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.
While Bissell sells several solutions for different surfaces and a multi-surface cleaning solution, I like the fact that you can put any kind of solution in the tank that you want.
Any cleaning solution specifically for carpet cleaning machines will work fine. Bissell, Hoover, rug doctor, etc...
Made with Your Machine in Mind
The most important factor to keep in mind when choosing a formula is to make sure you only use portable carpet cleaning formula in portable deep cleaning machines and upright formula in upright machines. If you don't follow this rule, you run the risk of not achieving your best clean!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Detergent Carpet Cleaner
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.
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.
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.
Do not put any natures miracle products (other than the one specifically for carpet shampooing) in a carpet shampooer. The alcohol in natures miracles will destroy the inside of the carpet shampooer after only a few uses.
When cleaning your carpets with carpet cleaning machines, ensure you use a non-foaming cleaning solution formulated for hot water extraction , such as Rug Doctor, Generic, or Simple Green . This will ensure tough stains are removed and carpet fibers are properly refreshed.
This machine can also be used with just water and no formula, but utilizing formula will improve your cleaning experience. Always use genuine BISSELL formulas in your machine to reduce possible damage to internal components and to optimize the performance of your machine.
Dilute the bleach with water before adding it to the machine (never use bleach full strength!). For basic cleaning, use a 185 ppm available chlorine solution, which you make by mixing 2 teaspoons Clorox® Disinfecting Bleach with 1 gallon of water.
Can I use cleaning formulas other than the BISSELL brand? It's possible to use others, but we recommend against it.
Yes, you can add other multi-surface cleaners or vinegar except it is recommended that during your warranty period to use the Bissel multi-surface cleaner to not void the warranty. Just make sure that after every use you thoroughly clean all parts to avoid clogging the spray nozzle.
A: Pine Sol® products were not designed to be used in steam cleaners.
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.
In conclusion, while Tide detergent is a powerhouse in the laundry room, it's not the best choice for your Bissell carpet cleaner. To ensure the best cleaning results, protect your investment, and avoid potential issues, it's recommended to use the cleaning solutions specifically designed for Bissell machines.
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.
I usually opt for Sal Suds on carpets because it is slightly better at stain fighting, but the Castile Soap also works really well. I've used both over the years.
The short answer is that you should not use vinegar for carpet cleaning.