Do I need a carpet cleaning solution to clean carpets?

OM3

I've purchased a Vax carpet cleaner

Question: do I HAVE to use 'carpet cleaning' solution?

How much better would this be than say fairy liquid?

I assume there MUST be some sort of difference - maybe the chemicals used are specifically for removing dirt from carpet fabric or something?

The thing is, carpet cleaning solutions cost a lot of money - even on eBay

If, it's advised to use a carpet cleaning solutions: where's the best place to buy from?

Thanks!


OM

Mallotum_X

Not sure if the stuff is any better, last time i borrowed my mums machine i had no solution so used a bit of washing powder and added some conditioner. came up fine, and got the dirt out which is the main thing.

justb

Washing up liquid has too many suds, there would be bubbles everywhere. I have only used the the Vax cleaner and cheapest was from Wilkinsons last time I bought some. Good luck

ic

I used this stuff last time I hired a rug doctor: http://www.screwfix.com/p/no-nonsense-carpet-cleaner-detergent-5ltr/70509 £10.20 for five litres. I think the rug doctor stuff is the same price for just one litre. You can use other cleaning solutions, but you have to watch for them foaming up and stop if they do and let the foam drop back down - if the foam gets sucked through the machine it could be damaged, and you'll wind up with foam being spat all over your cleaned carpet.