| A visit to any supermarket will show you | | | | potentially problematic ingredients are |
| shelves of varied products available for | | | | compounds that produce lots of fumes |
| carpet cleaning. Some of these products | | | | (like formaldehyde), acids, pesticides, |
| are meant for general carpet cleaning | | | | disinfectants, lye (sodium hydroxide), |
| and some are specifically meant for | | | | fragrances and many others. The effect |
| certain types of cleaning. Shampoos and | | | | of such fumes on the human system is not |
| spot cleaners are the two commonly found | | | | known and may go on to have negative |
| carpet cleaning products. Some of these | | | | effects in the long run. |
| products are spray and leave on, while | | | | One range of carpet maintenance products |
| with some products you are required to | | | | is a stain repellent. These products may |
| follow up with a water wash. | | | | contain plastics and other potentially |
| Rotary bonnet cleaners and carpet | | | | dangerous ingredients. The key |
| shampoos are the most commonly used | | | | ingredients in such repellents are |
| carpet cleaning products. Misuse or | | | | perfluoro-octane sulfonate. This |
| over-application of these maintenance | | | | chemical was once considered chemically |
| cleaners happens all too frequently. In | | | | inert, but recent research shows |
| the event of improper use, it is | | | | otherwise. |
| necessary to do hot water extraction | | | | The use of carpet cleaning products |
| more often or more extensively. | | | | exposes us to several chemicals during |
| One should read the product label | | | | application and while drying. These |
| carefully, as some carpet cleaners -- | | | | chemicals evaporate and may concentrate |
| especially spot removers ? can prove to | | | | in the air, causing indoor air |
| be quite dangerous. Several of these | | | | pollution. Long-term exposure to such |
| products contain chemical solvents. | | | | pollutants can increase the risk for |
| Solvents dissolve dirt without soap and | | | | chronic diseases, such as heart disease |
| water, but give off strong odors which | | | | and cancer. |
| can be inhaled and cause illness. Other | | | | |