There are many carpet cleaning chemicals available on the market today, and the correct choice depends on the job you need done. Carpet cleaning chemicals can be loosely divided into four categories, according to their function: cleaning, controlling or counteracting odors, protecting and sealing, and those chemicals designed for special tasks.

Examples are myriad. Here are a few:

Carpet cleaning chemicals for extracting soil are only the most obvious. There's a pre-spray chemical, a carpet spot and stain remover chemical, a dry cleaning solvent and spot remover, the ubiquitous absorbent powder extraction chemical, and even a neutralizer to put everything back the way it was… only better.

Odor control carpet cleaning chemicals, as can be expected, work to neutralize or rid the carpet of odors, usually created by pets. Many have a subtle citrus fragrance.

The field of carpet protectants and sealing is perhaps where the new carpet chemicals really shine. Some are dry and some spray on, all are considered state-of-the-art necessities to protect the look and life of your carpet.

A good example of the specialty items category is the chemical used in professional extraction machines to cut down on the production of foam.

Choosing from the cornucopia of carpet cleaning chemical products can be daunting. But taking the time to research the right choices for your particular situation will be rewarding.

The experts recommend you set up a regular carpet cleaning program. Vacuum daily, they say, dry carpet clean once a week, and use a heavy-duty deep steam (or vapor) carpet extracting machine as often as necessary to keep your carpeting bright, beautiful and healthy.