Are Carpet Cleaners Safe

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Aisha Ikramuddin

Monday, July 02, 2007

Among the inevitable things in life is the fact that all carpets will get dirty over time. Carpets and rugs, of course, take a lot of abuse from rambunctious children and pets, dinner guests who spill, people who refuse to wipe their feet before entering–the list goes on and on.

So it is also inevitable that carpets have to be cleaned somehow, at some point. Like other cleaners, carpet cleaners may contain toxic ingredients, some of which are not listed on labels because they are considered "proprietary" or "trade secrets".

Some carpet cleaners–especially spot removers–can be particularly dangerous, because they contain chemical solvents similar to those used by dry cleaners. These chemicals dissolve dirt without soap and water, but give off strong odors. Other potentially problematic ingredients in carpet cleaners include other compounds that produce lots of fumes (like formaldehyde), acids, pesticides, disinfectants, lye (sodium hydroxide), fragrances and many others.

Fabric and carpet stain repellents or "guards" may contain plastics and other potentially dangerous ingredients. The key ingredient in 3M’s popular Scotchgard® line of products, perfluoro-octane sulfonate (PFOS), was once portrayed as chemically inert, but recent research shows that it is a persistent organic pollutant (POP). PFOS, a suspected hormone disruptor, accumulates in the environment and the tissue of animals and humans. Despite ample evidence of PFOS's persistence, 3M kept it on the market for 40 years. In spring 2000, 3M announced it would phase out PFOS products by the year 2002. The safety of another perfluorinated compound, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), the main ingredient in Teflon®, which is used to coat non-stick pans and in fabric protectors, is currently under investigation.

During application and while drying, the chemicals in carpet cleaners and protectors evaporate and may concentrate in the air, causing indoor air pollution. This is more likely if the room is not well ventilated, the weather is hot and humid or the room is damp. Indoor air pollution can cause headaches, irritation to eyes, nose and lungs, asthma attacks, congestion, sneezing, coughing, fatigue, nausea and other symptoms.

There is some speculation that there is a link between carpet cleaners and Kawasaki Disease, though there is limited evidence to support this. Long-term exposures may increase the risks for chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer, depending on the chemicals involved.

Carpet shampoos usually leave a sticky residue on carpet fibers. The residue is usually hard to see or feel–though it can make carpets feel rougher and you may be able to smell it. Not only does the residue attract and latch onto dirt, but children, who crawl and play on carpets, can inhale these residues and get them on their hands, which often go into their mouths.

Dry shampoos, powders and foams may also linger on carpet fibers. These products generally contain solvents and detergents that must be applied for a specific period of time, then vacuumed to remove the cleaning product. A residue may be left behind or the product may sink deep enough into carpets to avoid being pulled out by the vacuum cleaner. Powders or dusts are easily inhaled and may irritate airways and cause asthma attacks. In fact, anti-dust-mite carpet treatments sometimes contain tannic acid or benzyl benzoate, both of which are skin, eye and respiratory irritants. Deodorizing powders often contain fragrances that irritate asthmatic lungs as well.

To remove shampoo residue from your carpet, see How to Keep Carpets Clean without Dangerous Chemicals . Healthy Child Healthy World recommends that children stay out of the house for at least four hours after carpets have been cleaned by any method. This can help reduce the risk of Kawasaki Disease, which may be linked to carpet cleaning.

Dangerous Chemicals Found in Some Carpet Cleaners

Solvents Butoxyethanol and other glycol ethers,Tetrachloroethylene, Perchloroethylene
Acids and other corrosive chemicals Hydroxyacetic acid, Hydrofluoric acid, Nitrilotriacetic acid, Sodium hydroxide, Sodium carbonate
Mildewcides and Disinfectants Tributyl tin, Formaldehyde, Phenol
Other chemicals Butane, propane and isobutanes (aerosol propellants), Dibutyl phthalate, Nonylphenol ethoxylate (surfactant), Octylphenol ethoxylate (surfactant)

You can find out if a carpet cleaning product you use or are considering contains any of these ingredients on the Household Products Database, produced by the National Institutes of Health. You can also search by ingredient.

Mold and Mildew Another issue related to carpet cleaning is the potential for mold growth in carpets that do not dry quickly enough. Steam cleaning carpets can thoroughly dampen the carpet AND the pad underneath. In humid or poorly ventilated spaces, a steam-cleaned carpet is an invitation for mold spores to sprout. Once mold begins to grow in a carpet or its pad, it's impossible to remove adequately. The spores and particles will be embedded and will thwart any removal process unfortunately. Even when mold is not actively growing, mold particles and spores can cause health problems, such as fatigue, headaches, allergy symptoms, asthma attacks and other breathing problems.

