Using Organic Carpet & Carpet Cleaners

Every time toxic cleaners are used, there's a heavy impact on our environment. It does not matter whether the cleaners are poured, sprayed, washed, rinsed, or dumped. The negative and harmful effects are the same. When we use these things we risk adding toxins to the air and to the water, both of which come back to us and are shared with the public. If you are not sure whether your cleaning products are harmful to you and the environment, take a look at the product labels to see the various types of chemical ingredients that are listed. What you find might surprise you!

Some products you may want to review are your carpet and carpet cleaners. For many of the cleaning needs today, there are healthier, organic alternatives to the usual toxic products. Carpet cleaners are no different. If you are concerned about this issue, and would like to use products that are more healthful, consider switching to organic cleaning products. Organic carpet cleaners, for example, are generally dry cleaners that are much less harmful on both the human body and the environment, than traditional carpet cleaners.

What to Consider When Cleaning Carpet

The best organic carpet cleaners are biodegradable and nontoxic. You should also look for those that have a pH balance that is gentle on the environment. It is equally important to ensure that a product's packaging is made from 100% recycled material.

If you want your carpets to be professionally cleaned, you should know that there are professional organic carpet cleaners who specialize in the healthful cleansing of even the dirtiest carpets. If you have trouble locating professional organic carpet cleaners locally, try searching online to see if you can find one that is close to your area.

Dangers of Non-Organic Carpet Cleaners

By far, the most commonly used carpet cleaners are the ones that are used by homeowners. Most of the popular brands that are sold in stores can be quite harmful to us because they are made with chemical solvents that are very similar to the ones used by dry cleaners.¹ The most commonly used carpet cleaners, including spot removers, give off powerfully strong odors that can aggravate a number of chronic respiratory conditions and allergies.

Some of the harmful ingredients that may be found in carpet cleaners include:

In addition to these, there are a wide variety of additional compounds that are frequently found on product labels. It is helpful if you are aware of at least some of these potentially dangerous chemicals so you can avoid using them.

You're Putting Toxic Chemicals on Toxic Materials

Carpets are often made of synthetic fibers and they're treated with toxic chemicals that are hazardous to your health and your family's health. These carpets pose a threat to the families that have them installed as well as those people who install them. Often times those facing the greatest risks are infants, toddlers, and pets, which spend the most time breathing closest to the floor.

Following are some of the dangerous chemicals found in carpets in emissions tests:

Basically, emissions tests are a measure of the fumes that carpets give off. If carpets are putting out these toxins, then people can be breathing them in. Compound these chemicals with those in the cleanser formulas and you can begin to see the dangers present.

Why Should I Use Organic Carpet Cleaners?

Organic carpets don't give off the noxious fumes that regular carpet can. Toxic fumes from carpet come from the synthetic fibers, the chemicals used in the manufacture, as well as the chemicals used to treat it. Your carpet padding can be treated with equally harmful chemicals. These toxin chemicals can cause allergic reactions in people and pets.

Organic carpet cleaners don't pollute the air. Organic carpet cleaners are healthier for you and they're healthier for our environment. Traditional carpet cleaners generally leave a concentrated vapor hanging in the air, which causes indoor air pollution.² Indoor air pollution is a very serious concern, as it can cause sneezing, headaches, nausea, asthma attacks, irritation to the lungs, nose, and eyes, coughing, congestion, fatigue, and a host of other symptoms.

By using organic carpet cleaners, the potential for mold growth is greatly reduced. Since most organic cleaners are dry, the environment is one where mold spores will readily sprout and flourish. Once mold develops in a carpet or carpet pad, it is nearly impossible to remove. The only alternative at that point is to replace all of it.