SANITIZER TREATMENT
FOR YOUR AREA RUGS

One would wonder why a sanitizer treatment for area rugs would be recommended by ABC even though these rugs will go through a minimum of 8 cleaning steps in our rug plant.

The reason is that a sanitizer treatment may be recommended for certain rugs that have a sizeable germ load from contamination, such as urine, feces, pet hair, and dander, etc. Without sanitization, the contamination could spread to other rugs in our plant as well as possibly be a health concern for our staff.

WHAT IS SANITIZING?

Sanitizing is the method of reducing the number of harmful pathogens that are present on a surface. According to the CDC, applying a sanitizer to a surface lowers the number of germs to a safe level based on public health standards and requirements.

WHY A RUG MAY NEED A SANITIZER TREATMENT

Soft surfaces such as rugs are porous, and this makes it difficult to remove all germs. Antimicrobial sanitizers that are EPA registered are specifically formulated for penetrating into porous rug materials and will avoid binding with soil or with the carpet fibers themselves.

A sanitizer treatment can provide protection from unwanted germs that can hide in rug fibers, and this protection will continue for up to 6 months.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SANITIZING and DISINFECTING?

The process of sanitizing can kill a majority of germs, but it cannot make antiviral claims. Disinfecting is much more potent than sanitizing and can kill nearly 100% of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and can target specific microorganisms such as the flu virus and the coronavirus. Unfortunately, as mentioned above, because of the porous quality of soft surfaces such as rugs, it is difficult even for disinfection to remove all germs.

Additionally, using disinfectants containing bleach, alcohol, and chlorine can damage or destroy rug fibers and foundations.

Sanitizing is a much gentler process and brings the germ level down to a safe level for humans and the indoor environment.

WHAT TYPES OF CONTAMINATION MAY WARRANT A SANITIZER TREATMENT?

A sanitizer treatment is reserved for those circumstances when a rug has an overabundance of microorganisms caused by contamination from water damage, mold, mildew, vomit, blood, pet dander, pet hair, pet accidents, etc.

An exception is when there is excessive urine on area rugs. When urine dries, it hardens to crystals which attach to the fibers and cannot be removed by cleaning alone or sanitizing. They can only be removed by a special urine decontamination process.

Sanitizer treatment is especially recommended for rugs that don’t warrant total urine decontamination because the urine is not excessive.

ELIMINATION OF ODORS

Odors caused by bacteria, fungi, urine, vomit, smoke, rancid food, or other odor-causing substances can be eliminated by the addition of a sanitizer treatment.

WHAT TYPES OF CONTAMINATION MAY REQUIRE A RUG TO BE DISCARDED RATHER THAN TO BE SANITIZED?

For sewage, bodily fluids, infectious materials or bio-waste, the usual procedure would be to discard the rug.

But if the contamination is small, such as less than one square foot in size, and is not extensive or is located primarily on the surface of the rug, sanitation and cleaning may be acceptable.

A SANITIZER TREATMENT MAY BE ABLE TO SAVE A VALUABLE OR BELOVED RUG FROM BEING DISCARDED

Under extreme soiling conditions, rugs would normally be discarded. However, if a rug has intrinsic or emotional value to the customer, the sanitizer treatment may allow the rug to still be of use. The treatment will help prevent germs from growing on the rug long after the sanitizer has been applied.

OTHER SITUATIONS WHERE A SANITIZER TREATMENT MAY BE WARRANTED

• A homeowner with children and pets who wants rugs to be sanitized.
• An apartment, hotel or condo that needs to remove pet odors from a former tenant.
• A day care center where children play and sleep on rugs and occasionally vomit or have an accident involving urine or feces.
• A hospital or nursing home that smells of urine.
• A health club with rugs that smell like dirty socks.
• Rugs just coming out of storage.
• Bathroom, bedroom, and kitchen rugs with odors.
• Rugs involved in flooding but still salvageable (clean or gray water, not black water). See below...

ORIENTAL & AREA RUGS WITH WATER DAMAGE

If oriental or area rugs have been in water (not sewage or black water) less than 24 to 48 hours, ABC may be able to help, depending on the type of rug.

The customer will be forewarned that there are certain natural fiber-specific molds that can attack and deteriorate the foundation of certain rugs, which may cause tears and rips during transport and cleaning. 

Area rugs must be sanitized and dried in our cleaning plant as soon as possible, and then, sanitized, cleaned, and thoroughly dried again. It is important to understand that wet textiles cannot be cleaned until they are completely dry. Additionally, flooding water, (especially from the outside environment) contains microbes and bacteria. Therefore, the sanitizer treatment is required.

If the value of the rug warrants repairs as well as cleaning, we have a full-service repair department to help as well.

SANITIZER TREATMENT
FOR YOUR RUGS AT ABC

Our ABC staff is trained to thoroughly examine each rug that comes in for cleaning. If a sanitizer treatment is recommended because a rug has substantial soiling or urine, this will be documented and explained, and the customer will be asked to decide how to proceed. At all times, the health and safety of our staff and our customers is of utmost importance.

If you have any questions about our Sanitizer Treatment, please text or phone us at 607-272-1566.

---

Top of Sanitizer Treatment for Your Rugs

Back to Articles

Back to Homepage

---