Deicers
Deicing chemicals, used to melt ice and snow on sidewalks, driveways, and roads during winter, can have a significant impact on carpets. As they are tracked indoors they can be deposited on the carpet. The three main types of deicing chemicals include rock salt (sodium chloride), calcium chloride, and magnesium chloride. These chemicals can cause various issues for carpets:
Staining
Corrosion and Deterioration
The corrosive nature of calcium chloride can contribute to the deterioration of carpet fibers and backings. This may weaken the carpet structure, making it more susceptible to wear and tear over time.
Residue Buildup
When people walk over deiced surfaces and then enter a building, they can deposit residue from the chemicals. This residue may accumulate on carpets giving it a sticky or gritty texture. Over time the deposited chemicals can effect both appearance and texture.
Health Concerns
Deicing chemicals can impact the health of you or your loved ones. While it is unlikely that you would receive a large enough dose to seriously injure you, calcium chloride can have some pretty serious health risks. The corrosive nature of the chemical can impact the eyes, and irritate to the gastrointestinal tract, skin, and affect the upper respiratory system.
Most people do not crawl around on the floor, but if you have small children or pets, it is important to protect them from exposure.
Preventive Measures and Remediation
- Use Doormats: Placing doormats at entry points can help minimize the amount of deicing chemicals tracked indoors. Put a doormat on both sides of the door, as a place to wipe off feet, and remove shoes before entering the main areas of the home. These mats can capture a significant portion of the substances on shoes before they reach the carpet.
- Shoe Removal: Encourage a shoe removal policy, especially during winter months. Having a designated area for shoes and providing indoor footwear can prevent the direct transfer of deicing chemicals onto carpets. (note: walking on the carpet barefoot can also damage carpets because of oils and bacteria on the feet. We advize house shoes or socks.)
- Prompt Cleaning Address any visible salt or chemical residue on carpets promptly. Blotting the affected area with a clean, dry cloth, and using a mixture of one part white distilled vinegar to one part water, can help prevent stains and damage.
- Regular Vacuuming Vacuum the rugs at least once weekly to remove tiny particles or solids that may not be visible.
- Professional Carpet Cleaning Consider scheduling professional carpet cleaning. Professional cleaners have the expertise and equipment to address winter-related carpet issues effectively.
By taking proactive measures to prevent the entry of deicing chemicals and promptly addressing any issues that arise, you can minimize the impact on your carpets and maintain a clean and healthy indoor environment during the winter months.
Helpful Links
This is not an endorsement of the product, but you might find it helpful as it claims to be an ice melt that is safe for pets and children. Please do your research carefully.
Leave A Comment
Comments are closed.
Thank you for shedding light on the topic of winter carpet care! One additional tip I’ve found useful is using a homemade solution of dish soap and warm water to gently remove deicing chemical residues from carpets. Just a tablespoon of dish soap in a cup of warm water can work wonders when blotting stains. It’s a simple DIY solution that’s saved my carpets more than once. Thanks
I understand that this has worked for you in the past, and I’m glad you had some success, but we DO NOT RECOMMEND the use dish soap on carpet, for a few reasons.
1. Not all dish soap is created equally, one dish soap might be okay but another can do serious damage.
2. It is not designed for use on carpet, and requires thorough rinsing. Products left behind will attract more soil, and can cause the early development of wear patterns, and require more frequent cleanings.
3. Many dish soaps contain products that can discolor carpet.
4. Some soaps can contain chemicals that can void carpet warranties.
For these reasons and others we recommend avoiding dish soap altogether. It only takes one time to ruin an investment that costs thousands. We recommend following the tips mentioned in this article and checking out our emergency spot tips for best practices found at https:pristinecarpetcleaning-co.com/emergency-spot-tips in order to avoid potentially damaging your rug.