Can Fabric Softener be used with Carpet Cleaner? (Answered)

A messy and hard carpet is certainly not a pleasant sight.

Not to mention, it can also be quite dangerous, as it can cause you to slip.

A clean and soft carpet, on the other hand, is not only pleasing to the eyes but also safe.

Who doesn’t want to have a carpet that not only feels great but looks classy?

There are many ways to achieve this, one of the simplest ways to get a neat and clean look is to use a carpet cleaning solution.

However, when cleaning a carpet, there are many questions that may come to our mind such as “Can I Use Fabric Softener in My Carpet Cleaner?” OR “Can I use vinegar as a fabric softener?”

In this post we will cover:

Why Clean the Carpets?
Can you Use Fabric Softener on Carpet?
Is fabric softener a cleaner?
How to Clean Your Carpet with Fabric Softener?
How to Clean Your Carpet Using a Carpet Cleaner With Built-In Softener?
What should you not put in a carpet cleaner?
Can I use shampoo in my carpet cleaner?
How to Clean and Make Your Carpet Softer with Vinegar?
How to Clean and Make Your Carpet Softer with Baking Soda?
What Else Can I Use Fabric Softener For?
Final Thoughts

Let’s get started.

Why Clean the Carpets?

Cleaning your carpet is important in order to maintain its lifespan.

It is recommended that you clean your carpet at least once a year, or more often if you have pets or children.

Carpets can accumulate a lot of dirt and dust over time, which can lead to allergies or other respiratory problems.

A clean carpet also makes your home look and feel more inviting.

Can You Use Fabric Softener On Carpet?

Yes, you can use fabric softener in moderate quantities to get make your carpet softer.

Ideally, A half cup of fabric softener per gallon of warm water should be sufficient to make your carpet relatively soft.

Alternatively, you can create a homemade solution out of vinegar OR baking soda to make the carpet soft.

A solution made up of cleaning detergent, Fabric Softener, OR vinegar/baking soda makes an excellent cleaner and softener combo.

Is Fabric Softener A Cleaner?

No, fabric softener is not a cleaner.

It is designed to make clothes softer by coating them in a thin layer of chemicals.

While it can make your carpet feel softer, it will not clean it on its own.

You will need to use a carpet cleaner in conjunction with the fabric softener to get the best results.

Having said that, when using a fabric softener on carpet make sure you are well within the recommendation of using 1/2 cup per gallon of water.

Using too much fabric softener can actually make your carpet dirtier in the long run and may also damage the carpet fibers.

How To Clean Your Carpet With Fabric Softener?

Follow the below steps to clean the carpet with fabric softeners.

Step 1: Wash your Carpet

The very first step is to wash the carpet by either using a carpet cleaning solution OR by using a suitable detergent.

Make sure you remove all the dirt and dust before proceeding to the next step.

Step 2: Create a Solution

Once the carpet is clean, it’s time to create a solution using water and fabric softener.

Remember, the recommended ratio is 1/2 cup of fabric softener per gallon of water.

Step 3: Apply the Solution

Once the solution is ready, apply it evenly on the carpet using a spray bottle.

Make sure you don’t use too much of the solution as it can damage the carpet fibers.

Step 4: Leave it to Dry

After you have sprayed the solution, leave it to dry for at least 30 minutes.

This will give the fabric softener enough time to work its magic and make the carpet softer.

Step 5: Vacuum the Carpet

After the 30 minutes have passed, vacuum the carpet to remove the fabric softener solution.

You will notice that the carpet is now softer to touch.

Also Read: Can Front Load Detergents be used in the Top Load Washers?

How to Clean Your Carpet Using a Carpet Cleaner With Built-In Softener?

Cleaning your carpet with solutions that already have built-in softeners is probably the best and most effective way to clean and soften your carpet.

In order to make your carpet cleaner with a built-in softener follow the below steps.

How to make carpet cleaner with a built-in softener?

Here’s what you will need to make a carpet cleaner with a built-in softener.

Half cup distilled white vinegar OR 2 tablespoon of Baking Soda for every half a gallon of water.
1 tablespoon Carpet cleaning detergent OR Standard dishwashing detergents per gallon of water.
Fabric Softener Spray – Prepared by mixing Fabric Softener with water (Optional).

Once you have the above ingredients ready, simply mix them and keep them aside.

Note: Do Not mix the fabric softener, instead you will be using it at the very last (optional).

How to Clean the carpet?

