can i use regular detergent for a rug cleaning machine?

can i use regular detergent for a rug cleaning machine?
i have this vaccum that doubles as a rug cleaner and it comes with detergent but i ran out of it and i assume i can use laundry detergent to do the same job. Can i? or will it have bad consequences, or is it not the ideal thing to use but it works?


Answers:

Smiling JW:  regular detergent could make your carpet sticky thus causing it to get dirtier more easily.
2009-04-12 14:25:23
smokey:  you will end up with a foamy mess.
2009-04-12 14:27:21
Munchkin:  There are special rug cleaner shampoos for those machines to clean carpets. Stick with those, regular detergent won't do the same job.
2009-04-12 14:31:44
garyaborden:  By all means don't It will make to much suds for one thing. It will not clean as regular rug cleaner and it could screw up your machine. Once you clean a rug it takes the scotch guard out so you should buy a spray can and put it on after it is dry if not you will get more dirt back in the carpet in the most used parts.
2009-04-12 14:33:06
Chosen Answer
pro_and_contra:  No...don't do it, it will be way to soapy!!!!
Your rug will be ruined.
2009-04-12 14:39:10
dawnb:  Never use anything other than the cleaner that is recommended. Laundry detergent will not work and if you use it will probably make a mess of your carpet and the machine.
2009-04-12 18:09:24
linda l:  As everyone else has said, don't do it.
If you want to save some money on the rug cleaner, you can use plain ammonia (not the sudsy kind) instead. It does a great job by breaking down the oils that hold the dirt so the vacuum can suck them up. That's what I use in my Hoover dirt extractor.
2009-04-12 18:29:32