Without regular cleanings, your carpets can face an invasion by the outdoors with dirt working its way into the pile one grungy footstep at a time. Evicting deeply embedded grime isn’t easy—but the professionals know harsh, malodorous chemicals aren’t always the answer. Here are five Sacramento carpet-cleaning crews that embrace green, eco-friendly practices, and an explanation of what “green” means to them:

1. Always Green Clean

What Green Means: Technicians exclusively use organic, nontoxic, biodegradable cleaning products for every job. They also claim the honor of being the first service provider in the Sacramento region approved to use the Green Guard, the first-ever EPA-approved carpet protectant. It’s certified by the Design for the Environment program and is safe for homes with pets, babies, or owners with sensitive skin.

2. The Specialists All Natural Carpet Care

What Green Means: All-natural degreasers and water softeners are free of soaps, allergens, odors, and VOCs, providing a hypoallergenic alternative to traditional carpet-cleaning products. Anything that doesn’t rinse out dries into a crystallized state that can easily be vacuumed.

3. Go Green Carpet Cleaning

What Green Means: A carpet is only as fresh and clean as it smells, so technicians avoid any cleaning solutions that contain harsh-smelling butyl compounds. Still, the eco-friendly products are powerful enough to remove pet stains and odors, as well as cleansing carpets of allergens. The products don’t use water-polluting phosphates, and comply with air-quality-protecting VOC standards.

4. Eco Clean Carpet and Tile Care

What Green Means: When rinsing carpets, the team avoids adding any brighteners or fluorochemicals that leave unpleasant residue. All cleaning solutions are prepared using renewable resources.

5. Zerorez Carpet and Living

What Green Means: The company’s patented cleaning process hinges upon the use of Empowered Water technology. Instead of using soaps, detergents, and shampoos, technicians douse carpet fibers with a patented oxidized and electrolyzed water solution. The Empowered Water system strips away grime without leaving a film of dried detergent.