Eco-Friendly Carpet Cleaning Methods
Solutions for a Sustainable Home Environment
Keeping carpets clean is important for air quality, and extending the life of your floors. Harsh chemicals used in some cleaning solutions come at a cost to personal health and the environment. Thankfully there are many eco friendly ways to clean carpets effectively.
Key Takeaways
- Using eco friendly cleaning solutions is better for humans and the environment
- Baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and essential oils make great DIY solutions
- Rent or buy a cleaner that uses steaming for best results
- Vacuum frequently and address stains quickly to limit the need for cleaning
- Consider low VOC, recyclable, or natural fiber carpet options when replacing old carpet
Why Choose Eco Friendly Carpet Cleaners
Standard carpet solutions often contain harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs), bleaches, optical brighteners, and other chemicals. Exposure can cause:
- Headaches, dizziness, nausea
- Respiratory irritation
- Skin and eye irritation
- Potential long term issues
These cleaners also get disposed down the drain, polluting waterways. Choosing eco friendly alternatives is better for your home’s indoor air quality and the environment.
DIY Eco Friendly Cleaning Solutions
Making your own natural carpet cleaning solutions at home is cost effective, non-toxic, and simple to do. Here are some of the best options:
Baking Soda
Baking soda is mildly abrasive to lift dirt, dust, and absorb odors. To use:
- Spread baking soda liberally over the carpet
- Let sit for up to an hour to allow absorption
- Vacuum thoroughly to lift dirt and powder
Vinegar
White vinegar kills bacteria and helps lift stains. To use:
- Mix equal parts with warm water
- Apply lightly to affected areas of carpet
- Blot gently with a clean rug
Do not soak the carpet and test an inconspicuous area first, as vinegar can dull some carpet fibers over time.
Hydrogen Peroxide
As a mild bleach, hydrogen peroxide can lift stains. To use:
- Mix 5 parts cleaner to 1 part hydrogen peroxide
- Apply to affected carpet areas
- Blot gently with an absorbent towel
- Repeat if needed
Essential Oils
Oils like eucalyptus, peppermint and tea tree refresh carpets. To use:
- Add 8-10 drops of chosen oil(s) per cup of baking soda
- Sprinkle over carpet and let sit for 30 minutes
- Vacuum to lift powder and aroma
Deep Cleaning Methods
For a deeper clean down into thick carpet piles consider renting or buying a cleaner that uses steam. Look for “green label” cleaners approved by the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) that are effective while meeting strict standards for human and environmental safety. The hot water/steam breaks down dirt, stains, etc which is then sucked away so it’s not redeposited into carpet fibers
Professional Cleaning
Consider hiring a service that will bring commercial grade equipment but uses eco friendly cleaning solutions. Get references and confirm the types of products they use. A thorough job should:
- Vacuum carpet strands
- Pre-treat heavily soiled areas
- Steam clean with natural detergents
- Rinse away all cleaning residue
- Groom carpet fibers
- speed dry with air movers
Ongoing Carpet Care
Regular care keeps floors cleaner between cleanings. Weekly vacuuming, frequent stain removal, and quick attention to high traffic areas helps maintain air quality and carpet longevity.
Vacuum Often
- Use a vacuum with beater bar for carpets
- Vacuum main paths 2-3 times per week
- Vacuum entire carpeted area weekly
- Use crevice tool on edges and corners
Treat Spots and Spills
- Blot liquid immediately
- Use natural solutions from DIY section
- Avoid rubbing which can spread stain
- Work from edges of stain inward
Address High Traffic Areas
Areas around doors and popular pathways get dirtier faster. Deal with immediately to limit deeper buildup.
- Vacuum daily
- Flip or rotate area rugs to spread wear
- Periodically shampoo small rugs
- Spot clean heavy dirt areas
Replacing wall-to-wall carpet that is past its usable lifespan? Consider engineered hardwood or laminate flooring. Both clean easily with broom, mop and vacuum. Area rugs add softness and warmth while remaining easy to maintain long-term.
Purchasing New Eco Friendly Carpets
When it comes time to replace carpet, shop for products made from natural and recycled materials by manufacturers focused on sustainability. Look for certifications like Green Label Plus. Consider options like:
- Low VOC carpets and padding: Release less fumes into home
- Recycled content carpets: Made using recycled plastic spray bottles etc. that would otherwise end up in landfills
- Natural fiber carpets: Sisal, seagrass, jute and wool renewable options
FAQs
What is the best method for cleaning really dirty carpets?
Renting a steam cleaner or hiring a carpet cleaning expert to perform steaming removes the most dirt and residue from carpets.
Is it possible to remove a stubborn stain from carpet using eco friendly methods?
Yes, try spot treating stubborn stains with a mix of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and lemon juice. Allow to sit for 30 minutes then blot with damp towel.
What natural cleaning products work well on carpets?
White vinegar, baking soda, essential oils like lemon or eucalyptus, and carbonated water work well and are non toxic options.
How are eco friendly carpet cleaning safer?
They avoid dangerous chemicals found in some traditional cleaners that are unhealthy for people and pollute groundwater after use.
Where can I buy green carpet cleaning products?
Many home stores now sell natural cleaners and sustainable products that clean effectively without toxins or harming humans.
Conclusion
Keeping carpets clean shouldn’t mean using products that harm humans or planet. There are now many options for effective eco friendly carpet cleaning service using simple non toxic ingredients commercial green label steam cleaning machines and detergents.
And by taking small steps like vacuuming frequently, spot cleaning spills quickly with a damp cloth, and considering fair trade natural fiber carpets for your next purchase, you can make a real difference for your home’s air quality and the environment.
