Carpets are a common sight in many Singaporean homes and offices. They make our spaces cosier or even more professional. Carpeting also helps keep dust and other pollutants from circulating in rooms, but only for a time. You’ll eventually need to have it cleaned — whether through one of Singapore’s carpet cleaning companies or through your own efforts.
If you’re someone who’s concerned about their impact on Mother Nature, you’ve probably wondered if you can clean a carpet in an environmentally friendly way. The short answer is yes — you can take certain steps to make your cleaning approach more eco-friendly, as we’ll discuss below.
How Do You Define Eco-Friendly Cleaning?
But first, what does eco-friendly or green cleaning actually mean?
In general, it refers to the use of methods and products that are effective at cleaning but still minimise their impact on the environment. It can involve using cleaning agents that are non-toxic to ecosystems and processes that conserve natural resources.
Apart from helping us be more sustainable, here are other ways eco-friendly cleaning benefits your household or business:
Better Indoor Air Quality
Many conventional cleaning solutions can release fumes in the air that can cause lung issues or allergic reactions. Eco-friendly cleaners typically don’t have the chemicals that cause these, minimising the risk of such health issues.
Pet and Child Safety
If your home or workplace has small children or pets, then you know they spend plenty of time close to the flooring. They could get exposed to any harmful residue in the carpet if you use harsh chemicals to clean it. A green cleaning approach can help avoid this hazard.
Extend Your Carpet’s Life
While many commercial cleaning agents are extremely effective at removing dirt, they’re also more likely to wear the carpeting out faster. On the other hand, eco-friendly products tend to be gentler on most materials. This helps your carpet keep its texture and appearance for a longer time.
How to Keep Your Carpet Clean in a Sustainable Way
Vacuum the Carpet Often
To avoid having to use more intensive, chemical-heavy methods to clean your carpeting, start by vacuuming it on a regular basis. It would be best to use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to effectively remove much smaller particles. This keeps the dirt buildup to a minimum so it doesn’t become too difficult to remove.
Use Natural Cleaning Agents
If you’ve got a stocked pantry, you could try your hand at homemade cleaning solutions. For instance, a spray made of vinegar and water is effective for breaking stains down, while baking soda helps absorb odours.
Steam Clean When You Can
You could consider investing in a steam cleaner if you want to do some deep cleaning yourself. Steam cleaning uses far less water to clean and sanitise carpets compared to regular washing and shampooing. However, keep in mind that this method is generally more suitable for synthetic carpet fibres like nylon and polyester, which are more durable against heat and water.
Deal With Spills ASAP
Spills happen all the time, but the trick is to remove them as soon as you can. The sooner you deal with a stain, the fewer problems you have to face when it’s time to give the carpet a deep clean.
Have a No-shoe Policy
Implementing a no-shoe rule at home or the workplace is one of the easiest ways to reduce the dirt tracked onto the carpet. As a result, cleaning the carpet will take up far less resources.
Cleaning Services Can Be Eco-friendly Too
Many companies that offer carpet cleaning in Singapore are actually eco-friendly — you just need to search for them carefully. Be sure to ask them about the products they use and whether they’re biodegradable and non-toxic. They should also be approved by the NEA, as this agency helps regulate the cleaning industry’s standards and environmental impact.
Make Carpet Cleaning Healthier for You and the Planet
Having a clean carpet doesn’t mean you have to waste so many resources or use products that are dangerous to our surroundings. You just need to be more mindful of your methods and employ the right people to help you clean if needed.
Even small actions can make a difference in the world, so let’s do our part and make greener choices today.
