When you buy a sofa, it's brand new and beautiful, adding to the beauty of your living room. But over time, the fabric becomes impregnated with dirt and becomes increasingly difficult to clean. And the same goes for many everyday household items. Textile care can be a real headache for homeowners.
That's why shampooers come into their own, making cleaning so much easier. Designed for thorough cleaning, these machines can renew the look of your carpets, rugs and other textile coverings.
However, there's one question that's frequently asked: can you put washing powder in a shampoo machine? The short answer is that it's better to use a specific cleaning agent rather than a conventional detergent designed for clothes, because the composition is better suited to a shampoo machine.
The aim of this article is to explain the correct way to use a shampooer, with a focus on the use of detergent and its alternatives to ensure effective, risk-free cleaning.
What does a shampooer do?
Also known as injector-extractors, shampooers are instruments designed for intensive cleaning of various types of fabric.
Unlike an ordinary hoover, which only removes surface dirt and debris, the shampooer works deep down using water and a cleaning product, working to dislodge dirt and stains deep in the fibres of your car seats, mattresses, sofas, carpets and rugs.
A shampooer works simply, but powerfully. It sprays a cleaning solution combined with water onto the material to be cleaned.
Then, using powerful suction, it recovers the now soiled solution, leaving behind a slightly damp but very clean cloth. This procedure not only removes stains and dirt, it can also help to improve overall cleanliness by eradicating allergens and germs.
However, it is important to differentiate a shampooer from other equipment such as steam cleaners. Steam cleaners, which rely on steam and heat for maintenance, differ from shampooers, which use cleaning solutions and suction to ensure thorough cleaning of the fabric.
Laundry: a cleaning agent that can be seductive
Laundry detergent, often associated with cleaning clothes, is an extremely versatile cleaning product. It comes in a variety of forms: liquid, powder or capsules, and each has its own particularities in terms of formulation and use. The active ingredients in detergents are formulated to dissolve and effectively remove dirt and grime, making them useful for a wide range of household activities.
As well as its usual use for cleaning clothes, lye can also be used in other cleaning contexts, such as floors, kitchen worktops and even outdoor cleaning. Its ability to remove various types of dirt makes it a preferred option for tough household chores.
But before you opt for washing in your shampoo machine, we'll explain the possible complications and dangers associated with this method so that you can make an informed decision.
Can detergent be used in a shampoo machine?
The use of detergent in a shampooer attracts the attention of many consumers who aspire to optimise the efficiency of their cleaning. As we mentioned earlier, although lye is powerful for a variety of cleaning tasks, it can have harmful interactions with a shampooer.
Physico-chemical compatibility
The main use of lye is in washing machines, where it works in a specific aqueous environment. The use of this product in a carpet cleaner or shampooer may raise compatibility issues.
Some forms of detergent, particularly those in powder form, may not dissolve completely in water, resulting in residues that could impair the operation of the appliance or leave deposits on carpets.
On the other hand, the composition of the detergent can lead to excessive foam production in a shampoo machine, which can reduce cleaning efficiency and potentially damage the machine.
Potential dangers of lye in a shampoo machine
The use of non-approved substances such as lye in an injection-extraction machine could also affect the equipment's warranty. Manufacturers of shampooers and other carpet cleaners frequently recommend specific cleaning products, and the use of substitute products could invalidate the warranty.
What's more, the appliance, including its internal components such as the pumps and electrical system, may be damaged by the chemical composition of the detergent.
Reflections on practical aspects
Before considering the use of detergent in your carpet cleaner, it would be best to consult the equipment user guide for specific instructions. If detergent is approved for use, handle it with care, respecting the suggested proportions and ensuring that it dissolves completely.
It is also advisable to test a small hidden section of the carpet beforehand to check that the solution does not cause discolouration or damage. However, the vast majority of carpet cleaner manufacturers recommend refraining from using detergent in order to preserve the durability of the machine, which is not designed to contain it.
Detergent replacement options for shampoos
For those who are reluctant to introduce detergent into their shampooer and therefore want to respect the manufacturer's recommendations, there are many other solutions specifically developed for this type of equipment. These cleaning agents are designed to improve cleaning performance, while protecting both the appliance and the textiles.
Tailor-made washing solutions for shampoo machines
Carpet cleaner designers usually supply specific cleaning solutions designed to be used in synergy with their equipment. These mixtures generally have a gentle action, to avoid damaging the fibres while still being effective against stains and dirt. What's more, they offer the added benefit of generating a controlled amount of foam, which is perfect for the optimal operation of the carpet cleaner itself.
We can cite the example of a well-known brand of shampooer, the Kärcherwhich recommends the use of RM 519 cleaning agent.
To illustrate the main differences at a glance, here is a table comparing conventional detergent and a carpet cleaning agent such as Kärcher RM 519:
| Aspect | Carpet cleaner (RM 519) | Classic detergent |
| Composition | Formulated for cleaning carpets and upholstery | Formulated for cleaning clothes and other textiles |
| Cleaning agents | Contains agents to break down and remove ingrained stains | Contains enzymes and bleaching agents to treat a wide range of soils |
| Additives | Additives to speed up drying and reduce residues | Additives such as optical brighteners, perfumes, anti-redeposition agents, etc. |
| Cleaning Surface | Carpets, rugs, upholstery, car seats | Clothing and other household textiles |
| Method of application | Used with extraction machines | Used in a washing machine |
| Objective | Removes stains and dirt from carpets while respecting delicate fibres | Cleaning a wide range of textiles and types of soil |
Organic and environmentally-friendly products: a viable alternative
Environmentally-friendly cleaning solutions are available for homeowners who want to take care of the environment.
These products, usually made from natural ingredients, are designed to ensure user safety while protecting the environment. Despite having a lower density than synthetic cleaners, they can compete with them, especially for minor dirt and stains.
What are the benefits of using alternatives to detergent?
By using products specially developed for shampooers, users can not only clean effectively, but also extend the life of their equipment.
These items limit the possibility of damaging the shampooer's internal components and prevent the manufacturer's warranty constraints. What's more, they help to preserve the strength and appearance of carpets, rugs or any other textiles over the long term.
Recommendations for high-performance washing with a shampooer
The correct use of an injection extraction machine can considerably improve performance when washing your floor coverings, sofas, mattresses or car seats. Here are a few recommendations to maximise the benefits while protecting the longevity of your machine.
Surface preparation
Don't neglect to prepare the surface before using the shampooer. Start by vacuuming to remove any residue and dust from the surface.
Selecting the right cleaning product
Use a maintenance product recommended by the manufacturer of your shampooer. If you choose a replacement product, make sure it is compatible and test it on a small hidden area to prevent any deterioration or loss of colour.
Optimum use of the carpet and sofa cleaning machine
Consult and follow the instructions in the user guide to get the most out of your shampooer. Be careful not to over-moisten the fabric, which could increase the drying time. Clean slowly to ensure optimum removal of impurities.
Care and drying after cleaning
After cleaning, make sure the fabric is completely dry before use. Poor drying can lead to a mouldy smell or the growth of fungi. For example, when cleaning your mattress, do it early in the day and make sure the room is well ventilated so that it is dry in the evening, before bedtime. Finally, be sure to maintain your carpet cleaner in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions to ensure optimum efficiency.
Maintenance of the shampooer
To maintain the performance of your shampooer, it's essential to clean it after each use. Make sure you empty and refresh the water tanks, as well as inspecting the brushes and filters. Regular maintenance will help prevent dirt build-up.
English 
French 
Dutch 
German 
