I commonly refer to the grey areas that are worn and permenently soiled as having "oxidation" to my customers - is this the correct term? I did some commercial work over the weekend that was very bad in the traffic lanes, and I told them it was oxidation - I want to make sure I have the correct terminology...

Joe

Joe, I think of oxidation as what causes metal to rust or copper to turn green or an apple to turn brown after cutting a slice from it. I would not use the term oxidation in regards to carpet. Traffic lanes are mainly caused by lack of maintenance. The plastic gets scratched and does not reflect light as well causing the dulling.

what is the technical term for that grey, permanent discoloration? I was told "Oxidation" in my training a few years back...

Traffic Lanes = Carpet Wear, poor Maint. Shading. Keep scrubbing with your cimex and flush once in awhile. The customer destroyed it and it will NEVER look new again.


Oxidation causes RUST. Google oxidation

I tell the custy it's scratching/damage to the fibre, causing the light to be reflected differently, resulting in a darker tinge to the area.

Alternate Terms:

Traffic Lane

Shading (some migh argue this one, and I would not use it, but others have).

Permanant Carpet Damage

Heavy Wear Area

High Traffic Area

I personally would say oxidation is not a correct term for it.

Make you own luck,

Del Scrivner
Owner/Operator
Cowboy's Carpet Care

I think the technical term is "ugly out". I read that on the internet once so it must be true.

Ugly out term is what we use when there is no or improper maintenance. Carpets seldom ever wear out but they certainly will ugly out with no or bad maintenance.
Traffic lanes/pattern is the proper term, now depending on the carpet fibre you may be able to improve the appearance, but you will never make it new again

Joe,
I think the term you looking for is "abrasion".
As Rambo says, think of rubbing a plastic cup with sandpaper & the dull appearance as a result. This, along with crushed pile is what you're looking at.
Whereas you may be able to lift the pile to some extent, there is no cure for abrasion.

Col Foster

I use the term "abraided".

With a similar analogy I picked up from 3M Scotchgard many years ago, I carry a clear piece of plastic tubing in my van to demonstrate what I am unable to fully explain to SOME customers, this idea I got from 3M Scotchgard.


Half of the tube is in virgin condition.

The other half, I have scratched with sandpaper.

With this, I am able to explain that when the carpet was new, it looked like the perfect part of the tube.


Over years, with wear and tear, it becomes scratched, just like the lower part.

They can then see instantly what I am trying to explain, whereas, just with an explanation, some never appear to be fully convinced.

Hence, my term. "after years of wear and tear, the carpet fibres become abraided, just like this tube".

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Shorty.

I've seen the light, and changed my wicked ways.
www.get.shorty.com.au

Oxidation is not technically what's occurring.

If you want a term that sounds more techy, you could try one of these:


Today's letter is D...


Abrasion to your carpet has produced a deleterious wear pattern.

(or)

There's a visible degradation of your carpet's appearance in the traffic areas.

(or)

A deterioration of your carpet's luster can be seen in the traffic areas.

(or)

Your carpet reveals discoloration throughout the traffic areas.

(or)

The line of demarcation between clean and dirty has been blurred.

(or)

Your traffic patterns are despicable!

(or)

You people are dreadful pigs!









Rick Gelinas
rick@excellent-supply.com

DUDE!

Make you own luck,

Del Scrivner
Owner/Operator
Cowboy's Carpet Care

Disgustingly Dirty Droppings Downwards, Disrespects Deleterious Deterioration Damning Discolouration Indiscriminately on previously as new floor coverings.

Da D word

Ooroo

I've seen the light, and changed my wicked ways.
www.get.shorty.com.au

I have also been told that certain types of oils will over time, oxidize and become impossible to emulsify. Is this true? I don't have a clue. But it is represented as being different from abrasion.