Carpets: Squeeky clean yet green
June 29th 2006 Demand for cleaning chemicals that are free from toxic ingredients yet effective is growing. Chemspec Europe says its Detergent Free Cleaning (DFC) carpet cleaning range helps contractors capitalise on this growth area.
In recent years, chemicals have been developed that claim a good result without the use of surfactants but, in fact, rely heavily on phosphates or other harmful ingredients to achieve a clean appearance. These so called microsplitters are still popular in parts of our industry.
Today, environmentalists and growing numbers of customers are expressing real concern about the harmful effects of detergents on the environment. The wastewater from the cleaning process carries these harmful chemicals through the drains or the ground to water treatment plants. There is, however, firm evidence that, despite best efforts with modern filtration systems, residues still find their way to our waterways and hence, to aquatic life. Many cleaning chemicals also contain perfumes that can have an adverse effect on asthmatics and other sensitive individuals.
A strong case exists for the availability and widespread use of detergent free cleaners that perform as well as existing products, are cost effective and are quick and easy to use. This demand has now been satisfied with a Detergent Free Cleaner which enhances the cleaning power of water without the need of surfactants, builders, emulsifiers or solvents. A combination of natural minerals and hot water releases the soils from the carpet leaving only harmless residues that are vacuumed away once the carpet has dried.
Some of these minerals soften hard water making the cleaning process faster and easier. Another natural ingredient saponafies organic soils into permanent organic soaps that are free rinsing in water and yet another dissolves mineral deposits and soap scum. The end result is a squeaky clean carpet with no tendency to re-soiling. The naturally dry mineral residues are easily vacuumed away and all ingredients are sustainable food additives, which are totally safe to the environment, aquatic and human life.
A variety of application methods may be used including portable and self-contained extractors, truckmounts and a choice of rotary bonnet or pad and cylindrical brush machines. The chemical technology protects and keeps equipment clean and free from scale without the need for corrosive acids and the ingredients revert back to their harmless mineral state upon drying.
Trials of Detergent Free Cleaner have generated very favourable feedback from professional carpet cleaners who have used the various application methods and been surprised by the effectiveness of the processes. Converting soiling into free rinsing soaps is effective even in low moisture systems such as bonnet or pad cleaning. The soaps produced are nothing like traditional soap made from animal fats and oils needing copious amounts of water to rinse them from the surface.
More information is available from Chemspec Europe or its network of distribution partners throughout UK and most of Geographic Europe. Simply use the enquiry service below for further info. More articles from Chemspec Europe Ltd: | 
