When Bubbles Attack!
Cleanfax (05/10) Vol. 25, No. 5, Ullah, Aziz

Various gases often are used in cleaning processes, and while they can help to achieve optimum results, some are more helpful than others. Carbon dioxide is used in dry cleaning and stain removal, and some claim it helps improve carpet cleaning. Processes that combine carbon dioxide gas and detergent claim to leave carpets clean and dry in a couple of hours without the use of harsh chemicals, contending that the carbonated cleaning solutions penetrate textile fibers and dissolve soils at the same time. However, experts say there are problems with these claims. First, carbon dioxide gas will not stay in the liquid form at higher temperatures, so it will bubble up and escape unless kept cold and pressurized. Also, cleaning solutions work best when slightly alkaline, but because carbon dioxide produces an acid, it could interfere with the cleaning process by making the solution lose its alkalinity. Finally, one would need to use just as much water as in a regular cleaning job, and once the carbon dioxide evaporates there would be the same amount of water left behind on the carpet. Thus, experts say the detergent does the cleaning -- not the carbon dioxide.
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