What Chemicals are Used in Carpet Cleaning?

When we got our carpet cleaning done a few months back, I observed the process which was so satisfying to watch. However, at the same time, it made me wonder what chemicals do professional carpet cleaners use to get such excellent results. The professionals who visited our home for carpet cleaning explained to us the different chemicals and their composition. I remember only a few of them and I have shared  them below. 

What Solution Do Professional Carpet Cleaners Use?

To get the desired results, it’s important to use detergents with specific chemical composition. Below is a list of chemicals I remembered that the expert mentioned to me:

.

Alkaline Builder: The professionals mentioned that these builders control the pH for best cleaning. They are composed of soda ash, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), Borax, Sodium Metasilicate, and Phosphates. 

• Anti-Caking Agents: Anti-caking agents are additives placed in powdered materials, such as table salt or powdered detergents to prevent the formation of lumps. These agents include sodium aluminosilicate, calcium carbonate, calcium silicate, and precipitated silica products.

• Bleaching Agents: Bleaching agents are either oxidising or reducing. I remember them mentioning that reducing

  bleaches are often used in upholstery and rug “shampoos” to remove “yellowing” and to prevent “browning”. 

• Fragrance: They said this does not necessarily contribute to the cleaning but adds a touch of freshness to the room. 

• Preservatives: These chemicals are added to some detergents to obstruct bacterial or fungal growth in the carpet.

So, these are some of the chemicals that contribute to a thorough carpet cleaning. It is important to know the composition and consult a professional before you use detergents with these chemicals as some of them can be toxic and dangerous. 

I hope this gives you some idea on what chemicals do professional carpet cleaners use.

Watching those grimy carpet cleaning videos for hours is my guilty pleasure. The entire process was so satisfying to watch that it encouraged me to clean a few of my old and dirty carpets. But being a newbie, I had no idea which chemical is used for carpet shampooing. So, I contacted a laundry house with expertise in carpet cleaning. They told me that chemicals like surfactants, builders, brighteners, neutralizers and fragrances are used for proper carpet cleaning.

What Chemicals do Professional Carpet Cleaners Use?

To bring back the shine of my old carpets I used the following chemicals as suggested to me by the laundry house.

• Surfactants

  : These are soapy substances that lift dirt and grime from the fibers. Common types of surfactants include sodium lauryl sulfate and alkyl sulfonates. Now you know

  what solution do professional carpet cleaners use.

• Builders

  : Builders help break down tough stains and grease from the carpet.

• Brighteners

  : These are like optical illusionists that make our carpet appear brighter by reflecting light, much like a fresh coat of paint.

• Neutralizers

  : These chemicals balance the pH of the cleaning solution and prevent damage to your carpet fibres.

• Fragrances

  : Fragrances mask unpleasant odours with pleasing scents to make is feel and smell fresh and clean.

Knowing

what carpet cleaning solution do professionals use and

selecting the right chemicals depends on the stain's nature and your carpet's material. So, I would suggest don't blindly attack! Test cleaning solutions on a hidden area first, and always prioritize gentle, eco-friendly options.

To achieve the finest results, numerous chemicals are used in carpet cleaning. Some of these chemicals have the potential to be poisonous and erosive, shortening the lifespan of your carpet. There are health hazards associated with some of these substances for you, your family, and your pets. Hence, it's critical that you select non-toxic, safe carpet cleaning chemicals.

What chemicals are used in carpet cleaning?

Some of the carpet cleaning chemical names are as follows;

• Perchloroethylene:

This chemical is widely used for dry carpet cleaning and is known to cause dizziness and nausea.

• Phthalates:

The aromatic chemical included in most carpet cleaners is phthalates. This chemical has a lovely aroma, however, it is not entirely safe to use. In addition to being labelled carcinogenic, it can trigger allergic reactions in infants.

• Optical brighteners:

These are frequently found in carpet shampoos. They are ideal to provide carpets with a brightened appearance. 

• Formaldehyde:

It is used as an antibacterial agent for carpet cleaners.

• Naphthalene:

It is a solvent that is considered toxic to the human central nervous system.

• Ammonia:

You can quickly clean your carpet with ammonia, a chemical agent. All you have to do is combine one part of clear ammonia with four parts of water. This should be completely blended to create a cleaning solution that is very efficient.

When you need to wash your carpet, choose cleansers that are certified non-toxic. Also, you should vacuum your carpet at least twice a week and can use a solution of baking soda and water to clean your carpet. This will serve as an alternative to toxic carpet cleaning chemicals. 

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