Traditional carpet cleaning services are known to use harmful chemicals. They contain a concoction of lethal synthetic chemicals. Perchloroethylene, (perc) is a dry cleaning additive. People have reported being dizzy, vomiting, and various other issues when ingested or inhaled. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also links perc to kidney and liver damage. Another chemical, naphthalene is considered toxic to the human central nervous system and a possible carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Over time these chemicals can build up in your body and lead to more serious health issues. Using an eco-friendly carpet cleaning service is safer. The products aren’t full of toxins and you won’t have to worry about deadly fumes seeping into your indoor environment. Eco-friendly carpet cleaning is especially good for those people who have small children and pets because they are in close contact with the carpet. Another reason to consider eco-friendly carpet cleaning is the impact on the environment; carpet cleaning chemicals can pollute local groundwater if disposed of improperly (such as directly down your drain). Wastewater from carpet cleaning requires treatment and/or filtration in order to neutralize contaminants.
Some of the newer and more green-friendly cleaning solutions used by professional services are plant based instead of chemical based. If you decide to hire a professional cleaner, inquire about plant-based alternative solvents and insist on nontoxic steam extraction methods.
Clean Carpets without Dangerous Chemicals Using Household Ingredients to Clean Carpet Stains
- Cold water and Liquid soap – Mix 1 cup warm water and 1/2 teaspoon mild liquid soap. Apply a small amount and blot by pressing a clean towel into the carpet and lift. Repeat until the stain is removed. Don’t rub the stain. Once the stain has been removed, you should rinse the area with a solution of a few teaspoons of white vinegar to one cup water and blot.
- Club soda – removes red wine stains.
- Ice cubes – to harden gum and candle wax, then scrape off.
- Baking soda, corn starch or corn meal – Sprinkle greasy stains. Let stand overnight, then vacuum.
- Vinegar and warm water – Mix 1/3 cup vinegar with 2/3 cup warm water and apply to the stain. Then blot with a clean towel and repeat until the stain comes clean.
- Rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide – As a last resort to remove a carpet stain. Test first on a hidden spot of the carpet, either substance may lighten or bleach the carpet. Apply a small amount to the stain, blot with a clean towel and repeat until the stain is gone.
- Baking soda – to soak up and remove odour from carpets. Just sprinkle baking soda over the surface of the carpet. Let it stand for 15 – 30 minutes. Then vacuum.
- Steam clean carpets with plain water. The hot water will remove a considerable amount of dirt, even without detergent. Alternatively, use a mixture of 1 cup white vinegar and 2-1/2 gallons of water.