Rug cleaning: Rental DIY machine vs professional cleaner

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Lajinka

New Member
Joined
Feb 10, 2023
Messages
1
Location
Houston
Our carpets are looking dirty and need to be cleaned. Considering doing it as a DIY task this weekend using a rental machine (Rug Doctor or equivalent) versus hiring a professional cleaner. The rug doctor, including the cleaning agent and the stairs attachment, will run about $100. A professional runs about $300 or so. The pros of each are listed below:
Pros of rental
- Cheaper
- Can do it over the weekend; no time away from work
Pros of professional
Have heard good reviews about PDR.
- Maybe better cleaning?
- Can lounge while someone else does the work.

Wondering if anyone here as any perspectives? I kind have the urge to get it done this weekend as a DIY job.
 
It can be done with good results if the machines are in good condition. The big thing is don't over saturate the carpets and stay off them until dry, then vacuum throughly after dry and not walking on it before use. Put wax paper or something under furniture legs as sometimes the dye can leach out of the legs onto the wet carpet. If possible empty the rooms. Also do a clean water rinse to get the chemical cleaner out as it can attract dirt later.
If hiring it done check the references of the cleaning company because cleaner can mess up some carpets if they don't know what they are doing or the product they are working with.
Also don't be surprised if you need a restretch of the carpet as the cleaning process may relax it a bit.
 
Yes all of that and If you're doing it yourself don't hesitate to get on your hands and knees and scrub the dirty parts with a soft scrub brush and HOT water.... All the chemicals and soaps in the world aren't as effective as hot water. Use the rental machine to extract immediately after scrubbing....And as mentioned don't over wet. Water should never soak through to the backing of the carpet.... If it's still dirty do it again.

If you pay someone look for the dual process. Scrub and extract. Most just come in with an extractor which is fine if it's just a little dirty.
 
P.S.

Some pros are way better and more honest than others. The one you have posted appears to be reputable but restoration companies that work with insurance companies tend to be high priced.

How big an area? $300 sounds low with steps and all. Many companies will start with a low price and then tack on all kinds of extras. Stay away from the scotch guarding or any kind of magic formula that keeps the carpet from getting dirty again. They don’t work.

One more thing. I’m pretty sure cleaning carpets on Super Bowl weekend is illegal. Check you local ordinances…😅
 

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