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• Environmental agents

  What the scientists mean when using this term.

• Wicking

  An explanation of how dirt can re-appear on a (supposedly) clean carpet or sofa.

• Sterilizer

  Agents or methods used to kill everything that can cause infection or disease.

• Sanitizer

  These agents kill most — but not all — bacteria, viruses, fungi and spores.

• Upholstery

  Vacuuming is your first line of defense against big cleaning hassles.

• Hydrogen peroxide

  The pharmacy antiseptic makes a good, inexpensive spotting agent because of its mild bleaching action. It's also an effective germ-killing agent.

• Stainmaster

  Since 2004, this former Dupont trademark name for carpet fiber has been owned by Invista of Wichita, KS, a division of Koch Industries, Inc.

• Rinse

  This step in the cleaning process has the biggest impact on final results.

• Antifungal

  These drugs are different from the agents used to fight fungi on surfaces.

• Carpet and Rug Institute

  The Carpet and Rug Institute, headquartered in Dalton, Georgia, is the national trade association for the carpet and rug industry.

• Microbes

  The scientific name for what many people call germs or bugs. Microbes contribute to bad smelling bathrooms, but also function as nature's cleaning agents.

• Well-ventilated area

  Another term you’ll see frequently in HC-Pedia. What do we mean?

• Disinfectant

  Solutions that kill the bugs, but not necessarily any spores.

• Cellulosic Browning

  Brownish discoloration on a carpet or rug after cleaning may be cellulosic browning.

• CRI

  An acronym for the Carpet and Rug Institute, an industry association.

• Carpet

  Vacuum often to maintain appearance and long life.

• Rug, area

  These efficient dirt collectors need regular cleaning to stay in good shape.

• Marble

  Solid as a rock? Not quite, if it’s unsealed marble.

• Blood

  A not-so-fearsome stain — if it gets immediate attention.

• Denatured alcohol

  This solvent is a capable spot cleaner on many hard surfaces.

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