Laundry Detergents aren't Formulated for Carpet Cleaning Of course not! Cleaning solutions are specifically formulated to clean and not damage the machines they're used in and the material they're treating. Laundry soap is designed to be used in washing machines to clean clothing.
Laundry detergent can be safely used in a carpet cleaner, especially those that are marked 'HE'. Liquid laundry detergent works better in carpet cleaners than powder. So long as it is not too concentrated and doesn't contain bleach, laundry detergent will work well and leave a long-lasting, freshly washed smell.
For synthetic carpets: Mix ¼ teaspoon of a translucent liquid dishwashing detergent, such as Dawn or Joy, into one cup of lukewarm water. For natural fiber carpets: Mix one teaspoon of translucent liquid dishwashing detergent, such as Dawn or Joy, into 1 cup of lukewarm water.
Mix 1 teaspoon mild dishwashing detergent in 1 cup warm water, dip a sponge in the liquid and dab at the stain, moving from the outside toward the middle. Do not overwet. Rinse with fresh water and dry with towels.
Because liquid dish soap contains moisture, it creates mildew when the moisture condenses in the carpet fiber. Furthermore, the soap contains a harsh chemical that might react with carpet fibers and cause them to weaken. It may even damage the floor underneath it if left unattended.
Washing-up liquid was found to be as effective as specific carpet cleaners when removing blood, Ribena and wine stains. "Which? tests have revealed that ordinary washing-up liquid outperforms many carpet stain removers," said the magazine.
While some websites sing the praises of vinegar as an all-purpose cleanser, it simply shouldn't be used on carpet. Here's why … Vinegar is great for countertops, but it's one of the least effective solutions out there for removing dirt from carpet fibers.
In a spray bottle, mix one cup of distilled water, one cup of distilled white vinegar, and one teaspoon of dishwashing liquid. Shake well to mix and label the bottle.
The short answer is that you should not use vinegar for carpet cleaning. There is truth to the idea you can use vinegar as a natural disinfectant for cleaning but it cannot remove dirt or soil from a surface or from carpet.