A Guide to Non-Toxic Carpet Cleaner

A Guide to Non-Toxic Carpet Cleaner
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Professional Carpet Cleaning Services

Some professional carpet cleaning services have trended towards adopting an environmentally conscious mindset by practicing safe standards. Many companies disclose that their non-toxic cleaners are safe for the home, have biodegradable ingredients, are not tested on animals and are fragrance free. You will have to visit individual websites to determine what solutions are used in the cleaning techniques, and whether the solutions are non-toxic as claimed. When formulation details are not revealed, or are vague in some cases, you can contact customer service to inquire.

Using Hot Water Extraction

Professional cleaners like USA Clean Master, offer steam-cleaning services by using quick-drying extracting machines that hold extremely hot water. The process is safe, free of lingering scents, and leaves no messy residues behind. The value of steam-cleaning with hot water is that at high temperatures, water can kill dust mites, bacteria, pollen, and mold spores trapped in the carpet. Results have also showed that using hot water extraction effectively deep cleans dirty, grimy carpets.

Do-It-Yourself Carpet Cleaning Products

If you prefer not to use professional services to clean your carpet, there are more than enough earth-safe products on the market to pick from and do-it-yourself. These products use plant based cleaning solutions and no chemical solvents. Listed below are a few of the popular brands on the market:

Bi-O-Kleen

Fiber-Glo Carpet Cleaning Powder - $24.00

With Fiber-Glo’s professional carpet cleaning powder, homeowner’s can routinely clean their carpet and achieve quality results without employing a cleaning service. Fiber-Glo’s highly concentrated powder must be diluted properly to work effectively. The powder also works well as a pre-soak stain remover on both carpet and upholstery. Some of the biodegradable ingredients in Fiber-Glo include grapefruit seed and orange peel extract. The packaging is recyclable. You can order the product from Bi-O-Kleen’s web site.

Simple Green

Simple Green Carpet Cleaner - $18.00 (1 gallon), $4.99 (22 ounce spray)

This product is a super concentrated, non-toxic, biodegradable carpet cleaner. Simple Green is multipurpose—it cleans, refreshes room, and deodorized pet stains. Although marketed as a non-toxic cleaner, the product scores low marks for what some customers describe as having a strong, unpleasant chemical smell. The cleaner is available at Simple Green online, and at retailers Fred Meyer, and Sherwin Williams.

Ecosense

Sol-u-mel - $14.50

Versatile Sol-u-mel has the reputation for being the mother of all stain removers. Naturally scented, the cleaner is powerful enough to remove anything from pet wastes to ink from permanent markers. Sol-u-mel is formulated with all natural, plant based, and biodegradable ingredients. The secret ingredient within is Melaleuca Oil; an essential oil purported to fight impossible stains. The 4-ounce bottle is recyclable. Sol-u-mel is sold online.

Homemade Solutions for Spot Treatments

Making homemade solutions for spot treatments has double benefits. Cost effectiveness is one bonus since you won’t need to call in the professionals. And, you are more than likely to already have most of the required ingredients in your cupboards.

Try this simple solution: fill a spray bottle with equal amounts of water and vinegar. Blot (don’t rub), vacuum, or scrape debris from the stained area. Apply the vinegar solution, allowing it to sit twenty minutes. Finish up by cleaning the area with a mixture of warm water mixed with mild dishwashing or laundry detergent.

Consumers can minimize the impact on their health, and on the environment, by avoiding hazardous cleaners. Whether you seek the services of professional carpet cleaners, or you decide to clean the carpet yourself, always opt for a non-toxic carpet cleaner as a responsible and ethical alternative.

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