I need to use the carpet cleaner machine, but do not want to purchase the solution. Does anyone know of a home solution that I can use with the many, many cleaning supplies I have in my home?
Rug Doctor Cleaning Solution
You really should pay the little more for the proper chemicals. Although they do overcharge for Rug Doctor. A janitorial supply will usually be cheaper. Professional chemicals are usually more concentrated so work out cheaper. You might consider renting from an equipment rental rather than at the grocery store. For one thing the machine will have been maintained. Many of those at the grocery store do not work properly requiring a trip back to exchange it. I owned a janitor service for 20 yr. and a janitorial supply for several years after that. Repaired many Rug Doctors from the local stores. People don't clean them out before returning. Regular rental places take care of their equipment.
I used a gallon of water and two cups ammonia in the rug doctor when I ran out of their solution. Worked fine; just be sure and clean out the thing after using, You can also use white vinegar BTW Do not tell them you used it, just say you don*t need the solution because you have some left from the last time you cleaned the carpet.
When I ran out of the Rug Doctor solution, I used a laundry detergent instead. The reasoning was that other detergents (like for general cleaning or dishes) have high sufectant levels (soapy/bubbly) and you don't want bubbles in your Rug Doctor machine. I diluted it a lot, though, and relied more on hot water (boiled a pot, like for tea) than soap for the cleaning to work. However, I've found that Stanley Steemer was a better deal. They do all the work, plus their machines are so much more advanced than the Rug Doctors'. For the past year or two, I spot clean with retail treatments, then save my money so I can afford a good, professional scrub every 6 months or so.
