Safe, Eco-Friendly Carpet Cleaning for Kids & Pets

Our solutions: Non-toxic and eco-friendly; safe for children and pets when used as directed
Dogs and cats (ASPCA): Most cleaning products are safe when used per labeled directions
Birds (ASPCA): Extremely sensitive to fumes; ask a veterinarian before cleaning around them
Water: Very low moisture cleaning uses far less water than steam cleaning
Smell: Fresh and clean, without a heavy chemical odor
Disinfecting (CDC): Cleaning removes most germs and dirt; disinfecting kills most germs

What safe for children and pets means

Our solutions are non-toxic and eco-friendly, and we use them as directed on their labels. That phrase matters, because the ASPCA's own wording is conditional. It says most cleaning products are safe to use around dogs and cats as long as they are used per labeled directions. We follow the directions, and we ask a few things of you in return: keep children and pets out of the room while we work, and keep them off the carpet until it is dry. A VLM cleaning is typically dry in about an hour, which keeps that wait short.

Pets that need extra care

The ASPCA says birds are extremely sensitive to the fumes from cleaning products, and it recommends asking a veterinarian before using them around birds. If you keep birds, tell us when you request a quote, and ask your veterinarian about small animals as well. The ASPCA also notes that most enzyme-based cleaners tend to cause mild stomach upset and advises letting them dry before pets have access to the area. That applies to home pet-odor products as well as to professional ones. Our pet stain and odor page covers how we treat accidents.

Conserving water

Very low moisture cleaning puts very little water into the carpet. That conserves water, and it also shortens drying time, since less water has to leave the carpet. We do not publish a gallons-per-job figure, because the amount depends on the job. See how drying works for the drying numbers.

A clean smell

CRI notes that wet cleaning can leave solution-related fragrances that need ventilation to clear. We aim for a fresh, great-smelling result without a heavy chemical odor, and we ask that you ventilate the room as the carpet dries.

Cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention define the terms. Cleaning removes most germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces. Sanitizing reduces germs to levels considered safe by public health codes or regulations. Disinfecting kills most germs on surfaces and objects, and the CDC says to follow the product's label and to keep the surface wet for the label's contact time. The CDC adds that sanitizing or disinfecting at home is likely not needed unless someone in the home is sick. For soft surfaces such as carpets and rugs, it advises cleaning with products appropriate for the surface and vacuuming. We clean as our standard service, and we disinfect pet-affected areas where appropriate, following labels.

Allergies and asthma

Cleaning does not treat an allergy. The American Lung Association and National Jewish Health recommend allergen encasements on mattresses and pillows, weekly hot-water washing of bedding, keeping indoor humidity below 50 percent, and using a HEPA-filter vacuum on carpet. We do not claim our cleaning kills dust mites. If someone in your home has asthma or an allergy, tell us when you book, and see our mattress cleaning page for more.

Warranties and product choices

CRI says topical treatments applied without a carpet manufacturer's approval may void warranties, and it lists anti-microbials and deodorizers among them. Safe for the family and approved by a carpet maker are separate questions. Read your carpet's warranty and ask the manufacturer if you are unsure.

Questions to ask any cleaner about product safety

What products do you use, and can I read the labels?
Are they safe for children and pets when used as directed, and how long should we stay out of the room?
Is there a fragrance or chemical odor, and how long does it last?
Do you use anything on the carpet that could affect my warranty?
What should I do if I keep birds or small animals?

Questions about safe and eco-friendly cleaning

Is it safe to let my dog walk on the carpet after cleaning?

Keep pets off until the carpet is dry, which is typically about an hour after a VLM cleaning. The ASPCA says most cleaning products are safe around dogs and cats when used per labeled directions.

Will the room smell of chemicals?

We aim for a fresh, great-smelling result without a heavy chemical odor. CRI notes that wet cleaning can leave solution-related fragrances that need ventilation, so we ask that you ventilate the room as the carpet dries.

Can I clean up after a bird or small animal with your products?

Ask your veterinarian first. The ASPCA says birds are extremely sensitive to fumes from cleaning products.

Will cleaning help with allergies?

Cleaning removes soil, and it is not an allergy treatment. The American Lung Association recommends encasements, hot-water washing of bedding, humidity below 50 percent, and a HEPA vacuum.

Do you disinfect?

We disinfect pet-affected areas where appropriate and follow the product label. The CDC says disinfecting at home is likely not needed unless someone is sick.

Sources

Figures and guidance come from the sources listed here and can change; the maker's instructions for your own carpet or furniture take priority.

Safe, Eco-Friendly Carpet Cleaning for Kids and Pets