Are you on the lookout for effective carpet cleaning solutions? If you’ve been doing your research, then you’ve probably stumbled upon green carpet cleaners. These are more environment-friendly compared to traditional cleaning methods, but do they produce the same quality results?
There’s no question that most carpet cleaning products available at the supermarket and those used by professional carpet cleaners contain harsh chemicals and additives. These are necessary to degrade stains, making it far easier to remove.
Over the years, however, an increasing number of homeowners have become more conscious about their health and the environment. Greener alternatives have started to emerge. Even carpet cleaning companies have joined the green movement. For one, All Green Carpet Cleaning Service takes pride in only using organic cleaning solutions to ensure that their products wouldn’t cause any harm to children and pets.
Consumers need to be extra careful, though. Since “green” is the buzzword used by countless commercial cleaning companies, it’s easy to fall victim to their false claims. Asking about the products and methods they use should equip you with the right information regarding their services. Any company that refuses to tell you where their product comes from or whether it’s chemical- or plant-based is probably not as green as they claim to be.
It also pays to learn about the most used chemicals found in carpet cleaning products. Perchloroethylene, more commonly known as “perc,” is popularly used in dry cleaning. This chemical has been linked to certain side effects including fatigue, nausea, and dizziness. In worse cases, it can cause kidney and nerve damage. Naphthalene is another chemical to steer clear of. Created from coal tartar, this chemical can cause serious damage to the nervous system if inhaled.
While these products prove effective for removing deep stains in carpets, they pose a real threat to the environment and the health of homeowners. Before buying any product off the shelf, make it a habit to read the product label to find out whether it contains harsh chemicals.
Thankfully, you can create homemade carpet cleaning solutions with simple ingredients. A popular nontoxic solution is a mixture of white vinegar and water. Spraying this solution on stains as quickly as possible can be all you need to restore your carpet to its brand-new condition.
More stubborn stains call for a stronger treatment. Mix vinegar, salt, and borax to create a paste. Spread it on stains and let it sit overnight. This breaks down the stain, so you only have to vacuum the carpet the following morning.
For organic stains, baking soda is an excellent solution. Just pour baking soda on the affected area and rub it in thoroughly. The soda absorbs the stain effectively if you act quickly enough.
Despite the convenience offered by carpet cleaning products with harsh chemicals, it pays to make the switch to greener alternatives. Green carpet cleaning work just as great as traditional products and methods, but you minimize the health risks for your family and damage to the environment.