Posted by Tri-State Paper & Chemical Supplies on 05/22/2012 at 11:23 AM

this is awesome! keep the posts coming, i love reading your thoughts and ideas! the cleaner the chemicals, the better!

Posted by Jim Hilbrandt on 05/14/2012 at 11:16 AM

I know that many people are concerned when it comes to getting their carpet cleaned. I know I had my concerns because of the chemicals that are used. I searched different companies and found one that I liked. Their website is http://www.daltoncleaning.com/ and they clean carpets with non-toxic chemicals. They use all natural solutions and a solution called Benefect, which is approved by the EPA. I was thoroughly impressed with the service. I recommend Dalton Cleaning for those worried about harmful chemicals.

Posted by Brian Scott on 02/24/2012 at 08:34 AM

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Posted by suzanne on 02/07/2012 at 05:57 AM

This is why we have stayed away from carpet cleaners for years…just water and enzymes for us!

Posted by fetamy on 11/29/2011 at 02:52 AM

• Tips for choosing a cleaner
• What are the key point to choosing a cleaner
• Locally established
• Chose that firm which is well established and located.
• New firm may risky.
• Try to find previous work
• Track record
• Longer the firm has been around stronger the chances of good services.
• Look for testimonial and case studies on website of service provider.
• Search for customer reviews on site
• Search website on local business directories like google places.
• Find references from previous customers about their experiences.
• Check it for criminal record bureau
• Check your request care fully.
• Feel comfortable with cleaner at your house.
• Give a trial job and asses the firm the cleaner and results.
• You are customer and you must be happy with the cleaner provided to you
• Never compromise and hesitate to make special requests
Regards: <a >Domestic Cleaning</a>

Posted by Jeffrey on 07/20/2011 at 09:18 AM

There ARE companies that don’t use chemicals, as Mr. Clean says. ZeroRez is one of those companies and is highly regarded as one of the best.

The information in this article is correct.

The “ZeroRez Difference” is the fact that ZeroRez uses an electronically charged water solution. No soap or harmful chemicals and it dries by early afternoon.

I’m not a ZeroRez employee, but do know the company and support them, as do many mothers and health-conscious business owners.

Posted by greengo on 05/16/2011 at 02:17 PM

Carpet Steam Cleaning is -by far- the best way to rid your carpeting of contaminants as it will flush them out! Carpets do not take days to dry -scare tactic by the “dry guys”- and the backing of your carpet usually does not even get damp. The dry cleaning method does have its place - commercial maintenance programs- but for a thorough cleaning ..steam is the way to go!

Posted by sandiegogreen on 05/15/2011 at 08:45 AM

Alternative dry or lower moisture cleaning methods for your carpet are a good way to go in order to help conserve the most water. As you may or may not already know, truckmounted steam or hot water extraction is the absolute best cleaning method you could have for your carpet because it has the power to extract deeply embedded dirt, grime, pet dander, and allergens thoroughly. You also may or may not know that this particular cleaning method requires water to clean correctly.

Posted by sandiegogreen on 03/19/2011 at 05:57 PM

The equipment used and knowledge on cleaning agents are what allow a company to be a multi-method operation that can low moisture or dry clean your carpet correctly! Encapsulation formulas are great for commercial carpets. An encapsulation technique is used to trap or form an outer coating surrounding dirt and grease, suspending it essentially until the next time you choose to run your regular dry vacuum. These techniques are the best for commercial carpets especially, since commercial grade carpet can be thinner and made of different materials.

Posted by Gaskifrean on 02/25/2011 at 11:35 AM

MjAdbAl

Posted by Oven Cleaning on 12/11/2010 at 04:47 AM

I think the problems lies with the fibres holding on to stuff. A more healthier approach could be to use laminate flooring with a rug (compromise). Then have the rugs washed outside (like people used to do in ouir neighbourhoods in the 80s),

Posted by Bob on 10/22/2010 at 07:06 PM

I have been cleaning carpet for over 16 years .Over all i have not experience any ill side effects from cleaning carpet..I did get a infection once from pulling back a carpet that was saturated in mold. I do appreciate the information that have posted.

Posted by Carpet Cleaning on 10/05/2010 at 01:48 AM

Carpet Cleaners of Las Vegas is a leading provider of high quality carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning and tile cleaning services.

Posted by rug on 09/16/2010 at 07:32 AM

rug

We will start with a bit of facts on some possibly hazardous carpet cleaning chemicals. Butyl has been proven to cause emphysema and trigger asthma attacks. Any carpet cleaning technician will attest to this after completing a large order and being unable to take deep breaths. Chlorine can cause cancer, liver damage and chronic bronchitis. Limonene may cause burns and eye agitation. This list goes on and on.

