What can I use as a substitute carpet shampoo for my carpet cleaner?

[jacqui in mo]

I have a Kirby vacuum that has a carpet cleaning attachment. I want to clean my living room carpet while my couches are out being reupholstered but I don't have enough "official Kirby shampoo" & I don't want to go out just to buy it. Is there any other things anyone has experience using?

Thanks,
Jacqui

[OnTheBrink]

I've used laundry soap in my hoover steam vac. Just a little, like maybe a tablespoon in the water.

[Gamom3]

I used it in my Kirby before I got a steam cleaner

[TwinMominTX]

except for hot water and white vinegar. My carpet has never been cleaner...and better still...never stayed cleaner. I swear the soap was leaving a residue behind that was attracting dirt.

So, my vote is nothing!

TK

[jacqui in mo]

what kind of machine are you using with that? Do you have to do a rinse to get out the vinegar? How much vinegar do you use?

[MichelleWI]

White vinegar in the water with no detergent is excellent and leaves no smell behind. A professional friend of ours told my husband he always uses vinegar when doing carpets in a rental or dormitories. Regular cleaning and spot cleansers cause a build-up which makes dirt stick to the carpet fibers.

We just purchased a new carpet cleaning machine and I plan to use only white vinegar.

With all of that said, I have always heard that small amounts of liquid Tide and baby shampoo are two of the best choices if you are out of the official cleaning solution.

[mooooom]

I have a Bissell and would love to try this