[Tari Mithrandir]

There is another thread similar to this, but in regards to a specific product, so I am starting my own.
Our carpets are about 1 1/2 years old and they recommended getting them cleaned yearly (our bedroom carpet is probably 10 years or MORE, been there since before hubby bought the place and in desperate need of cleaning.) I know the living room is high traffic and really needs it IMO, mostly because of the cats and their littery paws (the vacuum just doesn't get the deep stuff out).

Is there anything I can use to clean the carpet without chemicals? Apparently my mother-in-law has a carpet cleaner, but I don't know if I can use it without a cleaner? (she is out of the country until the end of the month, and I doubt she would know anyway) Or do I have to hire someone to do it?

TIA

 

[Tari Mithrandir]

 

[Jodie]

Yes wondering the same.

Could you just steam clean them?

 

[cravenab00]

i have used regular carpet cleaning machines with just VERY VERY hot water and gotten much better results than using varioius different soaps. just turn up your water heater, or heat up water on the stove. but dont get it to boiling or it could hurt that machine's tubing.

HTH!

 

[Tari Mithrandir]

Thank you!

 

[SunshineJ]

This may sound strange, but I've always used a bit of laundry detergent when I clean the carpets. I figure if it's safe enough to use on our clothing then it should be ok for the carpets as well, and it's much less expensive. The carpets always look great - better than the times I spent the money on the chemical stuff. Just be sure to do a water rinse after you use any kind of soap product, otherwise there will be some residue and the dirt will stick to that and make your carpet look worse quicker.

 

[Jodie]

Can laundry detergent be used in the machines that are rented from the store?

 

[SageR]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jodie Can laundry detergent be used in the machines that are rented from the store?

Bump!

 

[Purple*Lotus]

I have a carpet cleaner and I put BioKleen's Bac Out in mine. Makes the house smell so good!

 

[ollineeba]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jodie Can laundry detergent be used in the machines that are rented from the store?

Good question.

I know that when you rent them, they make you sign a contract saying that you will only use certain products (I think their brand, maybe?). But I can't imagine that they would know unless it did any damage.
Those products are really expensive, so I'd love to use something cheaper and maybe a little less harsh.
We are planning to clean our rugs in the next week or so.

 

[Jodie]

I planned on renting one and just using really hot water, but would love to put a little laundry detergant in there.

Yeah they would never know unless it damaged the machine.

So would laundry detergent damage the machine somehow?

 

[jtbuko]

I have used the rented ones with just hot water and also with hot water and vinegar. Neither way dealt with all the stains, but I felt that overall the carpets were cleaner without the added chemicals.

 

[jeffreyfrog]

In the past I have used Stanley you-know-who ... they arrived on time, treated my antiques with respect; when replacing the furniture they put down little pads that were easily removed the next day; the carpet was clean, fresh and ready for a dinner party within six hours. There are other companies that use the same system, I would ask friends and neighbors for referrals or ask the company for references from recent customers. Look for a company that has been around for a few years. Make sure the company is insured for any damages to your property. Also, ask if their workers are bonded and experienced. Carpet Cleaners.

 

[SunshineJ]

Sorry, I've been running out of town and back dealing with a funeral the past couple weeks and only skimming threads here (totally forgot to come back to this one

). For many years I used a rental carpet cleaner from the store and always used laundry detergent in it. The big thing to watch is the suds, too much will cause some mess and could potentially damage the machine (never once had it happen but it's technically possible). If I recall correctly, I would fill the tank with hot water and add about 1/3 - 1/2 cup of detergent to that. Honestly while I never really cared for it for my laundry some of the best for cleaning the carpets was the all natural stuff that Walmart carried (I think it's now being billed as the all natural "green" detergent). For whatever reason it never foamed as much, which may be why I didn't think it did as well in the actual wash! LOL!