What solution can you use in a carpet shampooer?

Author: Rhett Heaney  |  Last update: Wednesday, August 13, 2025

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 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 can I put in my carpet shampooer?

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.

How to make your own carpet shampooer solution?

Homemade Carpet Cleaner Solution (for machines)
  • equal parts warm water and white vinegar
  • several drops of dish soap
  • 6-7 drops of essential oils (lavender, lemon, or orange work best!)
  • TIP: For an extra boost, sprinkle baking soda on the carpet, wait 10 minutes, then vacuum before using the machine.

Can you use any liquid in a 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.

Homemade Carpet Cleaner/ Rug Doctor Copycat Solution from Dollar Store

Can I use Pine Sol in my carpet cleaner?

Pine-sol or others you just have to get the amount correct to the tank volume. I would advise flushing the machine with clean water after each use, just to help out all of the nozzles and seals on it to not wear them down. Other than that, you'll be fine.

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 you use Dawn in carpet cleaner?

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.

Can I put fabuloso in my Bissell carpet cleaner?

I've been putting fabuloso in it and had no issues!

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)

Can I use laundry detergent in a carpet shampooer?

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.

What liquid can I use to clean carpet?

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.

Can you use other cleaners in a carpet cleaner?

As the other answers have already stated, the short answer is yes you can technically use any cleaning solution you'd like work this (and basically any and every other items you use).

What else can I use in my 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.

What is the best solution to use in a carpet cleaning machine?

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.

Can I use Mr. Clean in my carpet shampooer?

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

Can you use fabuloso in 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.

Can I use other products 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.

Can I put Pine Sol in Bissell?

A: Pine Sol® products were not designed to be used in steam cleaners.

What is a substitute for carpet cleaner solution?

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 you 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.

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.

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)

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.

Should you rinse your carpet after shampooing?

We've found that many DIYers make this rookie mistake. Not only do they apply too much shampoo during the cleaning process, but they also don't properly rinse out what they do apply. The chemicals left behind can damage your carpet, and will leave a residue that will transform your carpet into a dirt magnet.

Previous article
Why is there paper backing on insulation?
Next article
Is toilet paper naturally white?