Even with the proper equipment and cleaning solutions, cleaning your carpet can be difficult. However, carpet cleaning supplies aren’t always available and might be pricey.
Accidents can occur at any time, and even a brief delay can cause irreparable harm with some stains.
You might be asking if you can use other common home chemicals, like laundry detergent, if you don’t have any carpet cleaner. After all, if it can be used to clean clothing, why can’t it be used to clean carpets?
Carpets often require a deep cleaning treatment that a vacuum cleaner alone will not achieve. While the vacuum collects loose dirt, it does not clean the carpet fibers.
Laundry detergent cleans many fabric types, from clothing to carpeting. The detergent will wash the carpet, leaving it fresh and free of residue.
Continue reading to get the answers to these queries and some advice on using laundry detergent in a carpet cleaner.
Can You Use Laundry Detergent On Carpet
Carpets are one of those things in your home that seem to attract dirt, dust, and grime no matter how often you vacuum. And if you have kids or pets, it can feel like your carpets constantly need a good cleaning. But instead of reaching for harsh chemicals, you may want to try using laundry detergent on your carpets.
That’s right; laundry detergent is an effective and safe way to clean your carpets. The detergent will help break up any dirt or grime embedded in the carpet fibers, and the added moisture will help loosen any tough stains.
Just be sure to dilute the detergent with water and use a handheld steam cleaner for the best results.
What Sort Of Laundry Detergent Is Recommended?
Laundry detergents are not all created equal. There are several varieties, and each one serves a unique purpose. Some washing detergents can’t thoroughly clean the carpet.
In addition, you should avoid putting them in a carpet cleaning machine because doing so might harm the equipment. This is why picking the appropriate laundry detergent is crucial. Some have bleach in them, which may wreck everything.
As a general guideline, you should only purchase laundry detergent labeled “HE.” This is an acronym meaning high effectiveness. These laundry detergents with excellent efficacy are the ideal carpet cleaning option.
They will properly clean your carpet while producing minimal foam. Due to the decrease in foam, you will also have to spend nearly no time rinsing. To remove the foam, you will need to apply a little water.
How Much Laundry Detergent Should I Use?
Never forget that laundry detergent was created to clean clothes in a washing machine, so if you use it, keep these helpful suggestions in mind: Less is more in this instance. For every quart of water, use one tablespoon of laundry detergent.
Limit your additions: More laundry detergent won’t get your carpet any cleaner than the recommended dosage. Depending on how much water your machine has in its tank, use the appropriate quantity.
Carpet cleaning and laundry detergent are not the same things. It can be used, although it will probably leave behind a residue. Less laundry detergent is preferable in this situation since using too much would increase the likelihood of this happening.
Use little: Although powder may be effective, there is a strong probability that it may clog your machine and that it will leave a powdered residue on your carpet after drying.
Even before it is used, powder detergent can occasionally form small balls that could become stuck in your carpet cleaner’s pipes and nozzles. Use a modest amount of powder laundry detergent if you must.
What Residue Will Laundry Detergent Leave On Carpet?
The fear of leaving behind a sticky residue is among the key reasons why most people are reluctant to utilize alternative cleaning products on their carpets. When picking a carpet cleaner, it is wise to err on the side of caution because this is a valid issue.
Because none of us want to wear itchy, unpleasant clothing, laundry detergent is designed to rinse away. A cleanser will always leave a detectable residue if it isn’t appropriately diluted.
Therefore, it is crucial to use as much laundry detergent as is necessary for your carpet cleaner.
Any cleaning solution can benefit from white vinegar, which lowers the likelihood of unpleasant residues. When using liquid laundry detergent as your cleaning solution, adding half a cup of white vinegar to the water in your carpet cleaner tank can assist refresh, cleaning, and lessening the possibility of potential stickiness.
Does Detergent Damage Carpeting?
Many people are under the impression that laundry detergent will harm their carpets. However, this is not the case! Laundry detergent is a great substitute for carpet cleaning agents and can deliver excellent results.
The only caveat is that you should use a small amount of detergent. If you use too much, the chemicals in the detergent could damage your carpet quality; but this is unlikely to occur unless you use excessive detergent.
So, the next time your carpet needs cleaning, don’t hesitate to reach for the laundry detergent!
Conclusion
Although most carpet cleaners allow laundry detergent, you should only use a limited amount at once. To ensure the detergent won’t harm the fabric, conducting a patch test in a corner or a spot you can hide afterward is a good idea.
Remember that carpets are sometimes composed of synthetic fabrics, making them considerably more prone to damage than conventional clothing.
Avoid using washing detergents that contain bleach because doing so will ruin the fabrics and cause the colors to fade.
Given that, if you are pressed for time, utilizing the correct detergent and cleaning instrument will help you avoid spending a lot of money and causing yourself a lot of hassles.