INSECTICIDE RESIDUES

Frequently our callers, especially from Florida, complain about the extreme difficulty in removing insecticide residues from carpeting. The problem is especially difficult when insecticide has been applied to a carpet in a vacation home or trailer. If the place is closed up for the off-season, the owners return to find a unpleasant odor and stains from the insecticide. Insecticides are applied to control insects such as roaches, fleas, bed bugs and spiders. Insecticides are usually organophosphates or carbamates some are chlorinated. The solvents and emulsifiers used are very strong and do not evaporate under usual conditions. The organophosphates turn some red dyes to blue, leaving a dark blue to green spot. Other red dyes fade, resulting in a light blue to green spot. Accumulation from repeated treatment eventually cause discoloration. Simple hot water extraction (HWE) won’t remove all of the odor and residue because the insecticide has decomposed and reacted with the carpet fibers. We suggest applying Preface® at the high end of its dilution ratio to the entire area. Allow the product to work on the residue for ten (10) minutes. Then the carpet should be thoroughly cleaned using the HWE method. Any remaining residue may be removed with Saf-T-Solv™ Dry Volatile Solvent Spot & Stain Remover. However, unfortunately options are limited if color changes have occurred. We always recommend testing a small inconspicuous area, this way results are visible and if there has been a color change the customer can be apprised and given the opportunity to decide whether you should continue or not. At this time a release is also a prudent idea. The last thing we want is to be blamed for causing and or making the problem worse. Related Articles and Information: Bed Bugs Carpet Beetles Dust Mites and Carpet Cleaning Head Lice and Carpet Cleaning hot water extraction Insecticide or Pesticide Stain Removal from Carpet Related Products: Preface® Prespray Traffic Lane Spotter Saf-T-Solv™ Dry Volatile Solvent Spot & Stain Remover Steri-Fab® Disinfectant, Insecticide, Deodorizer Thank you for reading Bane’s Blog® Please read the latest issue of the Clene-Times® at www.baneclene.com/publications/. Please visit our web site at www.baneclene.com. The Bane-Clene® Team. Free packet of information about Bane-Clene can be obtained by calling toll-free 1-800-428-9512 (U.S. ONLY!). Your information packet will include a full color catalog and price addendum. Packets will arrive in approximately 2 weeks through standard United States Mail. Bane-Clene Home Page Articles, Videos and Products for Professional Carpet Cleaners On-Line Spot & Stain Removal Guide & Procedures for the Professional Carpet Cleaner