Which is Better- Generic Carpet Shampoo or Brand Names?

Ok, so you are the proud owner of a carpet cleaning machine, you have read the instructions and you now know how to drive it. In the manufacturers hand-book they probably recommend a particular make of carpet shampoo. Chances are the manufacturer has a financial interest in the recommended shampoo supplier.  That’s not to say, however, that the carpet shampoo the manufacturer recommends is not best for your machine, but you need to make an informed choice.

As with many other products you have two basic choices of carpet shampoo.

• Generic carpet shampoos are usually cheaper and can do just as good a job.
• More expensive brand names where a lot of what you are paying goes into the flashy packaging.

What are the Differences Between Types of Carpet Shampoo?

You do need to be aware of the type of carpet shampoo that you use in your machine because some contain chemicals that may be detrimental to your carpet shampooer and maybe lead to an untimely end. For example, some carpet shampoos contain extracts of citrus.  These substances can cause the degradation of plastic parts within your machine thus leading to premature failure.

On balance, considering what you paid for your carpet cleaning machine it could be reasonable to say better to be safe than sorry. Rather than choose a cheaper generic option with the potential risk to your pride and joy, pay a bit more and feel secure in the knowledge the experts that manufactured your machine know their stuff and are giving you the best advice despite earning a little bonus and that your machine will not dissolve because you chose to buy “sud-o-soap” instead of the recommended brand name.

Personally its a no brainer to me, I mean, I would never buy cheap corn flakes it has to be Kelloggs, for me, its worth paying that little extra. Having said that, some people love the value range. So you pay your money and you take your choice, as the saying goes – just make sure your choice, in the case of a carpet shampoo, is informed.

Do All Generic Carpet Shampoo Choices Work?

There are some generic carpet shampoos that will be perfect for your machine and a good deal cheaper, just make sure you do your research and read what it says on the box.  All the information should be there as to whether its safe for your machine or not.

Some carpet shampoos have added fragrances that will leave your carpet smelling as fresh as a daisy, depending on your choice of fragrance, of course. Chemicals such as “Scotchguard” are added to some shampoos that will protect your carpet from future spillages.

Look after your carpet cleaning machine by using the correct carpet shampoo and it will look after you and your carpet.