Is Using Degreaser for Carpet Cleaning Too Risky?

Degreaser for carpet cleaning

Degreasers have been essential for cleaning, traditionally relying on alkaline and solvent-based methods. With new VOC regulations, non-ionic surfactants became common in degreasers, but the overall need for degreasing didn't increase.

Recent shifts from nylon to polyester carpets have heightened the need for degreasers since oils bond more strongly with polyester. Fluorocarbon protectors, which repel oil, have helped mitigate this issue, especially with triexta fibers. However, new regulations in California and Maine will ban fluorocarbons in new carpets and upholstery by 2025, impacting polyester carpets and some upholstery fabrics significantly, and to a lesser extent, nylon and wool.

Protectors for soft surfaces generally offer oil repellency, water repellency, stain resistance, and soil resistance. Currently, only fluorocarbons effectively provide oil resistance. As fluorocarbon treatments are phased out, degreasers will become more crucial due to increased oil bonding on untreated fabrics. While major manufacturers are moving away from fluorocarbons, it’s uncertain if new products will be specially made for different states. The trend suggests an increased reliance on degreasers in the future due to the lack of effective oil repellency.

Cleaning Depot has all the supplies you need! 

At Cleaning Depot we are proud to carry a variety of cleaning chemicals for carpet cleaning, tile and grout cleaning, upholstery cleaning, from deodorizers to degreasers to protectants, we have a bit of everything. We are happy to help you find the right product you need.