Homeowners who have wall to wall carpeting know that carpet cleaning is just part of the deal. However, those concerned about harmful chemicals may put off cleaning to avoid the hazardous effects of VOCs and other pollutants. In response to these very real health concerns, there is now an alternative that’s becoming more commonplace: green carpet cleaning.
Many of the standard chemicals carpet cleaning companies use are known to be hazardous to one's health. The popular cleaning agent, perchloroethylene, referred to as “perc” and also used in dry cleaning solutions, is extremely hazardous. Another commonly used chemical, naphthalene (derived from coal tar) doesn’t fare any better.
These harsh chemicals cause serious health problems, such as dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and central nervous system, liver and kidney damage, as well as having carcinogenic properties. This is serious matter, and even more serious for those with fragile, developing systems, such as babies and toddlers who spend much of their time on the carpet, never mind the contribution to pollution.
Furthermore, carpet cleaners that allow too much moisture into the carpet cause their own host of problems, developing prime conditions for mold and mildew to grow.
Got Carpets uses the hot water extraction method, which is becoming a common “green” cleaning strategy. It works like this. A vacuum suction system is positioned close to the extraction point, creating ideal conditions for fast drying. Additionally, by heating the cleaning solution, less of it is actually needed to efficiently clean carpets, and less water volume is required. As a result, drying times are much quicker, usually around 4 hours.
New green carpet cleaning solutions on the market are derived from plants – avoiding VOCs altogether. Those products that acquire a seal of approval by “Green Seal” or “Environmental Choice Program” must follow the high standards:
1. Green solutions must efficiently clean the carpets, prevent re-soiling, and avoid impacting carpet color.
2. Low toxicity limits are set for water and solutions.
3. Products must be biodegradable.
4. Ingredients in the products cannot be known to or likely to negatively affect the environment.
5. Waste is low and solutions used are also limited.
Homeowners concerned about toxic conditions should look for either seal when comparing carpet cleaning companies. Ideally, carpet cleaning professionals should be well versed in environmentally-friendly products and knowledgeable of green seals of approval.
Homeowners also have green carpet cleaning options. Regular household items are rather effective, completely safe stain removers. Baking soda functions efficiently as an abrasive cleaner; it also whitens and deodorizes. Vinegar’s acidic qualities make it a good germ fighter, and it cuts grease as well. Borax operates as an antiseptic and anti-fungal cleaning agent and it deodorizes and disinfects.
Instead of using harsh chemicals to clean spots, which can often impact a professional cleaner’s ability to effectively clean carpets, using a natural, non-toxic solution of 50% white vinegar with 50% water neutralizes stains. To fight stubborn stains, homeowners can try making a paste made from ¼ cup salt, ¼ cup borax and ¼ cup vinegar, and leave it overnight to treat the stain.
A homeowner’s choices for carpet cleaning options are no longer limited to choosing between a dirty carpet and harmful chemicals. Green carpet cleaning options are plentiful for the DIY homeowner and professionals. Natural, plant-based solutions act as effective cleaners, while advancements in carpet cleaning technologies have produced environmentally friendly but effective professional carpet cleaning options.
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