Can I use laundry detergent as a substitute for steam cleaning shampoo? if no then what can I use?

Question

I need to wash the carpet but don' t have any steam cleaner shampoo! I can't get any for a while and the carpet needs cleaning soon! My boyfriend's friend puked on his couches and carpet too.

Thank You

Answer 1

You do not want to use laundry detergent in your steam cleaner (actually the correct term is carpet extractor). It will leave residue in your carpet and the residue will attract more dirt.
Use clear warm water in your machine. Distilled water if you can afford it.
All soaps and detergents are alkaline. The typical PH of a detergent is somewhere between 8 and 10. Dirt has a low PH, somewhere between 5 and 7. The higher PH detergent attracts and bonds the lower PH dirt. Any residue from any detergent left in your carpet will attract dirt. For that reason good carpet cleaning companies will spray a neutralizer on the carpet after cleaning.
If you have used an extractor in the past, you can bet there is still some residue from the past cleanings.

Answer 2

The best way, of coarse, is to steam clean everything. However, until then it will take some time. First, if the stain or smell is dry or not. If it is still wet blot up as much as you can. Use paper towels etc.. If it is dry it is going to take a little more effort. I want you to make a paste out of baking soda and a little water. Rub it in to the spots. Do this about three times. Next, on a clean rag, apply white vinegar, and rub into the area. This will dilute the odor and the baking soda helps the stain. Together, they will react to create a odorless environment.
PS: this is not fact but works well for other accidents.
Be Well.

Answer 3

Try Mr Clean. I've used it successfully in steam cleaners, diluted of course according to the bottle directions (1/4 C/gallon of water, I think is correct) Laundry detergent would leave the carpet stiff and sticky without several rinses and a lot of work.