Four Common Stain Removal Solvents to Avoid when Carpet Cleaning

Carpet stains occur often, especially if you have children. Many things can stain a carpet, including: mud, glue, water, crayons, wax, ink, ketchup and also pet’s accidents. When you have a carpet stain it is important to remove it immediately as it can permanently stain or be extremely difficult to remove. You would be surprised to find that a few of the most commonly used carpet stain removers need to be avoided for various reasons.

1. Bleaches

Bleaches should be avoided for use on carpets. If the chemical accidentally comes in contract with your skin, it is easily absorbed and can cause a number of damages, most commonly irritation and burning of skin and can be extremely harmful. If bleach is mixed with ammonia, toxic and possibly lethal fumes are formed and if these fumes are inhaled, a lot of damage can be done. Although it removes tough stains, bleach is more used as a disinfectant rather than as a cleaner. You also need to be careful because bleach can cause the carpet to lose its color by fading. There are many natural alternatives to bleaches that one can use, for example lemons.

2. Solvents Containing Ammonia

Detergents made up from ammonia should be avoided as well. Ammonia affects certain dyes, so if not used on a carpet with a light color, it will end up removing most of its color. Another disadvantage of using ammonia is that it damages certain natural fibers like wool and silk. This type of chemical is poisonous and so it is dangerous if you inhale its fumes. If it comes in contact with either the skin or the eyes it will cause irritation and burn. If ammonia is mixed with bleach, it will release a highly toxic substance called chloramines which is extremely dangerous.

3. Dry-Cleaning Solvents

These types of solvents contain an amount of powerful chemicals such as petroleum and benzene. Some of these solvents have actually been removed from markets due to damages done to humans and also to the environment. The fumes that these solvents contain are toxic and so they should not be inhaled.

4. Solvents Containing Acetone

Some of the other ingredients included in these types of products can ultimately worsen the stain and make it hard or even impossible to remove. It is a flammable product and it also evaporates very quickly, which causes toxic fumes. If the place is not well ventilated, the toxic fumes are easier to inhale and this will cause severe damage to the person handling the acetone solvent.

There are many good alternatives to chemical cleaners. Before all of these were created, carpets were cleaned using natural methods, and all of them were successful in removing stains from carpets. Apart from the fact that natural detergents are of no harm to the human body, they are also eco-friendly, therefore, they do not harm the environment. Before using such detergents you should always try to remove the stain with water and a natural cleaner or a suitable cleaning product. Lemons are a great alternative to bleaches and alcohol can work as a stain remover as well.