Carpet Cleaners

Why I Gave Up Chemical Carpet Cleaners — For Good

My revelation decades ago - It all started with a headache. Not the kind that comes and goes, but one that lingered — dull, stubborn, and confusing. I’d just finished scrubbing a rug in my living room with a store-bought carpet cleaner, the kind that promises “deep clean and fresh scent.” Within minutes, the smell was overwhelming, almost sharp. My dog, Gracee, sneezed several times and then disappeared into the hallway, tail tucked low.

At first, I didn’t make the connection. The room looked great. But as the days went on, I noticed Gracee scratching more than usual. My nose was stuffy and I felt tired. I still had that nagging headache every time I spent time on the newly cleaned carpet.

So I started reading labels.

I discovered that many conventional carpet cleaners are filled with ingredients that are anything but clean — things like perchloroethylene (a dry-cleaning chemical known to affect the nervous system), ammonium hydroxide (a strong irritant to the eyes and lungs), and synthetic fragrances that can trigger allergies, asthma, or hormone disruption. These substances don’t just vanish after the carpet dries. They linger — in the fibers, in the air, and on the hands and paws that touch the surface daily.

Think about it: babies crawl on carpets. Pets nap on them. We all breathe the air around them. Every step, every rub, every tumble onto the floor is an exposure point. For pets especially, who are closer to the ground and groom themselves regularly, these chemicals can accumulate quickly in their systems.

One study I found showed that indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air — largely because of what we bring in and what we clean with.

I realized then that a "clean" carpet shouldn't come at the cost of our health.

That was the last time I used a chemical carpet cleaner.

Today, I use a mix of plant-based cleaners and a steam cleaner for deep cleaning. I rely on natural deodorizers like baking soda, vinegar, and essential oils that are safe for humans and animals alike. The house still smells fresh — actually fresher, without the artificial masking of chemical scents.

We often assume that if something is sold in stores, it must be safe. But that’s not always true. For me, becoming conscious of what I clean with was the first step in creating a home that’s not just tidy, but truly healthy for me and my current pups.

If you’re inclined to buy a carpet cleaner - I recommend RICOO & ROCKY - Certified Gentle and Safe*: Chlorine free and color safe; Safe to use around pets and children, *when used as directed; So gentle it’s been Certified Safe for all carpets, earning the Seal of Approval by the trusted Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI)

RICCO & ROCKY carpet cleaner is available on Amazon.