People enjoy the luxury and noise-cushioning effect of walking on carpet as opposed to hard surface flooring. But when utilizing carpet, the major question is always, “Can we keep it clean?”

Even though the most popular carpet material is synthetic with stain blockers to make cleaning easier, stain removal and resoiling are still significant problems. Effective carpet cleaning remains one of the major challenges of the home and even more so for the high traffic work environment. Complicating the problem, carpet-cleaning chemicals often contain solvents that have been implicated in toxic or allergic reactions.

Amid the wide range of cleaning products and equipment available today, there is a new technology gaining wider acceptance. It’s natural, and it’s “green.” In fact, it harnesses natural technology — the means by which nature cleans itself. Working with nature is the very essence of sustainability. Bio-enzymatic technology uses an army of tiny, natural microbes or “probiotics” blended with green chemical cleaners to penetrate deep into carpet where it eliminates soil build-up and odor-causing compounds.

First recognized for its efficacy in the difficult job of removing pet stains and eliminating the persistent urine odors, bioenzymatic technology can be found in most mass merchandisers, pet stores, and commercial supply houses. But its use has expanded. It is now used for general stain and soil release in carpet spotters and extraction cleaners. Combined with effective surfactants for immediate effects, bioenzymatic technology keeps on working long after the physical process is done.

Probiotics penetrate deep into the carpet seeking the stains and soils that have worked their way into tufting, backing, and sub-surfaces. As they contact these organic soils, they release them or break them down releasing stains and soils. Since organic soils are generally responsible for odors, as these organics are broken down, the malodors disappear. When the source of the odor is gone, the malodor will not return, and the carpet remains fresh.

Probiotics work by producing enzymes. The most advanced laundry detergents use enzymes to break down the oils, protein and starches that bind stain material and soils to fabric. Stains and soils on the fibers in carpet are likewise bound by the same materials and need to be released. Instead of using enzymes that could cause sensitization, bioenzymatic products utilize probiotics capable of producing the targeted enzymes in the cleaning application.

Combined with surfactants for immediate effects, bioenzymatic extraction cleaners keep on working long after the physical process is done to provide a deeper clean and longerlasting freshness. Use of bioenzymatic extraction cleaners removes the residual soils that produce odors and allow the development of mildew odors in damp climates. Due to residual effects, each cleaning makes the subsequent cleanings easier.

Regular cleaning with bioenzymatic technology provides added benefits to standard cleaning procedures resulting in cleaner carpets with longer term freshness. ❑

Lois Davis is I&H marketing manager for Novozymes Biologicals Inc., Salem, VA. Davis can be reached at loid@novozymes.com.