Hey Mr. Green,

We recently had our carpets professionally cleaned, and three days later our cat had a seizure. A veterinary exam showed that it had come into contact with something toxic. What is a safe way to clean our carpets?

—Sharon in Rio Rancho, New Mexico

Your friendly feline could have fallen victim to perchloroethylene, also known as tetrachloroethylene, or perc. The chemical is often used to clean carpets and dry clean clothing. Inhaling it can cause dizziness, fatigue, and loss of coordination. Studies have found that long-term exposure can lead to mild loss of memory or visual perception and delayed reaction time, among other ailments.

Perc has also been linked to kidney damage and neurotoxicity, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. The organization has designated perc a "potential occupational carcinogen," while the National Institutes of Health has found a likely connection between the chemical and Parkinson's disease. 

You don't need a carpet-cleaning service to make stains disappear. Spray equal parts white vinegar and water on stains, then sponge up with warm soap and water after a few minutes. For tougher stains, a mixture of vinegar, borax, and salt might do the trick. Leave it on overnight, and vacuum it up in the morning. Baking soda also roots out many organic stains. 

If you need to hire a cleaning service, ask if it uses environmentally friendly, nontoxic products such as plant-based solutions. Look for companies that practice water conservation. You can also rent a carpet cleaner and use an ecofriendly product like Biokleen.