[Summit] Environmentally Friendly Upholstery Cleaning

Wed Jun 20 13:27:13 UTC 2007

Seema,

A quick search brought up an environmentally service
in 
London, England,but I don't think they will be
available 
in our neighborhood!  Seriously, I looked to see what 
method they use, and they report:

"We use the hot water extraction method also known as 
steam cleaning. This is the best and the most
efficient 
upholstery cleaning method."

So, one option I'd suggest considering is getting a
Scunci or other steamer and just doing it yourself
with plain water.  (The high heat of the steam has
a sanitizing effect). Or, hire any cleaning person
to do it with your Steamer (which has many other
uses).  Or, hire an upholstery cleaning company
to do it with just steam and no chemicals.
(Only caution - be sure to follow instructions
to ensure proper drying)

The problem with the latter is chemical residue
in their equipment.  However, a hopefully less
toxic option is to call one of the companies
that is a franchise using the Carbonated (Chem-dry) 
Cleaning Process.  

Description of this on a website:
'The NaturalÂ®', an amazing, patented general cleaner,

is at the heart of the Chem-Dry cleaning process. 
'The NaturalÂ®' combines a balance of ingredients 
copied from Mother Nature to produce millions of 
carbonating bubbles that clean carpets thoroughly, 
quickly and safely. Because it uses a fraction of 
the water compared to steam cleaning, and contains 
no soaps, detergents, solvents, enzymes, or other 
harsh chemicals, Chem-Dry's 'The NaturalÂ®' can be 
used around your entire family, including your pets.  
That's why Chem-Dry is healthier.

Benefits of Chem-Dry's healthier cleaning: 	
Chem-Dry's 'The NaturalÂ®' cleaning solution cleans 
better and doesn't contain any hazardous chemicals 
that could harm your family and pets."

These, of course, are claims I can't verify, but
seem to offer an advantage at least over the
usual, methods using highly toxic solvents.
(Purveyors of these will deny the toxicity, 
of course)

The only ChemDry in Rhode Island that I found is
not nearby - but they serve the entire state.

Lil Rhody Chem Dry
3964 South County Train, Rte. 2
Charlestown, RI 02813
(401) 351-9220

When I called,they said that: 
Every ingredient used is  on the FDA GRAS list
(Generally Recognized As Safe).
Odorless in natural state.   	  

I'd look further, but am getting ready 
to leave on a long trip next Tuesday.

I hope these two suggestions are helpful.
Let me know how things work out!

Blessings,

Liberty G
----- Original message -----
From: "Seema Bharwani" <seema.bharwani at gmail.com>
To: hopeforhealth at quakerworks.net,
liberty at toxicsinfo.org
Date: Tue, 19 Jun 2007 22:42:29 -0400
Subject: Re: [Summit] Environmentally Responsible
House Cleaners

Hi Liberty,

You seem to be a wealth of information; I hope you
don't mind me
emailing with a question:

Do you happen to know of anyone who does upholstery
cleaning in an
environmentally responsible manner?  We bought a couch
and chair off
of craigslist, and would like to get them cleaned.

Thanks,
Seema

On 6/18/07, Hope for Health
<libertyliterary at yahoo.com> wrote:
> Dear Ben,
>
> In response to your query, I checked out
> ads up on the bulletin boards at both
> Whole Foods Markets, and found three
> for cleaning services.  I then called
> and spoke to each of the three young
> women.  All have done at least some
> cleaning with natural products.  Two
> provide their own natural cleaners
> for use in your home, all would use
> any cleaners you chose to provide
> yourself.
>
> Of course, I can't recommend anyone,
> since I have not used their services,
> but all sound reasonable.  I suggest
> you talk to them, ask for and check
> their references before hiring anyone.
>
> Below is all the information I gathered
> through talking with the three.
>
> Blessings,
>
> Liberty G
> **************************************
> CLEANING SERVICES ADVERTISED AT
> WHOLE FOODS MARKETS IN PROVIDENCE
>
> ORGANIC HOUSECLEANING
> Compare to Chemical Cleaners & Be Amazed!
> Ask for:  KELLY ELIZABETH, Smithfield.
> At 401-207-3289
> 6-18-07 Uses Seventh Generation products.
> Can breathe the air - don't have to worry
> if have lung problems, etc.  Cleans better
> because no petroleum - Windex streaks.
> Natural stuff stays shinier longer.
> Is a nurse's assistant, does cleaning
> part-time.  Wants to support self going
> back to school.
>
*******************************************************************************
> CONSCIOUS CLEANING
> Sheena Cook, in Warwick
> One time, weekly or monthly cleaning.
> 401-263-6533
> Is a Vegan, so very aware.  Will clean on
> East Side, except nervous about certain streets,
> like in Camp St. area, that appear to have
> crime problems.  Uses natural products from
> Whole Foods Market. Uses Swiffer Dry but not
> Wax, no chemicals in it.  Won't use bleach.
>
*******************************************************************************
> CLEANING SERVICE - Mora Con
> 401-663-2290  Free Estimates!
> Just buys regular cleaning products to use on job,
> however most of the time people provide own
products.
> Does clean a couple of houses that use vinegar and
> water for hardwood floors.  Has clients that
> use/provide natural cleaning products for her.
> Now wears special glasses and covers her nose,
> bothered by some products/chemicals.  Affected by
> Chlorox, for example.  Eyes get dry, gets dizzy.
> Doesn't use most commercial products at home
> because has a pet.  Is looking into possibility
> of getting some Shaklee products, at my suggestion.
> *************************************************
> Liberty Goodwin, Director
> Toxics Information Project (TIP)
> Providence, RI, 401-351-9193
> E-Mail:  liberty at toxicsinfo.org
> and hopeforhealth at quakerworks.net
> Website:  www.toxicsinfo.org
> *************************************************
> From:   "Benjamin Hall" <benhall42676 at hotmail.com>
> To:     hopeforhealth at quakerworks.net
> Subject: Environmentally Responsible House Cleaners
> Date:   Sat, 16 Jun 2007 20:28:23 -0400
>
> I'm wondering whether you know of any cleaning
> people/services that use minimal chemicals.
> We'd like to have someone do a thorough cleaning of
> our house, and would appreciate any leads you have.
>
> Thanks,
> Ben Hall
> _______________________________________________
> Summit mailing list
> Summit at sna.providence.ri.us
>
http://mail.sna.providence.ri.us/mailman/listinfo/summit_sna.providence.ri.us
> SNA Website: http://sna.providence.ri.us/
>

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