Discoloration in carpets generally refers to which of the following?

Discoloration in carpets primarily refers to permanent color loss. This occurs when the dye in the carpet fibers is damaged or degraded, which can happen due to various factors such as exposure to sunlight (bleaching), chemical spills, or cleaning products that affect the dye. Once this type of discoloration happens, the original color of the carpet may never fully return, making it a permanent issue.

Understanding this concept is essential for technicians, as addressing permanent color loss often requires more specialized solutions, such as dye restoration or carpet replacement, rather than just cleaning methods that might work for temporary stains or surface wear. In contrast, the other choices involve issues that may not necessarily lead to a permanent alteration in the quality or aesthetics of the carpet.