Fabuloso is a popular household cleaner known for its pleasant fragrance and ability to cut through grease and grime. And with its strong cleaning power, you may be wondering if you can use Fabuloso in your carpet cleaner to freshen up your carpets. Let’s take a closer look at whether or not Fabuloso is an effective and safe solution for your carpets.
What is Fabuloso?
Fabuloso is an all-purpose household cleaner that you can use to clean a variety of surfaces including countertops, floors, walls, appliances, and more. It is a concentrated formula that you must dilute with water before use.
Fabuloso contains surfactants that help cut through dirt, grease, and sticky messes. It also contains fragrances and colors that leave behind a pleasant scent and visual appearance after cleaning.
Fabuloso comes in a few different scent varieties like lavender, citrus, and spring fresh. It has a characteristic vibrant coloring as well that makes treated surfaces look noticeably cleaner after you use it. The popular cleaner can be found at most major supermarkets and retailers for very affordable prices.
Fabuloso as a Carpet Cleaner
The powerful cleaning agents in Fabuloso make it tempting to use in carpet cleaners. However, there are a few reasons why Fabuloso is not recommended as a carpet cleaning solution:
- It is a degreaser: The harsh degreasing agents in Fabuloso can strip the oils from carpet fibers, leaving them brittle and damaged over time. This can reduce the lifespan of your carpet.
- It may not rinse out fully: Fabuloso contains fragrances, colorants, and surfactants that may not rinse out completely from deep carpet piles. Residual chemicals left behind can cause further damage.
- It may discolor carpets: The bright colors and fragrances in Fabuloso can sometimes stain light colored carpets or discolor prints. You should always test for color fastness before use.
Using Fabuloso in Carpet Cleaners
If you do wish to use Fabuloso as a carpet cleaner despite the risks, here are a few tips:
- Dilute it heavily: You should only use 1-2 capfuls of Fabuloso per gallon of water to limit chemical residue.
- Rinse thoroughly: Make multiple passes with just clean water to flush out Fabuloso from the carpets. Extract as much water as possible after.
- Spot test first: You should apply diluted Fabuloso to a small, inconspicuous area of carpet to check for discoloration or damage before overall use.
- Avoid light carpets: Use extreme caution on light colored carpets more prone to staining.
- Increase ventilation: You should open up windows and use fans to help carpets dry faster after cleaning. This prevents mold and mildew growth.
Pros of Using Fabuloso in Carpet Cleaners
- Pleasant fragrance: Fabuloso leaves behind a nice scent after you clean carpets.
- Strong cleaning power: The surfactants in Fabuloso help release dirt, debris, and grime from carpets.
- Cost-effective: At only $2-3 per bottle, Fabuloso is an affordable cleaning solution.
- Easy availability: As a common household cleaner, Fabuloso is easy for you to obtain quickly.
Cons of Using Fabuloso in Carpet Cleaners
- Potential carpet damage: Fabuloso can strip oils, discolor fibers, and leave behind residue.
- Not formulated for carpets: Fabuloso is an all-purpose cleaner not designed specifically for deep carpet cleaning.
- May void warranties: Using household cleaners in carpet cleaners can sometimes invalidate carpet warranties.
- Can damage machines: The harsh formula can degrade rubber seals and internal parts in your carpet cleaning machines.
Recommended Carpet Cleaning Solutions
For best results, you should opt for carpet cleaner solutions formulated specifically for use in carpet cleaning machines:
Commercial Carpet Cleaners
You should look for carpet shampoo solutions from reputable brands designed for use in extractors and steam cleaners. Avoid generic or homemade mixes.
Some good options for you include Bissell, Hoover, and Rug Doctor carpet cleaning solutions tailored to machine use. You should always check the manufacturer’s instructions first.
DIY Carpet Cleaning Solutions
You can make a mild DIY cleaner from warm water, white vinegar, and a touch of natural dish soap or laundry detergent without dyes.
Add baking soda to help freshen carpets. Hydrogen peroxide also helps you remove stains without harsh chemicals.
Tips for Cleaning Carpets
Follow these tips to get your carpets fresh and clean:
Prepare the Carpet
You should vacuum thoroughly and pre-treat any highly soiled areas to loosen debris before cleaning. This improves cleaning performance.
Test for Colorfastness
Mix a small amount of cleaning solution with water and test on an inconspicuous area of carpet to check for potential discoloration or bleeding.
Allow Carpet to Dry
You should keep furniture off treated carpets while drying. Open windows to allow airflow and speed up drying time.
Clean Regularly
Don’t wait for carpets to get overly dirty. Regular light cleaning prevents stains from setting in and extends the carpet’s life.
Conclusion
While the cleaning power of Fabuloso seems promising, it’s best for you to avoid using it as a carpet cleaner. The chemicals in Fabuloso can damage carpet fibers and leave behind residues.
For best results, use carpet cleaners designed specifically for use in carpet extractors and steam cleaners. With the proper cleaner and technique, you can freshen up your carpets safely and effectively.