Per the EPA, "Unlike most other types of product labels, pesticide labels are legally enforceable, and all of them carry the statement: “It is a violation of Federal law to use this product in a manner inconsistent with its labeling.” In other words, the label is the law."
Sanitizers, disinfectants, sterilizers all are legally classified as "pesticides", and are regulated as such under FIFRA.
Any of these products must first be "legal" to use within the state. As of this moment, there are but a few that are legal (meaning state registered) for use in California, for porous surfaces. I don't endorse it, but a product called "Steri Fab", is one of those products. Steri Fab is a product, with labeling that indicates efficacy for use on carpet, for the "control" of odor causing organisms on carpet. The carefully crafted wording on the product labeling is VERY important. One must not even insinuate to a customer that your action and use of this, or any product makes any claim beyond the product labeling. So, can you tell your customer that you are "sanitizing" or "Disinfecting" his/her carpet? The short answer is, "maybe", but I wouldn't.
Seriously, Steri Fab is such an interesting example. In my honest opinion, I can't readily understand how this one product actually became approved in California. IMHO, the label itself, which EPA, and Cal EPA consider a legal document, is woefully confusing. The specific mention of it's use on carpet, is for nothing but odor control. However, any reasonably educated consumer can't help but be given a clear alternate impression, by many other statements on the label, that pretty clearly insinuate a far more diverse efficacy. I have come to the opinion that many other products on the market, with far more effective chemistry would be just as, or more effective for all of Steri Fab's claims, but simply are not "approved", Federally or by the State of California.....for whatever reason. Some products are simply not approved, because the manufacturer has not spent what might be an enormous amount of money to do so. Therefore, it is simply a financial ROI matter for them. And too bad, for us.
Ofer, so to address your question.... whether, in general, do disinfectants, or like products, have efficacy for carpet and other porous surfaces....yes they do. However the extent that they meet both practical and legal thresholds will vary considerably. Even more frustrating, is that in many cases you really can't tell. Now, if we use Larry's example... The ProRestore CCS, is one that has legal and practical efficacy, that varies from state to state. It is Federally approved product, so we know that it meets Federal standards, and it's label claims are approved Federally. So, while we might surmise it is a effective product (for what it claims), we can only use it local-geographically where it is also "doubly" approved.
Another intersting twist is this...There also exists a gray area legal loophole that some suppliers/manufacturers use. They sell a product, like CCS, but label it strictly as a commonplace carpet deodorizer. Chemically it might be identical to the product sold elsewhere as a "pesticide", but by virtue of the fact that it isn't labeled as a pesticide, and only a deodorizer, it is 50-State perfectly legal. So, while you can't make any claims, you can then legally buy and apply the product. An example of this would be.. (I don't want to say, because the company that makes it, might get angry with me, if I mention it).
The bottom line, Ofer, is that there is value in applying some disinfectants/sanitizers to carpet and other porous surfaces....but, each product and situation is a case-by-case basis, and nearly impossible to evaluate on any perspective but anecdotal odor control. And even then, you would have to find a product that is legal to buy and use, per the label instruction and claim you make to your customer. Not withstanding, the approved products, like Steri Fab.
I want to make clear, I DO NOT endorse Steri-Fab for wide-spread application on carpet. The product is flammable. Yes, I said the product is FLAMMABLE. Just imagine the practical ramifications of mass dispersal on a wide area of a considerable volume of the product. Whoa! But it is perfectly legal to do so, in California. Go figure.
Take care.