Posted by Carpet Cleaner on 09/13/2010 at 06:07 AM

This is true that some chemicals may be toxic and harmful to the people especially for babies. Before you clean your carpet either yourself or hiring a professional carpet cleaner, you need to read the label of the carpet cleaning product and decide whether this is the best option for you. If you are calling a company ask them before you book them what products they use and whether they are safe.

Posted by Eco Clean on 12/03/2009 at 06:26 PM

As a green carpet cleaner, I really appreciate the info in this post. I recommend that every customer/consumer educate themselves before hiring someone to bring cleaning product in their house to spread all over the carpet. There are excellent quality products that are totally safe, list the ingredients and have multiple green certifications. Why all carpet cleaning companies are not using them is beyond me. The product line I use only has three ingredients (all food grade) and is Green Seal Certified, Envirodesic Certified, and Environmental Choice Certified. It is priced right and works great. Ask the person you plan to hire what he uses, and what’s in it. If he doesn’t know or won’t say, call someone else. If you want to learn more about the different carpet cleaning methods and products, read the “learn more” page at ecocleanidaho.com. An educated decision is always better than guessing!

Posted by izmir halı yıkama on 07/30/2009 at 01:49 AM

Thanks for helpful information you catch up us with your instructional explanation.

Posted by mr.clean on 07/04/2009 at 06:57 AM

Theresa,
first of all there is no conclusive evidence that kawasaki syndrome is caused by any type of carpet cleaning process. There is some speculation that perhaps the backing of a carpet may play a role.but again nothing conclusive. When steam cleaning is performed the proper way with the proper equipment it will take care of backteria and dust mites. However if there is mold present that may pose a more serious problem and more than likely is originating from the backing and/or padding,which is another issue. Know as far as “it is very important for parents to keep their children off the carpets after they have been cleaned” I must repectfully disagree with this blanket statement. My company DMS Carpet Cleaners uses organic/bio-based cleaners that will not cause any harm to people and pets. The steam cleaning process that I use helps rid the carpeting of bacteria and dustmites making it a more sanitary place - carpets dry relatively fast -the backing does not get wet. Now there are companies using systems and chemicals that would over wet and I would not want to walk on the carpeting after it has been cleaned but people need to make wise descisions and investigate a little before hiring just any company.
I am sad to hear of your situation and wish the best for your child and family. I just feel that the carpet cleaning industry as a whole is misrepresented by companies praying on peoples fear and misinformation.

Posted by Theresa on 07/03/2009 at 10:21 PM

I don’t disagree that cleaning chemicals are probably dangerous, but I believe the current thinking is that the reason carpet cleaning is associated with such dangerous syndromes as Kawasaki Disease (which attacks the vascular systems of young children) is that the process of cleaning the carpets is probably dredging up sunk-in pollution like bacteria, mold, or dust mites. This is why it is usually reported by parents who have had their carpets steam cleaned, even when only with water, because the steam may help this stuff become more inhaleable. It’s very important that parents know to keep children off recently cleaned carpets until they are dry. I speak as one who has a child who played on a wet rug and did acquire Kawasaki Disease. I never want this to happen to another child.

Posted by Holly on 06/07/2009 at 07:14 PM

To Mr. Clean,
I apologize if I misread your post, which, now that I understand your meaning, is meant to be an advertisement for your services (as well as an endorsement of the methods you use). However, the post was not clear (it sounded as if someone was trying to pretend to be a consumer - read it again and you will see why we thought that). Now that I understand your meaning, I realize your intent. Thank you for clarifying. The site administrator is welcome to remove my earlier post.

Posted by Mr.Clean on 05/27/2009 at 06:11 PM

Our post was made to inform people that although carpet cleaning can be toxic..there are companies -such as our-that offer a completly safe organic cleaning. There is no dishonesty or any attempt to mislead. We sure hope “Holly” has a change of heart and retracts “her” statements.
We are just very proud of the fact that our service gives people a safer alternative.

Posted by Holly on 05/27/2009 at 05:56 PM

It’s pretty obvious that the poster above (Mr. Clean) is not an enthusiastic client, but rather, is the business itself (DMS Carpet Cleaning). Be very wary of these claims - even if they are true, the post is dishonest and misleading.

Posted by Mr.Clean on 04/20/2009 at 01:38 PM

DMS Carpet Cleaning in Fairfield County,Connecticut offers green/organic cleaning products. These green cleaners are top notch and have exceeded our expectations ,so much so, that we use them even on commercial carpet cleaning jobs! Who said it’s not easy being green? Some of the cleaners we use even surpass “green” cleaning standards and, unlike are competitors, we offer these cleaning solutions for no additional cost.

Posted by Cleaning Your Carpets on 04/17/2009 at 07:33 AM

I have often wondered if all the cleaning products that we use around our houses are good for you. I am not a scientist but I can image that people that are around these chemicals everyday, would eventually start to have problems. That is just my opinion.

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