The dark, stained areas on the carpet called soil filtration lines (also known as soil lines and smog lines) are caused by soil filtration lines. These insects are found around walls, floors, doors and under draperies. They can also develop in areas where there is air, like between floorboards and under-the-carpeting subflooring. Even under furniture skirtings, they can occur. The lines can also develop if bedroom doors are not closed at night. Carpeting is a soil filter for your home. Hot air rises to the tops of the ceiling and is redirected towards cooler surfaces such as outside walls and other rooms before it reaches the carpet. The carpet is contaminated with microscopic dust and dirt particles as it passes across or through the surface.

The soil particles settle and can be embedded into carpet pile yarns. These soil particles may be caused by fireplace emissions or from oils in cooking that are airborne and settle into the carpet. This problem can be caused by smoking, cigars and burning candles. Oily soils can create an electric bond with the fiber. Their size allows them to attach to dye spots on carpet fibers that have a color that holds it. This makes it difficult to remove the carpet. Carpet traps oily soils, which attracts more soil.

A poorly balanced ventilation system could also lead to soil filtration lines. When the room’s air volume exceeds its ventilation system’s ability to extract it, this is called soil filtration. This happens when the excess air tries to escape through cracks in walls or stairways.

Because the soil contains both oil-soluble and water-soluble components, these lines can be difficult to get rid of, even for homeowners who are skilled at DIY. It can be difficult to remove the lines under baseboards with a vacuum.

Healthy Carpets uses special techniques to improve soil filtration lines appearance. The discoloration can’t always be completely removed. It depends on how much soil is present, what type it is, how long the soil has been accumulated and the airflow. The carpet’s color and fiber type will also affect the degree of cleaning. Most synthetic fibers can be cleaned out. In some cases, particularly on carpets with light colors, there may be traces of soil filtration lines that remain. Most often, it is very difficult to completely remove soil filtration lines from wool and olefin carpets. If you have further questions please contact us at 517-902-3506. After the soil filtration lines are removed, our Soil and Stain Protector may be applied to your carpets. Our professional Healthy Carpets Spotter is able to get rid of those pesky spots on carpets and rugs, and can also work with upholstery and clothes. Drop by the office to pick one up. The cost is $15.00 plus tax. If you need carpets or upholstery professionally cleaned, ask your technician for a complimentary one. To download the Healthy Carpets Spotting Guide.