Can I use soapy water in BISSELL carpet cleaner?

Author: Winston Stroman DDS  |  Last update: Thursday, February 5, 2026

Home cleaning castile soap with 1L tap water. This is your cleaning solution to use in your Bissell. You don't need to use more than this amount of soap.

Can you use soap in Bissell carpet cleaner?

Yes, you can use laundry detergent in your Bissell carpet cleaner. It not only cleans the carpet, but also leaves it smelling great.

Can I use soapy water in my carpet cleaner?

No, dish soap is going to leave a residue in the carpet that will actually attract and hold more dirt, and will also make a huge mess in the collection tank of the cleaner.

What kind of solution can I use in Bissell 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.

Can you use Dawn dish soap in a carpet cleaner?

Do not use dish soap to clean carpets or any type of liquid soap... People can often remove a carpet stain with a mixture of dish soap and water only to find that the stain comes back and is even worse than before.

Carpet Cleaner Not Spraying Water, or Not Picking Up. How to Fix.

What is the best homemade carpet cleaning solution for Bissell?

A common and effective recipe includes:
  • 1 gallon of hot water.
  • 1/4 cup of white vinegar (acts as a natural disinfectant and deodorizer)
  • 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap (acts as a surfactant to lift dirt)
  • 1 tablespoon of baking soda (helps to neutralize odors)

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.

Can I make my own carpet cleaning solution?

Recipes for Homemade Carpet Shampoo
  1. Ingredients: 1/4 cup white vinegar, 1 tablespoon dish soap and hot water.
  2. Step 1: Mix vinegar and dish soap into a large bucket.
  3. Step 2: Fill the bucket with hot water.
  4. Step 3: Stir the mix until the soap dissolves fully.

Can I put vinegar in my BISSELL carpet cleaner?

On page 3 of the User's Guide it plainly states: "Never put descaling , aromatic, alcoholic or detergent products into the steam cleaner, as this may damage it or make it unsafe for use." White vinegar is considered a "descaling" product.

What can I use instead of BISSELL floor cleaning formula?

You'll need 1/4 cup of vinegar, 1/2 tablespoon of castile soap (I prefer Dr. Bronners), and 1/8 cup of baking soda. I run a bit of hot water and then mix this solution together. This eliminates the baking soda and vinegar reaction.

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 you use Bissell carpet cleaner with just water?

An optional step that we recommend if you have time is to go back over the cleaned carpet again with only hot tap water in the tank (no formula this time). This will remove any leftover formula and give your carpets an extra clean.

Can I use liquid detergent in carpet cleaner?

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 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.

Is Dawn a good upholstery cleaner?

For water based cleaning, I suggest one cup of water, one cup of rubbing alcohol, and a few drops of dawn dish soap. This DIY mix will do a great job cleaning up the piece without causing any damage.

Can I put Mr. Clean in my carpet cleaner?

Have you ever wondered “Can I use Mr Clean in My Carpet Cleaner?” The answer is yes!

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 use a different solution in my Bissell carpet cleaner?

Can I use cleaning formulas other than the BISSELL brand? It's possible to use others, but we recommend against it. Our formulas contain no dyes, phosphates or optical brighteners, and will produce optimal cleaning performance when used in combination with BISSELL carpet cleaning machines.

How do I prevent mold and mildew growth in my carpets?

4 Essential Steps to Prevent Carpet Mold and Mildew
  1. Clean Spills Immediately. The primary cause of mold growth in carpet is liquid that's been left to sit for too long. ...
  2. Choose the Right Carpet Padding. ...
  3. Keep Your Home's Humidity Down. ...
  4. Hire a Professional for Cleaning.

What to use if you don't have carpet cleaner solution?

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 Dawn and vinegar clean carpet?

Test a small amount of your mixture in the corner of your carpet before proceeding. Spray the mixture, wait 20 minutes and call a carpet cleaning company if the spot changes color. A few DIY carpet stain remover recipes that work for most stains include: One tablespoon of dish soap, ¼ cup of white vinegar and water.

Can I use OxiClean in Bissell carpet cleaner?

Yes! You can use OxiClean™ Large Area Carpet Cleaner in any carpet cleaning machine.

How to make your own Bissell carpet cleaner solution?

To make the solution, just take a cup of vinegar in the reservoir tank of the Bissell machine and then fill the tank with the hot water. Now the solution is ready to use. Now, use the machine to clean the floor as directed.

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 is the best homemade carpet cleaning?

Instructions:
  • In a small spray bottle, combine the white vinegar, warm water, and baking soda.
  • Shake the bottle to mix the ingredients together.
  • Spray the solution directly onto the spot or stain.
  • Use a clean, damp cloth or sponge to gently scrub the area.
  • Use a clean, dry cloth to blot up any remaining moisture.

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