Cleaning and Stain Removal - what's new? (House cleaning technology)

What is the latest in technology in this field? It's 2006, I think we're ready to move beyond vacuums, mops, steam cleaners, etc.

I've always been interested in new technologies -- what does the future of home maintenance look like? This isn't just idle speculation; the best answer on here will send me running out and buying something.

Macapple

i really do not understand what you are looking for with this thread. Some equipment and methods of cleaning have improved over the years. But the basic concepts are still in play. You still have to vaccum carpets. Carpet cleaning has changed a bit to include low moisture cleaning systems, as well as, extractors. There are machines or tools out there that can do away with mops. BUT again the basic concept is still there. You still have to move the tool accross the floor. There are microfiber mopping systems out there-that last longer than traditional mops and clean better.

Really no matter what type of flooring or house hold materials we are dealing with. You still have to do some form of perventative cleaning or maintenance to prevent major projects. I would do searches on this site and the net for microfiber related products. They have prooved to help the cleaning industry.

I guess he could “scotch guard” – is that the term? -- his carpets and floors so he won’t need to maintain them as much in the future. And I guess there are Roomba and Scooba machines now that take the physical labor out of floor care. But if it’s a Jetsons cartoon he’s after, I think we’re a long way away from that.

scotch guarding only makes regular carpet cleaner resist staining...in other words you would still have to vaccum and clean the carpets on a regular basis

With the focus on indoor air quality, there will be a greater emphasis on indoor air cleaners and filters. Some air conditioning companies are already offering whole house air cleaners.

Residential housecleaning is one of our faster growing industries. More and more people are paying for domestic services, so we are likely to see this trend continue.

We will likely see a continued push for 'green cleaning' and the use of environmentally safe and less toxic cleaning products. We will likely see greater use of enzymes as microbiological cleaning products. We currently see enzymes used in grease trap/drain cleaning/deodorizing products, laundry products, stain removal and odor control products.

We will likely see more consumer education about indoor air quality and cleaning products. Consumers continue to use synthetic room fresheners and fragranced cleaning products that are full of VOCs and other toxic chemicals without thought to effects on indoor air quality. Scented products and candles can cause skin, eye, and respiratory infections and reactions.

Until the government requires responsible labeling of products, we will continue to see "natural," "non-toxic," "eco-safe," and "environmentally friendly" on labels. Currently, only food and herbs can be certified as organic.

Consumers fall victim to marketing of cleaning products and gadgets. Most household cleaning problems can be solved with plain soap, water, baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), vinegar, washing soda (sodium carbonate), lemon juice, and borax. Consumers can mix safe cleaning products for far less expense than commercial products.