore causing it to become soluble. The dye is removed by placing the solution on fibers stained with the dye for a time sufficient to allow the dye to be made soluble and the solution is then removed by either suction or absorption. Some dyes require treatment of the fiber with a solution followed by the application of moist heat through an absorbent material to assist in solubilizing and transferring the dye to the absorbent material. Particularly preferred are solutions consisting of 0.1-6% w. of a lauryl sulfate detergent salt, 5-15% w. of a sulfite or bisulfite, 20-40% w. of ethanol or methanol or a mixture thereof, and 2-10% w.