Carpet Deodorizers and Why to Avoid Them [Video]

NORTHBROOK, Ill.—April 15, 2021—In this edition of Straight Talk! with Jeff Cross, Mark Violand, an IICRC Senior Carpet Inspector and an Approved Instructor, discusses concerns related to the use of carpet deodorizers. Freshly fragranced carpet may appeal to your customer’s nose, but deodorizers can have a damaging effect on carpet fibers.

Mark notes that the use of deodorizers is much more common in residential settings, typically as a means of reducing pet odors. These products leave high-alkaline residues in the carpet fibers because vacuum cleaners are not powerful enough to remove all of the deodorizer. The product residue can eventually lead to fiber abrasion, latex breakdown, delamination, seams opening, and other problems.

Mark doesn’t recommend any deodorizing product that eventually settles on your carpet, and this includes spray air fresheners and oil diffusers. Residue from these products will also build up in the carpet and attract soil or cause other problems. If carpet odors are a problem, first treat the source of the odor with a professional deep cleaning. To add a pleasant smell to your home, Mark recommends solutions like potpourri or wax melts.

For more about carpet deodorizers and why to avoid them, check out Mark Violand’s article in the latest issue of Cleanfax.

Watch the complete episode of Straight Talk! with Jeff Cross below, and find more Straight Talk! episodes on cleanfax.com. Take part in the engaging online conversations on industry topics by joining the Straight Talk! Facebook group today.