So you just got your hands on a brand new Bissell carpet cleaner. Nice! As you eagerly unpack it from the box, you start wondering – am I limited to only using Bissell’s own cleaning solutions in this thing? Or do I have some flexibility to use other brands too?
It’s a fair question. Obviously Bissell wants you to use their formulas, but perhaps you’ve got a favorite carpet shampoo you’re loyal to. Or you’re intrigued by the DIY cleaner recipes online. Will those work just as well?
Great question! As a long-time Bissell owner myself, I’ll fill you in on everything you need to know about picking the right shampoo for fantastic cleaning results.
What is a Bissell Carpet Cleaner?
Bissell is a leading brand in the carpet cleaner industry. It uses a combination of special cleaning solutions and suction power to deep clean carpets.
Bissell makes a variety of home carpet cleaning machines, like upright carpet cleaners, portable spot cleaners, and deep cleaning machines that use water and cleaning formula to steam clean carpets.
No matter which Bissell model you own, using the proper carpet shampoo is key to getting your carpets truly clean.
Bissell Recommendations for Carpet Shampoo
Bissell highly encourages utilizing their own branded cleaning solutions, which are formulated exclusively for use in Bissell machines.
The Bissell carpet shampoos come in a variety of formulas for different needs, like pet stains, allergens, and typical dirt and grime. They are made to work with Bissell’s suction and brushing systems to lift stains and leave carpets fresh.
According to Bissell, using their proprietary cleaning solutions will provide optimal cleaning results. They advise against using other forms of cleaner, including homemade solutions.
Some of Bissell’s special carpet shampoo formulas include:
- 2X Pet Stain & Odor Formula: Contains powerful enzymes to remove pet stains and neutralize odors.
- Oxy Gen2 Formula: Uses oxygenated bubbling action to lift away stains.
- Woolite Oxy Deep Carpet Cleaner: Bissell collaborated with Woolite to create an innovative stain-fighting solution for their machine.
- Natural Orange Extract Formula: Made from plant-based ingredients and natural orange oil.
Bissell also offers fabric sanitizer solutions and scented aromatherapy formulas. Using the carpet cleaner and matching solution designed for your needs is your best bet.
Can You Use Other Carpet Shampoo Brands?
Even with Bissell’s recommendations, you can use other carpet shampoo brands in your Bissell carpet cleaner. But there are exceptions to consider. Let’s take a look at this
Generic and Store-Brand Carpet Shampoos
Generic and inexpensive store-brand carpet cleaning solutions are not recommended for use in Bissell machines. These bargain formulas tend to be lower quality and may not properly dissolve or rinse out of the carpet fibers. This can lead to residue buildup that actually attracts more dirt over time.
For example, dollar store carpet shampoos or very cheap generic brands are risky to use in your Bissell. They may lack the proper pH balance or not contain enough detergents to fully lift stains from the carpet pile.
Some signs of residue buildup from using bargain carpet shampoo are stiffness, matting, rapid re-soiling, sticky spots, and lackluster carpet appearance. Your carpets may look dirty again soon after cleaning with poor quality shampoo.
Name-Brand Carpet Shampoos
Higher quality name-brand carpet shampoos, like those made by Hoover, Rug Doctor, Resolve and Woolite, can be safely used in Bissell carpet cleaners.
The key is to select a carpet shampoo that is approved for use in machine cleaning and avoid bargain brands that could potentially damage your Bissell or leave carpet residue. Check the product label to make sure it states compatibility with carpet cleaning machines.
Factors to Consider When Selecting Carpet Shampoo
When choosing a carpet cleaning solution for your Bissell, here are some key factors to consider:
Carpet Fiber Type
Select a carpet shampoo designed for your specific carpet fiber, whether nylon, polyester, wool, or a blend. The right formula will effectively cling to and remove soils from that fiber surface.
For example, wool carpets require a gentler shampoo to avoid damage, while polyester can handle stronger cleaners. Make sure the product states it’s safe for your carpet material.
Formulation
Look for a carpet shampoo designed for machine cleaning, not just spot stain removal. Machine cleaning formulas have extra detergents and rinse agents to fully dissolve and remove residues.
Ideally, select a pH balanced, non-toxic and biodegradable formula that is safe for kids and pets after the carpet dries. Bissell’s Green Tea and Enzymatic solutions are good options.
You want a high-foaming shampoo that activates well with the vibrating brush rolls and hot water in your Bissell. Check that the formula rinses cleanly and avoids sticky residue.
Stain-Fighting Ability
If you need to combat tough pet stains, food spills, or other set-in soils, choose a carpet shampoo with stain-fighting ingredients.
Look for key terms like “oxy,” “enzymatic,” or “professional strength” on the label to indicate powerful stain removal. Bissell’s Oxy formula is an excellent stain-fighting shampoo.
For a natural option, citrus oil-based cleaners work well without harsh chemicals.
Scent
Many carpet shampoos contain added fragrance. Make sure any scented formula you choose has a pleasant smell rather than a chemical perfume-y odor.
You can also find unscented solutions if you prefer no fragrance. Bissell makes unscented versions of most formulas.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, while Bissell suggests their own solutions, you can absolutely use other quality carpet shampoo brands in your machine. Just stick to reputable cleaners designed specifically for deep carpet cleaning. And avoid super bargain brands or homemade concoctions.