The invention is a low foaming detergent composition, especially a low foaming carpet cleaning detergent composition, for conventional carpet cleaning, or for steam-type carpet cleaning, comprising an alkylene oxide adducts, and being devoid of phosphates. Preferably, the alkylene oxide adduct is an ethylene oxide adduct. It is also preferable that the carpet cleaning detergent be devoid of caustic soda and bleach. The detergent composition may be made from a component having between 20 and 60 moles of the ethylene oxide adduct.