Can I use laundry detergent in a carpet cleaner?

Author: Burley Rice II  |  Last update: Saturday, December 27, 2025

While liquid laundry detergents like Tide might seem like alternatives, they are not specifically formulated for carpet cleaning. It's recommended to use cleaning solutions designed explicitly for carpets to ensure effective cleaning without potential risks to your carpet's appearance and longevity.

Can I use laundry detergent in a carpet shampooer?

Using laundry deodorant or dish soap in your carpet cleaner might not yield the best results, and it could potentially damage your machine. IMO, it's better to stick with a cleaner that's specifically formulated for carpet shampooers.

What kind of soap can I use in a carpet shampooer?

For synthetic carpets: Mix ¼ teaspoon of a translucent liquid dishwashing detergent, such as Dawn or Joy, into one cup of lukewarm water. For natural fiber carpets: Mix one teaspoon of translucent liquid dishwashing detergent, such as Dawn or Joy, into 1 cup of lukewarm water.

Can I use Tide in a carpet shampooer?

Tide isn't really made for carpet. It's made for laundry. So get a detergent that is made for carpet. Another hint, I wouldn't put detergent directly into your machine.

Can I use anything in carpet cleaner?

All carpet cleaners say to use only their brand of solution. Carpet cleaners can use any brand of carpet cleaning solution as long as you are mixing it correctly and taking note if it is a machine that has a separate tank for cleaning concentrate.

#shorts Is cleaning your carpet with laundry detergent a good or bad h

What is a good substitute for carpet cleaner solution?

DIY Cleaning Solutions
  • Baking soda carpet cleaner – Sprinkle some baking soda evenly over your carpet. ...
  • Vinegar and water spot cleaner – Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. ...
  • Hydrogen peroxide stain remover – Add equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water.

What not to use in a carpet cleaner?

While baking soda and white vinegar are popularly used for cleaning, these should not be used with a carpet cleaning machine. We recommend sticking with professional cleaning solutions when deep cleaning your carpet.

Can I make my own carpet shampoo for a machine?

Simple and Effective Homemade Carpet Shampoo Recipe

This simple recipe utilizes vinegar and dish soap for an effective result, suitable for various carpet cleaning machines. Ingredients: 1/4 cup white vinegar, 1 tablespoon dish soap and hot water.

Can you use laundry detergent to clean?

Reach for laundry detergent to make your own cleaning spray for cleaning different surfaces. “Dilute a small amount of laundry detergent in water and use it to clean countertops, floors, or bathroom fixtures,” says Sharp.

Can I use fabuloso in my carpet cleaner?

Fabuloso is also a great cleaner for carpets. I mix it with water and use my carpet cleaning machine to clean my carpets. It effectively removes dirt and stains and leaves a pleasant scent. Overall, Fabuloso has been my trusted cleaning solution for years, and I highly recommend it.

What should you not clean carpet with?

Abrasive cleaners can damage the carpet fibers and leave a bare spot where the stain used to be. The same goes for heavy-duty scrubbing brushes. If you must scrub your carpet, use a mild cleaner and a soft bristle brush to prevent damage.

Can I put fabuloso in my Bissell carpet cleaner?

Yes. Bissell will tell you no, because they want you to buy their stuff. But it is fairly pricey and I've found virtually no difference in cleaning between Bissell's stuff, Pine-Sol, Fabuloso or any other multi-surface stuff you'd use normally to mop with. The only thing to be mindful of is the concentrations.

Can I use Dawn to shampoo my carpet?

Squeeze in 15 drops of Dawn dish soap. Add 3 tablespoons of rubbing alcohol. BAM! You now have the best homemade carpet cleaning solution imaginable.

Can I use OxiClean in my carpet cleaner?

Yes! You can use OxiClean™ Large Area Carpet Cleaner in any carpet cleaning machine. Just use the product as directed and follow all usage directions in the home owned or rental carpet cleaning machine's user guide.

What is the best carpet deodorizer?

Baking soda is considered as one of the best carpet deodorizers. To use this carpet deodorizer powder, sprinkle a thick layer of baking soda over the stinky area. Let it sit for 15 minutes for a quick fix and overnight for a deep clean.

How do you make Tide and Borax carpet cleaner?

add to your mist bottle add a pinch of tide a pinch of Borax. spray it on and use just water in your carpet shampooer. you're gonna be shocked. your carpet looks brand new again.

Can I clean carpet with laundry detergent?

Household items like laundry stain remover, dish soap, and even enzyme liquid detergents like Tide Ultra Stain Release can not only help remove carpet stains but also keep your carpets feeling fresh and looking stain-free.

What is a good substitute for dish soap?

Baking Soda: Baking soda is a versatile cleaning agent. It can help remove grease and grime from dishes. Mix it with water to form a paste or sprinkle it directly on dishes and scrub. White Vinegar: White vinegar has natural antibacterial properties and can help cut through grease.

Can you use laundry detergent as an all-purpose cleaner?

All-Purpose Cleaner

Mix 1/4 cup of your favorite laundry detergent (liquid or powder) with 5 gallons of warm water. It's safe to use on sinks, counters, toilets, walls, fireplaces and tubs.

What is a good substitute for carpet shampooer soap?

Combine 1 cup of distilled water with one cup of distilled white vinegar and 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid in a spray bottle. Shake to combine. Use directly on carpet stains, allowing 1-5 minutes dwell time before agitating with a brush until the stain is gone.

Can I use laundry detergent in my Bissell carpet cleaner?

Laundry soap is designed to be used in washing machines to clean clothing. Using it to clean your carpets can damage owned or rented cleaning equipment and the carpet you're trying to preserve.

What can I use if I don't have carpet cleaner?

These are some of the best—and simplest, in terms of ingredients used—non-toxic solutions for cleaning your carpet naturally.
  • Steam Vapor. ...
  • Water + Vinegar + Salt. ...
  • Baking Soda + Vinegar + Water. ...
  • Salt + Borax + Vinegar. ...
  • Baking Soda + Cornstarch + Cornmeal + Borax.

How to make your own carpet cleaner solution?

Vinegar and Baking Soda DIY Carpet Cleaner Solution
  1. White vinegar- 1 cup.
  2. Warm water- 2 cups.
  3. Baking soda- 2 tablespoons.
  4. Essential oil- A few drops (optional)

Can you use anything else in a carpet cleaner?

You can use any kind of non-foaming, good quality rug cleaning solution made for hot water extraction: Simple Green, Rug Doctor, generic, etc. The machine really doesn't "know" what you are using.

What do pros use to clean carpet?

Hot Water Extraction

Otherwise known as steam cleaning, this is easily the most common professional carpet cleaning technique. Steam cleaning uses hot water at high pressure to penetrate into carpet fibers, breaking down the dirt and bacteria stored deep within. The hot water is then extracted via vacuum.

Previous article
What makes a house attractive to burglars?
Next article
When I flush the toilet the water goes down?