Yes – you can use laundry detergent in a carpet cleaner but there are a few caveats to consider.
First off the type of detergent you use will make a big difference.
You don’t want to use a detergent that’s too harsh for your carpet as that could cause damage.
It’s best to use a milder detergent that’s specifically designed for use in carpet cleaners.
Secondly you’ll want to make sure you dissolve the detergent completely before you add it to the carpet cleaner.
If you don’t dissolve the detergent it could clog the machine and cause damage.
Finally you’ll need to consider the type of carpet you’re cleaning.
If you have delicate carpets you’ll want to use a detergent that’s gentle enough to not damage the fibers.
On the other hand if you have a more durable carpet you can use a more powerful detergent.
What Are the Differences Between Laundry Detergent and Carpet Cleaners?
To understand if you can use laundry detergent in a carpet cleaner you first need to understand the differences between the two.
Laundry detergent is specifically designed to clean clothes and fabrics.
It uses surfactants to break up and remove dirt and grime from fabrics.
Carpet cleaners on the other hand use a combination of cleaning agents like detergents solvents and enzymes to remove dirt oil and allergens from carpets.
The main difference between laundry detergent and carpet cleaners is that laundry detergent is not designed to clean carpets.
It doesn’t have the same ingredients that carpet cleaners do so it won’t be as effective at removing dirt oil and allergens from carpets.
The Pros and Cons of Using Laundry Detergent in a Carpet Cleaner
Now that you understand the differences between laundry detergent and carpet cleaners let’s talk about the pros and cons of using laundry detergent in a carpet cleaner.
Pros:
- Using laundry detergent in a carpet cleaner could save you money since it’s usually cheaper than carpet cleaner.
- If you’re in a pinch and need to clean your carpets quickly laundry detergent is a viable option.
Cons:
- Laundry detergent isn’t designed to clean carpets so it won’t be as effective at removing dirt oil and allergens from carpets.
- Using laundry detergent in a carpet cleaner could also leave a residue on your carpets which could cause damage over time.
- It could also leave an unpleasant odor in your home.
Can I Use Laundry Detergent In My Carpet Shampooer?
Generally no but it depends on the type of detergent and the instructions on the label.
It’s important to read the label carefully before using a product and to always use a carpet cleaner specifically designed for carpets.
Laundry detergent is designed to remove dirt and stains from clothes not carpets.
It’s too harsh for carpets and can strip away their protective coating leaving them vulnerable to stains and dirt.
Even if you don’t see any damage right away it’s only a matter of time before it starts to take its toll.
Carpet shampooers on the other hand are specially designed for carpets.
They use cleaning solutions that are formulated specifically for carpets so they’re gentle enough to remove dirt and stains without damaging the carpet.
Plus carpet shampooers are designed to distribute the cleaning solution evenly over the carpet meaning there’s no risk of overusing the detergent.
This is important because overusing laundry detergent can result in a residue that attracts dirt and grime leading to even more stains.
So while using laundry detergent in your carpet shampooer is not the best idea you can still get your carpets clean.
Look for a carpet shampooer that uses a specially designed cleaning solution and you’ll have clean carpets in no time.
And if you ever have any questions don’t hesitate to contact the manufacturer or your local carpet cleaning professional for advice.
Conclusion
So can you put laundry detergent in a carpet cleaner? The answer would be yes but it’s not recommended.
Laundry detergent isn’t designed to clean carpets so it won’t be as effective and could even damage your carpets in the long run.
It’s best to stick to using a carpet cleaner specifically designed for the job.