Here’s a quick and easy step-by-step instruction to clean the carpet.

Step 1: Pre-Wash the carpet

The very first step is to perform the initial cleaning of the carpet by using a suitable detergent, almost like a Pre-wash.

Step 2: Clean the carpet using the solution that you prepared

Start by pouring the solution on the carpet, part by part.
Use a brush to work the solution into the carpet.
Keep repeating this process until you have covered the entire surface of the carpet.
Wash off the carpet with clean water
Pour a solution made just from vinegar and water evenly on the carpet.
Let it dry.
After 30 minutes post drying, use a vacuum cleaner (This step is optional).

Note: If you want even more softness and fluffiness simply use the fabric softener spray made using water and fabric softener and let it dry.

What should you not put in a carpet cleaner?

There are certain things you should never put in a carpet cleaner, no matter how tempting it might be.

Some of the things that you should never put in a carpet cleaner are listed below.

Bleach
Nail Polish Remover
Ammonia
Rubbing Alcohol
Dry-Cleaning Solvents
Kerosene
Furniture Polish
Paint Thinner
Petroleum Distillates

These are just some of the things that you should never put in your carpet cleaner.

Remember, always read the instruction manual before using any cleaning solution in your carpet cleaner.

This is important as some manufacturers might have different recommendations.

Also Read: How to choose the best portable washing machine?

Can I use shampoo in my carpet cleaner?

Yes, you can use shampoo in your carpet cleaner but only if the manufacturer recommends it.

If you’re not sure, it’s always best to check the instruction manual that came with your carpet cleaner.

How to Clean and Make Your Carpet Softer with Vinegar?

Cleaning your carpet with vinegar is a great way to get rid of any dirt or stains.

Plus, it will also make your carpet softer.

Here’s what you need to do.

Step 1: Vacuum the Carpet

The very first step is to vacuum the carpet to remove any dirt or dust.

Step 2: Pour Vinegar and detergent solution on the Carpet

Once you have vacuumed the carpet, pour vinegar and detergent solution on the carpet.

Step 3: Wait for 30 Minutes

After you have poured vinegar on the carpet, wait for 30 minutes.

This will allow the vinegar to work its way into the carpet.

Step 4: Clean the carpet

Now clean the carpet with a brush so that dirt and stains can be removed.

Step 5: Use clean water wash

Wash the carpet with clean water so that stains and dirt are removed.

And let the carpet dry.

Step 6: Use Vaccum cleaner

After 30 minutes, vacuum the carpet again.

This will remove any vinegar and dirt from the carpet.

If you don’t have a vacuum cleaner, follow the below steps.

Clean the carpet using a solution made from vinegar, detergent, and water.
Once the carpet is cleaned
Mix 1/2 cup vinegar with half a gallon of water, and start spraying this solution on the carpet evenly.
Let the carpet dry.
Fold and unfold the carpet
Your carpet should be clean and soft.

Also Read: How to Troubleshoot a portable washing machine?

How to Clean and Make Your Carpet Softer with Baking Soda?

Cleaning carpet with baking soda is very easy, it works similar to the vinegar solution.

In order to clean the carpet with baking soda follow the below steps.

Step 1: Vacuum the Carpet

The first step is to vacuum the carpet to remove any dirt, dust, or stains.

Step 2: Sprinkle Baking Soda solution on the Carpet

Once you have vacuumed the carpet, sprinkle baking soda on the carpet.

You can simply mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with half a gallon of water.

Step 3: Wait for 30 Minutes

After you have brushed the baking soda into the carpet, wait for 30 minutes.

This will allow the baking soda to work its way into the carpet.

Step 4: Clean the Carpet using a brush

After you have sprinkled baking soda on the carpet, use a brush to work the baking soda into the carpet.

Step 5: Clean the carpet with clean water

Now clean the carpet with clean water so that the remaining dirt and stains are removed.

And let it dry.

Step 6: Vacuum the Carpet Again

After the carpet has dried, use a vacuum cleaner to give the finishing touch.

If you don’t have a vacuum cleaner, simply follow the below steps.

Clean the carpet using a solution made from Baking soda and detergent.
Once the carpet is cleaned
Mix 2 cups of Baking Soda with half a gallon of water, and start spraying this solution on the carpet evenly.
Let the carpet dry.
Fold and unfold the carpet
Your carpet should be clean and soft.

Also Read: How to Hook up a portable washing machine?