Residential and commercial carpet and tile cleaner serving Central Florida

(352) 508-4556

VOCs and MVOCs

Have you ever wondered what is actually living in your carpet that the deep cleaning of carpets and the elimination of dust mites and common allergens includes?

The two main components are called VOCs and MVOCs that are living in your home and posing a threat to your health if you have carpeting that needs to be cleaned or if you've recently installed new carpet. Here is a small chemistry lesson to help you better understand chemical and biological toxins introduced in to your home that a deep cleaning of your carpets eliminates:

VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are chemicals with certain characteristics that allow them to easily evaporate into the air (which is called "off-gas"). Those characteristics include: low molecular weights, high vapor pressure and low water solubility. VOC's can be produced through industrial or biological processes. In the industrial setting, VOC's are commonly used or are created as by-products in the manufacture of paints, pharmaceuticals, refrigerants, petroleum fuels, household cleaners, and other products. VOC's can also be produced by microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria. (source)

VOCs come not only from the carpet itself, but also due to the adhesives and padding installed underneath the carpet. Many health symptoms occur commonly in connection with the installation of new carpet such as headaches, fatigue, irritation of your eyes, nose, throat or skin and shortness of breath.

MVOCs (Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds) are composed of low molecular weight alcohols, aldehydes, amines, ketones, terpenes, aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons, and sulfur-based compounds, all of which are variations of carbon-based molecules. MVOC's have a very low odor threshold, thus, making them easily detectable by smell. They often have strong odors and are responsible for the odious smells ("old cheese", dirty socks" or "locker room") associated with mold and bacterial growth. (source)

The "danky" odor of MVOCs is its most common tell-tale sign. Especially in damp or moist climates, MVOCs thrive and pose serious health risks to you and your family. Common health problems related to the exposure of MVOCs are joint and muscle pain, anxiety, depression, memory loss, immune system disturbances and gastro-intestinal issues.

Microbial compounds, bacteria, mold, and fungi are serious issues that pose very real dangers to your health. The regular cleaning of your home's carpets helps reduce VOCs and MVOCs not only from carpets, but from many other sources in your home. A deep cleaning along with a regular maintenance program from Gator Clean eliminates the presence of these dangerous components helping your family breathe easier right away.

It cannot be emphasized enough that proper cleaning and maintenance is vital to ensuring a healthy environment in your home. Contact Gator Clean today to schedule a free consultation.

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What Your Neighbors Say About Gator Clean

We had a great experience with Gator Clean for our duct cleaning! From start to finish, the team was professional, courteous, and right on time. Daniele took the time to explain what they were doing and even showed us before-and-after photos of our ducts—which were way dustier and lots of mold than I realized! The whole process was quick, tidy, and made such a difference in the air quality in our home. It feels fresher already. Highly recommend them to anyone looking for a thorough, honest, and friendly service.

Stephanie Duncan
August 7, 2025

Review from Google

Review from Google

Great team! Daniele returned my phone call right away. We made an appointment for the following week and they arrived as promised. Great job cleaning my air ducts and dryer vent with taking care to protect my home. They were a pleasure to have in the house. Thanks for an excellent experience!

Kathy Ruben
August 4, 2025

Review from Google

Review from Google

I had a great experience with this company, especially thanks to Daniele! From the very beginning, her communication stood out—she texted me when she was on her way and arrived right on time. She was responsive, professional, and made me feel truly heard when she arrived. Daniele was not only knowledgeable about the work, but also took the time to explain things clearly and offered helpful tips for maintaining air quality in my home. She was personable, professional, and made the whole experience smooth and stress-free. I really appreciated her attention to detail and customer care. Highly recommend!

sadie shalane
August 1, 2025

Review from Google

Review from Google

This company was awesome. Danielle and her team were extremely detailed they documented the entire process of the duct cleaning services from before/after photos- to noting anomalies- to recommendations on hvac maintenance. Fast, efficient, clean. It’s hard to recommend contractors nowadays but this one exceeded expectations.

William Gray
July 25, 2025

Review from Google

Review from Google

did a great job cleaning ducts and return air vents

don martin
July 18, 2025

Review from Google

Review from Google

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Gator Clean

Gator Clean is a residential and commercial carpet and tile cleaning company, serving Lake, Sumter, Marion and surrounding counties.

(352) 508-4556

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Normal Business Hours:
Monday-Friday 8am to 7pm
Weekends by appointment