Really cleans without getting the rug too wet. I am sure there are probably chemicals in it that I would not want in my house if I looked more closely, but I am willing to overlook that bc I can not do without this product and the home recipes for dry carpet shampoo just don't work quite as well. Sort of like Mr. Clean Magic Erasers and Windex, works better than anything out there without leaving smudges and smears. I am not a very diligent housekeeper (lots of better things to do with my time) so I use a few things that just save more time/energy and are worth whatever exposure we get. Definitely two thumbs up on Kirby Allergen Control Formula Foaming Carpet Shampoo.