Hi folks,
I've just done some irreparable damage to my account by purchasing a Rug Doctor machine 
I know, I know 
but after trying for ages to get DH to rent one (sadly I don't drive) I kinda freaked out 
I feel much poorer now 
Especially as I'm usually a bit anal very careful with my finances!
My question is, has anyone tried running a carpet cleaning machine that is meant to use detergents, with just hot water? I know you're meant to apply protection (which some professional detergents, including Rug Doctor ones, contain) otherwise the carpet will be collecting more dirt between the washes and wearing quicker. But what if I was to do say 1-2 shampoo washes a year and say another 2-4 plain water ones? My thinking is, not only will I be saving on detergent, but I won't be putting as much of it into the carpet. And having some background in chemistry I know that detergents never completely wash off. In fact that's how they work - by sticking to surfaces harder than dirt and therefore loosening it up. And no amount of rinsing will ever completely remove that thin layer of surfactant from your plates or clothes or skin, let alone friggin carpets!
Maybe if I buy some scotch guard, I mean I'd be saving much less but at least not putting soap in the carpets.
DH is gonna kill me when he sees this monster at our door! 