Febreeze is generally okay to use on your carpet, but there’s a bit more to it than that — it’s a temporary fix at best.
We’re carpet and rug cleaning experts, and we’ve found that plenty of homeowners from Naperville, Lisle, and Wheaton are curious about this. Read on for the details.
What is Febreze and Should You Use it on Carpets?
Febreze is a water-based spray, and its main ingredient is a modified starch derivative from corn. Add in a touch of alcohol and some even smaller dashes of perfume and preservative, and you’ve got a bottle of Febreze. Proctor & Gamble calls it a pairing agent, meaning that one of the chemicals it contains reacts with unpleasant odors and essentially neutralizes them. As the ads tell us, Febreze neutralizes bad smells instead of merely camouflaging them beneath something more pleasant.
All well and good, but what does that mean for your carpet?
Well, there’s certainly no danger involved, either to you, your children, or your pets. The American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) recommends removing birds until the area has been properly dried and ventilated, but that’s about it.
The main problem is that Febreze is only a temporary fix when it comes to carpets. It can neutralize the smell, but it can’t remove what causes it. At the end of the day, it’s no substitute for a good professional steam cleaning.
When Should You Use Enzyme-Based Cleaners?
There are other cleaners that work particularly well for pet-owners or parents of younger children. They use a natural enzyme that breaks down protein-based materials, essentially digesting them away.
Do your carpets come in contact with protein-based materials? If you have young children or pets, you can almost bet on it. If it stains and comes from the body, it’s probably protein-based. Think vomit, feces, blood, and urine.
If you get any of those nasties on your carpet, you’ll probably be keen to get rid of the mess as soon as possible. Here’s how you can use an enzyme-based cleaner to do just that:
- Remove all the solid material.
- Blot up as much liquid as possible.
- Saturate the affected area.
- Let sit for at least 30 minutes. Check the label for specific durations.
- Wait until dry.
- Reapply if necessary.
Look to Russell Martin Carpet and Rugs for Professional Cleaning
Febreze is fine, but it can’t get your carpets spotless like professional hot water extraction cleaning. To find out more, don’t hesitate to contact us today, or visit Russell Martin Carpet and rugs at 633 N. Washington St. in Naperville, IL.