Which type of damage occurs when one color transfers from a fabric to another due to cleaning agitation?

The correct answer is crocking, which refers to the transfer of color from one fabric to another as a result of physical agitation, such as during cleaning. In the context of upholstery and fabric cleaning, this often occurs when a wet or damp fabric rubs against another surface, causing the dye to come off and adhere to another material.

Crocking is particularly significant to upholstery cleaners to understand because it can lead to unwanted discoloration on other fabrics, potentially causing damage or requiring additional cleaning and repair efforts. This type of color transfer is different from bleeding, which involves dyes running from one fabric due to the use of water or cleaners, typically associated with dye instability within a single fabric. It is also distinct from fading, which pertains to the loss of vibrancy in the color of a fabric over time due to exposure to light or chemicals, and staining, which refers to the marking of a fabric by foreign substances that do not transfer color but instead leave a residue or change in appearance. Therefore, crocking specifically addresses the inter-fabric color transfer occurring through agitation, making it the appropriate choice in this context.