Rug cleaning is an essential aspect of maintaining a clean and healthy living environment. Yet, like anything, there are different ways of going about cleaning them. There are traditional methods which use harsh chemicals and there are green ways which use non-toxic chemicals. We will discuss the difference in this article.
Differences Between Traditional and Green Cleaning Methods
There are certainly differences between green and traditional cleaning methods.
Cleaning Chemicals
Traditional Rug Cleaning
Traditional rug cleaning methods typically involve harsher chemical-based cleaning products. Solvents, chloroform, acetone, and methylene chloride are chemicals that can be found in traditional carpet cleaning chemicals. Studies show that these chemicals are harmful and can cause dizziness, nausea, and can damage the liver and kidneys.
Green Rug Cleaning
In contrast, green rug cleaning methods emphasize the use of environmentally friendly products. Products can have certifications like the EPA Safer Choice certification which means that all the chemicals used in the formula are below a certain toxicity level, making them the safest, yet most effective chemicals to be used in your home. These sustainable cleaning products are often biodegradable making them safe for the environment as well.
Fragrances
Traditional Rug Cleaning
Traditional rug cleaning fragrances can leave carpets smelling commercially “fresh”but these smells can be potentially toxic. Synthetic fragrances often contain phthalates, which are chemicals linked to a range of health issues, including respiratory problems, skin irritations, and endocrine disruptions. People with allergies, asthma, or chemical sensitivities can be particularly vulnerable to these fragrances. Additionally, fragrances can contribute to indoor air pollution, and their long-term health effects are not fully understood.
Green Rug Cleaning
Because green rug cleaning requires a certification of the chemicals as non-toxic, they may have fragrances but the fragrances also fall within the range of low toxicity. From our experience, they are mild and disappear within hours of cleaning. In addition, some green cleaning chemicals don't even have fragrances for those who don’t like them or are allergic to certain smells.
See For Yourself with Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
Safety Data Sheets, formerly known as Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), play a crucial role in the carpet cleaning industry. These documents provide detailed information about the chemicals used in cleaning products, including their properties, potential hazards, safe handling practices, and emergency measures. Ask your carpet cleaner for the name of the chemical they use in cleaning and look up the SDS. You can see all the chemicals listed in it and it will give you an idea of whether it is non-toxic or potentially hazardous.
Who Should Care the Most
Mothers with Small Children or Babies
Mothers with small children or babies should be particularly careful about the chemicals used in carpet cleaning. Spend a significant amount of time playing on the floor and will come into direct contact with any harmful residues left by traditional cleaning products. These chemicals are more dangerous to young children whose bodies are still developing and don’t have the means of filtering out toxins as adults do.
Pet Owners
Pet owners should also be concerned about traditional cleaning methods. Pets, like children, spend a lot of time on the floor and are likely to ingest harmful chemical residues left behind from traditional cleaning. Many pets are sensitive to the harsh chemicals found in traditional carpet cleaners, which can lead to allergic reactions or other health issues. Green pet cleaning services will ensure your pets are safe..
Your Green Cleaner in NYC
If you're looking for a green rug cleaning NYC service that values your family's health and the planet's well-being, PristineGreen is your go-to. As a “pristine” organic cleaner, all our products are EPA certified so you can feel safe! Check out our green cleaning services and get a quote from us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Traditional cleaning uses harsh chemicals, while green cleaning uses environmentally friendly, EPA Safer Choice certified products.
They can cause dizziness, nausea, and damage to the liver and kidneys due to their toxicity.
Green products are sustainable, often biodegradable, and safer for both the environment and home use due to low toxicity levels.
Yes, they can contain toxic phthalates, leading to respiratory issues, skin irritations, and endocrine disruptions.
They are less toxic, mild, often disappear quickly after cleaning, and some green products are fragrance-free for those sensitive or allergic.
SDS provide detailed information on chemicals, including hazards and safe handling, helping consumers identify non-toxic or hazardous substances.
SDS provide detailed information on chemicals, including hazards and safe handling, helping consumers identify non-toxic or hazardous substances.
Children are more exposed to harmful residues on floors and are at greater risk due to their developing bodies and inability to filter toxins.
Pets are sensitive to harsh chemicals, which can cause allergic reactions or health issues, highlighting the need for green cleaning.
PristineGreen uses EPA certified products, ensuring safety for families and pets while being environmentally conscious.
