One of the problems with indoor carpet is that they are the perfect breeding ground for mites, moulds and dust. Vacuuming is your first line of defence and should be done regularly with a decent model. What you should looking for is good air flow, the speed at which your vacuum can pick up dirt plus a good filtration system is a must as not to project dust right back into your home. A deeper clean means carpet cleaners, many of which contain some pretty nasty chemicals. Beyond the potential health hazards of the many toxins present in these cleaners, you can suffer from dizziness, nausea and irritation from the fumes. And not just you and your family, your pets are equally affected.
If you go with professional cleaners, ask about plant-based alternative solvents and insist on non-toxic steam extraction methods. There are also green carpet cleaning solutions available for home use, suitable for some carpet machines and spot application — their ingredients are generally agreed to be safe for people and pets.
Postpone a general cleaning with spot maintenance. Natural options you can use instead of chemical cleaners: salt for mud, dirt and red wine; club soda for coffee stains; and cornstarch or cornmeal for grease. For odour control, generously sprinkle your carpeted areas with baking soda and allow to sit overnight before vacuuming. Direct sunlight is also a great deodorant — a couple of hours in the sun does wonders to freshen bathroom mats and area rugs.
Maybe you’re hands-on and you want to rent a commercial steamer, try these helpful tips. Rinse out the cleaning chamber with warm water and flush the residue. It’s not a perfect solution but it beats recirculating the pesticides and chemicals from other people’s carpets through your home. Invest in your own steam cleaning unit, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing only natural cleaners are keeping your home fresh, clean and healthy.