You do not have to use official Bissell solutions, but it is important to choose the right alternative to avoid damaging your machine. You can use plain warm water or a suitable alternative, provided you follow a few guidelines to prevent motor damage and excessive suds.
A: 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.
For an effective Bissell cleaning solution alternative, mix 2 cups of warm water, 1 tbsp of white vinegar, and 1 tsp of liquid dish soap. To protect your machine's warranty and internal rubber seals, always dilute non-Bissell cleaners properly and avoid using straight vinegar or harsh chemicals like bleach.
Detergents bind to and loosen dirt and oils on carpets – without them, messes aren't easily washed away. So, carpet stains and stuck-on spills are likely to stay put when there's only water in your machine's clean tank. (The same is true for cleaning upholstery – water alone won't cut it as a cleaning agent.)
You no longer need an army of chemicals to tackle stubborn dirt and grime. Using just tap water, the BISSELL SteamShot eliminates 99.9% of germs and bacteria whilst removing dirt and grime from virtually every surface in your home.
No, you should not put Dawn dish soap directly into your Bissell carpet cleaner. Dish soap is highly concentrated and creates massive amounts of foam that can overflow the water tank, damage the motor, and leave a sticky residue that rapidly attracts new dirt.
The most effective homemade carpet cleaners use white vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and mild dish soap.
If you are out of commercial carpet cleaning solution, you can make a highly effective, low-foaming DIY cleaner at home.
While some DIY guides suggest using a vinegar and water mixture, Bissell strongly advises against using vinegar in their carpet cleaning machines. The acidic nature of vinegar can break down internal rubber gaskets and plastic seals, which may corrode the motor or cause the machine to leak over time.
Put warm water and a few drops of Dawn in a spray bottle or garden pressure sprayer and spray your upholstery or carpet. Then use only clean water in the Bissell to clean. Don't put Dawn in the machine.
The best DIY alternative to the official Bissell formula is a mixture of hot water, hydrogen peroxide, and gentle dish soap. For a safe and effective store-bought option, use a professional carpet extraction solution like Folex Instant Carpet Spot Remover or Simple Green Carpet Cleaner.
You should only use low-foaming, non-sudsing carpet cleaning formulas specifically designed for hot-water extraction machines. Never use household soaps like dish soap or laundry detergent in the tank, as they create excessive foam that will get sucked into the motor and cause permanent damage.
Sprinkling baking soda on your carpet before vacuuming is a great way to absorb odors and freshen things up. Just let it sit for about 15 to 30 minutes, then vacuum thoroughly.
Yes, you can make your own cleaning solution for a Bissell machine. A highly popular DIY recipe for spot cleaners like the Little Green Machine uses: 222 cups warm water, 111 cup white vinegar, 222 tsp dish soap, and 222 tsp baking soda. Mix gently to avoid excessive bubbling.
You should use official Bissell CrossWave formulas in your machine, such as the Bissell Multi-Surface Floor Cleaning Formula or Bissell Multi-Surface Pet Formula. These specific solutions are formulated to be low-foaming to prevent damage to the vacuum motor and to avoid clogging the spray nozzles.
No, you should not put Fabuloso directly into your Bissell carpet cleaner.
Do not use laundry or dish soap. They are designed to create high level suds while the Bisell solution or any other carpet and upholstery cleaner are formulated for low suds.
The best all-around homemade carpet cleaner is a mix of hot water, distilled white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and Dawn dish soap. This highly effective mixture removes dirt, breaks down organic stains (like pet accidents), and deodorizes.
While baking soda and white vinegar are popularly used for cleaning, these should not be used with a carpet cleaning machine.
Yes, you can absolutely make your own carpet cleaner solution for a machine. DIY solutions are highly effective, save money, and allow you to avoid harsh commercial chemicals.
DIY carpet cleaning: Vacuum thoroughly, then mix 1 cup warm water, 1 cup white vinegar, and 1 tablespoon dish soap. Apply solution, let sit 5-10 minutes, and blot with clean cloth. Rinse with cold water, blot dry. Repeat if needed.
The standard solution is fine for most cleaning.
But for routine carpet cleaning, specialty formulas and spot-stain removers aren't necessary. Save specialized solutions for stubborn stains, like pet messes.
The Best Natural Carpet Cleaner Alternatives
You can use Dawn dish soap in a carpet cleaner, but use only a tiny amount (no more than 1/2 a teaspoon to a full teaspoon per gallon of water). Because Dawn is highly concentrated, using too much creates excess foam that can damage your machine’s motor or leave a sticky residue behind that attracts future dirt.
The best Bissell carpet cleaner solution alternatives include DIY mixtures of hot water, a tiny amount of clear laundry detergent (like Tide), or a targeted spot treatment like Folex Instant Carpet Spot Remover. Avoid using plain dish soap in carpet machines, as it causes excessive foaming and can damage internal pumps.