Carpet Cleaning Safety

Unfortunately carpets will get dirty. Carpets and rugs take a
lot of abuse so it's inevitable that they are going to have to
be cleaned at some point and time. Carpet cleaning products do
contain toxic chemicals and are not always listed on the label
for various reasons. 

Spot removers are typically the most dangerous and a lot of
times they contain solvents. The purpose in the solvent
ingredient is to dissolve dirt and grease without using water.
Sometimes solvents are used in additional to water depending on
the methods being used.

In addition to cleaning products a fabric or carpet guard is
sometimes used as a stain repellent and may also contain
dangerous chemicals. These products in most cases are solvent
based as well. 

During the cleaning process and for several hours after, carpet
cleaning chemicals and protectants put off evaporating
contaminants that can affect eyes, nose, lungs and can even
cause vomiting. Long-term exposure can produce several different
health problems as well.

Dry carpet shampoos and powders usually stick to carpet fibers
and attract dirt. These type of cleaning products are solvent
based. A residue is left behind which is supposed to be vacuumed
to remove the excess cleaning chemical. These powders and
chemicals turn to dust and are easily inhaled by small children
and pets. It is recommend that children and pets stay out of the
house for at least 6 hours after the cleaning has taken place. 

If steam-cleaning method is used make sure that the carpet is
cleaned on a day the weather is dry and the carpet can dry
within a couple hours. Over saturation and inadequate water
removal can cause mold and spores to develop which is very
difficult to remove once established.