Steam cleaning your carpet periodically preserves the carpet fibers and extends the longevity of the carpet, while helping to keep your living area hygienic by eradicating mites, bacteria, odors, and stains. Many steam cleaning products include harsh chemicals, however, which may be harmful to the environment and to the air you breathe. For instance, some chemicals contained in commercial applications can make you nauseous or dizzy when they're breathed in, while others are known carcinogens, or cancer-causing agents.
Fortunately, there are natural alternatives to using the chemical carpet cleaners. Equally important is ensuring that the machine is kept clean and germ-free, and allowing proper ventilation in the room you are cleaning. Before you begin or before hiring a professional carpet cleaning service, consider the following tips for healthy and natural steam cleaning:
1. Insist on the Use of a "Green" Cleaning Solution
Ask for chemical-free cleaners, or you can play it safe for yourself and your family by concocting your own homemade, safe steam cleaning solution. Here are a few all natural ways to steam clean your carpets without polluting your home, with the use of a commercial steam cleaning machine:
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White Vinegar Mixed With Water: Ordinary household white vinegar is more than a dressing for your salads. Due to its acidic content, vinegar is actually an effective germ-killing agent. Bacteria in your carpets will be destroyed, and dirt and stains will be released from the carpet fibers. Simply add equal parts of white vinegar to warm water in the steam cleaner machine. Steam cleaning your carpets like this will help rid your carpets of stains and odors, too.
If you're concerned that your carpets will smell like a salad, don't be. The vinegar smell will dissipate in a short while. However, if you want to add your own non-hazardous scent to your carpet cleaning solution, you can toss some essential oils into the machine. It will cancel out the scent of the vinegar and leave your carpets smelling fresh. Try lemongrass, rosemary (a natural antimicrobial), lavender, peppermint, orange, or cinnamon. Use these sparingly, however, as essential oils are strong.
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Dishwashing Liquid (or Laundry Soap) Mixed With Baking Soda: For a foaming solution, try mixing household laundry soap or dish liquid together. To ensure you're creating a natural "green" cleaner, use all-natural dish soap or laundry soap only, with no harmful chemicals. The trick is to apply this solution to stubborn stains and ground-in dirt before you use your steam cleaning machine. It will help lift off the dirt more easily.
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Water Only: If any of the above cleaning methods are not to your liking, play it safe with the bare essentials. Simply add hot water to your steam cleaner and nothing else. While it may not be quite as effective as using soaps or vinegar, you will notice a difference in your carpets afterwards. The hot steam will help loosen grime and dirt, which may be vacuumed away when the carpet is dry.
2. Maintain a Hygienic Carpet Cleaning Machine
Take a tip from the carpet cleaning service professionals. It is important to maintain the condition of any carpet cleaning machine, simply to keep it in good working order and to keep it hygienic and clean. If you're renting the machine (or if you own it), be sure to rinse the tank thoroughly after each use, so you won't be placing dirty water back onto your carpets. Also, suction hot water through the hose to remove dirt and clogs.
3. Ventilate Your Home As You Steam Clean
As another consideration, allow adequate ventilation in any room you are steam cleaning. Open all windows to ensure your carpets dry quickly and fresh air flows freely through your house. Proper ventilation will also help prevent mold from forming on damp carpets.
For more information on carpet steam cleaning, contact a company like Boss Systems Carpet Cleaning.
