Every Calgary resident has to worry from time to time: how safe is carpet cleaning today?  We try to keep our houses clean, to protect our family, and particularly our kids, from dirt, germs and viruses.   But, are we doing them more damage by introducing more chemical into the house with freshly dry-cleaned carpet?

Pollution is the worry of all residents on Earth, but we always associate pollution with big cities, industrial regions with smokestacks, or nuclear power stations. We certainly do not think Calgary to be badly polluted city. Therefore it is horrifying to learn the results of the American Environmental Protection Agency study:  they found that an average house, indoors, contains 300 times more pollutant than the outside. How does it get there?

Let’s look at what we use on everyday basis: soaps, detergents, dishwashing liquid, floor cleaners, carpet cleaners, sofa cleaners, toilet and bathroom cleaners and disinfectants,  room fresheners, oven cleaners, and let’s not forget hair sprays, spray deodorants, insect repellents, bug  sprays…The list is endless. With each of these products we add one or more often many chemicals to the air we breathe.  The chemicals impregnate our sofas, mattresses, pillows, walls, towels, everything. How dangerous all those chemicals are? Let’s look at one of them, the most commonly used commercial carpet cleaner:  it is called tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene), colloquially called “perc.”  Some of possible effects of tetrachloroethylene in humans are:  neurological, liver, and kidney diseases, reproductive problems, such as spontaneous abortions.  It is so bad even for the environment, that, to prevent it from getting into drinking water, dry cleaners that use perc must dispose it in a special way.

Fortunately, consumers are getting more educated and they demand products that are less damaging, but at the same time still can do the job.  We still have to deal with all those bacteria and viruses we bring into our homes. Many manufacturers are coming up with natural, plant-based cleaners, free of ammonia, enzymes, animal products, synthetic chemicals, phosphates, or soaps. They are much milder and less damaging for our health and for the planet. They are biodegradable and will not accumulate in water and soil.  Natural cleaning products are particularly important solution for those who suffer from asthma and allergies.

Natural, eco-friendly or ‘green’ carpet cleaning products are particularly important for the health of our pets.  Dogs and cats are closer to the ground that we are.  They have smaller lungs and faster metabolisms.  Being constantly in direct contact with carpeting, animals are also more vulnerable to full-on toxic poisoning. Of course, if you have a baby that is just learning to walk, this close proximity to the freshly cleaned carpet is even more of a concern.  Whether you are looking for a steam carpet cleaning in Calgary, or some other method of carpet cleaning, make sure that you hire experienced and reliable cleaner who uses natural cleaning products.  One of the most popular and with the growing reputation as ‘green business’ is Oxy-Genie, which has a range of awards and certificates to prove their commitment to your health and the health of our planet.