TOXICS INFORMATION PROJECT (TIP)

P.O. Box 40572, Providence, RI 02940

Tel. 401-351-9193, E-Mail: TIP@toxicsinfo.org

Website:  www.toxicsinfo.org

(Lighting the Way to Less Toxic Living)

 

ADVICE TO A NEIGHBORHOOD: LIST ON LESS TOXIC CARPET CLEANING

Summit Neighbors,

I don't presently have any info about local carpet cleaners, but am concerned that you may not be aware of the toxicity of typical commercial products used.  I have a couple of ideas for you, but first strongly recommend you read this article:

CHEC’S HEALTHEHOUSE: The Resource for Environmental Health Risks

Affecting Your Children. Are Carpet Cleaners Safe?  by Aisha Ikramuddin
Children's Health Environmental Coalition 

www.checnet.org/healthehouse/education/articles-detail.asp?Main_ID=442

I suggest that if you do go with a commercial carpet cleaning service, you ask that they use a non-toxic product - below are some suggestions for just a few.

Also, had you thought of getting a carpet shampooer and doing it yourself?  A lot
cheaper over the long run.  Some sources of info about that are also below, along
with some suggestions for deodorizing and/or cleaning the carpet with homemade solutions.

Hope this is helpful.

Blessings,

Liberty G

NON-TOXIC CARPET CLEANER SOURCES

ONLINE OPTIONS

• NON-TOXIC ODOR FREE FRAGRANCE FREE, CHEMICAL FREE CARPET CLEANER: MYSTICAL
www.nontoxic.com/purewoolcarpets/nontoxiccleaners.html
Mystical is a non toxic deodorizer, cleaner and shampoo that lifts odors and stains from carpets, clothes and furnishings effectively. Mysticalcan be used for general cleaning as well as carpet cleaning. (From Nirvana Safe Haven). For professional steam cleaning add 1 pint of Mystical to 2 gallons of water as a pre soak then steam away as usual. Apply to oily hair and skin oil stains and wait a minute. Re spray then agitate, blot and dry and upholstery is free of stains and odors.
• HEALTHY CLEANING CARPET
  www.healthycleaning.com/carpet.html
  Two other products from NirvanaSafeHaven.com
  SafeCarpet Shampoo, a non-toxic carpet shampoo, and SafeChoice Carpet Lock Out, a sealer designed to prevent the out-gassing of harmful chemicals (including such known carcinogens as formaldehyde, toluene, benzene, xylene and styrene) used in carpet backing.
• SAFECOAT CARPET SHAMPOO
  www.greennest.com/product_info.php?cPath=51&products_id=133&osCsid=3950aed126acc52ca00588182fa21d7c
  Many so-called "Zero VOC" products on the market reduce emissions that cause outdoor air pollution, but still contain a host of unregulated toxic ingredients (such as formaldehyde, ammonia, acetone, exempt solvents and odor masking agents) that cause indoor air pollution. Safecoat® products eliminate toxic ingredients such as solvents, heavy metals, chemical residuals, formaldehyde and other harmful preservatives.

HOME-MADE SOLUTIONS

• EARTH EASY: NON-TOXIC HOME CLEANING

  http://eartheasy.com/live_nontoxic_solutions.htm

• Carpet Stains: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray directly on stain, let sit for several minutes, and clean with a brush or sponge using warm soapy water. For a heavy duty carpet cleaner, mix 1/4 cup each of salt, borax and vinegar. Rub paste into carpet and leave for a few hours. Vacuum.
• Deodorize: Carpets - sprinkle baking soda several hours before vacuuming

AVAILABLE LOCALLY

• SHAKLEE CLEANERS
  Shaklee’s environment and people friendly Basic-H2 can be used for many purposes, including carpet cleaning. A reliable local source is:
Jeffrey Whittaker, Shaklee Independent Distributor
East Greenwich, RI
JWhittaker@mac.com, 866-333-5858
www.shaklee.net/OurHealthierWorld
• WHOLE FOODS MARKET
  No carpet shampoos.

SOURCES & INFO ON CARPET SHAMPOOER STEAM VACUUMS

www.shopping.com/xPP-vacuums-carpet_shampooer

www.epinions.com/Vacuums/skp_~1/dl_~1/search_string_~carpet%20shampooer/adv_search_~1