Precautions Necessary To Protect Pets When Cleaning Carpets

May 24, 2010 - PRLog -- Carpet cleaning technicians need to practice added safeguards when cleaning carpets in the homes of pet owners, according to a report by the Marin Humane Society in Marin County, California.

This is because animals can experience health problems if chemical residue is left in carpets after cleaning or chemical fumes become airborne.

For instance, dogs and cats may eat treats tossed onto carpets and then lick carpet fibers in search of crumbs, thereby running the risk of ingesting any chemical residue left behind after the cleaning process.

“Birds, in particular, can be very sensitive to airborne toxins and chemicals,” report Belinda Evans, DVM, and Paul Breckenridge, DVM, of the Marin Humane Society. “[Because of this], extra precautions should be taken when carpet cleaning in their [home] environment.”

Evans and Breckenridge suggest that carpet cleaners use Green cleaning products and recommend that pets be kept outside or boarded elsewhere while carpets are being cleaned. If animals are exposed to any cleaning solution, “It is important to thoroughly wash the exposed area, removing any residue,” note the doctors.

Nick Wiebe, Marketing Manager for U.S. Products, suggests these additional pet-safety tips for carpet cleaners:

•   Use low moisture extractors. Not only do these machines use less water, but they typically use less chemical as well.
•   Select extractors that have received the “Seal of Approval” from the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI).
•   Select carpet cleaning chemicals that have been Green certified by CRI or a similar respected certification organization.
•   Pre-spray carpets; typically, less chemical is then used in the cleaning process.
•   Select heated carpet extractors. Such models increase the effectiveness of the carpet cleaning chemicals, meaning less may be necessary.

“These steps can help reduce cleaning's impact on the indoor environment,” says Wiebe. “They make it safer not just for pets, but for all living things.”


About U.S. Products
U.S. Products has been manufacturing cleaning equipment for carpeting, floors, draperies, upholstery, and restoration for more than 25 years. The company is well known for its innovative internal heating systems, which deliver 212°F at the wand tip; its top-quality components; and its solid-state circuitry, which allow for precise operation and equipment control.

U.S. Products Contact Information:
181 West Aqua Ave.
Coeur d'Alene, ID  83815
Phone: (208) 772-0573 / Toll Free: (800) 257-7982
Fax (800) 910-5294
info@usproducts.com

# # #

AlturaSolutions Communications is a public relations, communications firm for the professional cleaning, building, hotel, healthcare, and education industries. They can be reached at info@alturasolutions.cm