Are carpet cleaners safe?
Some carpet cleaners –especially spot removers– can be particularly dangerous, because they contain toxic chemical solvents. These products dissolve dirt without soap and water, but give off strong odors and can leave behind chemical residues. Other potentially problematic ingredients in carpet cleaners include compounds that produce lots of fumes (like formaldehyde ), acids, pesticides, disinfectants, lye (sodium hydroxide), fragrances and many others. There are ways to clean carpets without dangerous chemicals. Visit the Marketplace section of our website for companies that specialize in eco-friendly cleaning products.
