Is it cheaper to rent a carpet cleaner or buy one?

Author: Clementine Hermann  |  Last update: Monday, September 22, 2025

When you rent a carpet cleaner once, you pay less than you would to buy one outright, and you also don't have a large appliance to store in your home. You'll still have to buy the cleaning solution, though, the same as you would if you owned the carpet cleaner.

Is it better to hire a carpet cleaner or do it yourself?

Yes, professional carpet cleaning typically works better than DIY methods for several key reasons: SUPERIOR EQUIPMENT: Professional cleaners use industrial-grade machines that provide deeper cleaning and stronger suction than most rental or home-use machines.

Is it cheaper to clean your own carpets?

A DIY carpet cleaning system may allow you to clean your carpets for a lower price point. However, be aware that you also will need to buy solution as well as rent the machine, driving up costs. Ultimately, by going the DIY route, you will sacrifice a major level of quality in the clean.

How can I save money on carpet cleaning?

One of the simplest ways to save money on carpet cleaning is to vacuum frequently. Regular vacuuming removes dirt and debris before they get embedded into the carpet fibers, which can make cleaning more difficult and costly later on. Aim to vacuum at least once a week, and more often in high-traffic areas.

How much does it cost to rent a Rug Doctor carpet cleaner from Walmart?

Select locations offer 48-hour carpet cleaner rental for $49.99. Please note that availability of machines, 48 hour rental and pricing can vary by retail location. Rug Doctor® Pro Deep carpet cleaners are in Walmart stores across the country.

carpet cleaning machines 5 things you need to know before you rent or buy!

What are the cons of renting carpet cleaner?

Rental machines just don't have the vacuum extraction power to recover the dirty water and cleaning solutions. Use of a weaker rental machine leads to over-wetting, incomplete soil removal, shampoo residues, and longer drying times (often a whole day or two).

Is it better to shampoo or steam clean carpets?

Although we offer both approaches, in our opinion, steam cleaning tends to be the better option in most situations. Here's why: It can usually remove ingrained dirt more effectively – particularly stubborn stains that have embedded themselves deep into the fibres.

Is it cheaper to rent a carpet cleaner?

Hiring a service is almost always going to be more expensive than renting a cleaner or even buying one. But one big perk of hiring a service is, of course, not having to do the (possibly grueling) work yourself—and professionals will know the best way to handle different types of carpets and get them thoroughly clean.

What is the going rate for carpet cleaning?

On average, professional carpet cleaning costs $150-$200, says David Steckel, home care expert at Thumbtack. “Carpet cleaning services may charge anywhere from $89-$109 on the low end and $300-$400 on the high end,” Steckel says.

Is it worth getting carpets cleaned?

In many cases, you might not even need to get a carpet replaced if all it needs is a thorough deep clean from a professional company that uses high-quality cleaning technology. If you're unsure, it's always worth trying the cleaning option first to see whether it will make a difference.

How often should carpets be cleaned?

Carpet manufacturers typically recommend a weekly surface clean and a deep clean at least once every 12 to 18 months. Hubert Miles, Certified Master Inspector and owner of Patriot Home Inspections in South Carolina, shares why.

Does PetSmart rent carpet cleaners?

Look for Pawsitively Clean® by BISSELL® in PetSmart stores in all 50 states. Rental kiosks are usually at the front of the store. Ask about renting at one of the registers.

What are the disadvantages of carpet cleaning?

Carpet cleaning, while essential for maintaining a clean and fresh living space, can contribute to wear and tear on carpet fibers over time. The vigorous scrubbing and high-pressure cleaning methods used by some carpet cleaning companies can cause damage to the delicate fibers, reducing the carpet's lifespan.

When you rent a carpet cleaner does it come with cleaner?

Cleaning solutions are not included in the rental pricing. You will need an upright carpet solution to add to the rental cleaner.

Should I hire a cleaner or do it myself?

Key Takeaways. It may be worth hiring a cleaning service so you can spend your time elsewhere. Compare your hourly rate to the cost of a cleaning service. Paying for services you could do yourself is always a luxury so make sure you take care of the real necessities first.

How much does hiring a carpet cleaner cost?

Carpet cleaning can cost around $25 to $75 per room. Some cleaning companies that charge per room may include size restrictions and charge additional fees for extra-large rooms. But some companies offer multiple-room discounts, which could be a way to cut down on carpet cleaning costs.

How much does Stanley steemer charge for carpet cleaning?

Stanley Steemer typically charges around $50-$75 per room for areas exceeding 400 square feet. The cost may increase depending on the level of dirt or stains present. It's important to note that these prices are estimates and can vary depending on your location and specific requirements.

Do you tip carpet cleaners?

If you wish to tip your carpet cleaner, 10% to 20% of the total bill is acceptable. If you have multiple cleaners on the job, you can split the tip between them. Another option is to tip them a flat fee of $10 to $20 per person. However, how much to tip your carpet cleaner is entirely up to your discretion.

How do I estimate a carpet cleaning job?

Our research indicates that the average carpet cleaning cost per square foot is $0.25. Take your rate per square foot and multiply it by the square footage of the areas of the house that you clean to get your total estimate price.

How much should I expect to pay for carpet cleaning?

On average, carpet cleaning costs $0.25 to $0.50 per square foot. Many cleaners have a minimum square footage charge, or they charge a flat $100 to $150+ minimum fee for small jobs under a certain square footage.

What is the difference between a carpet cleaner and a carpet shampooer?

A carpet shampooer will treat the surface of your carpet. A carpet steam cleaner uses heat to extract the dirt from the fibers. Decide how deep of a clean you require when choosing between shampoo carpet cleaning vs. steam cleaning.

What is the most effective carpet cleaning method?

The Best Carpet Cleaning Process found by Nationwide Consumer Testing is the Circular Dry-Foam Carpet Cleaning Method. The Circular Dry-Foam Carpet Cleaning Method had a very high level of soil removal (92.3%) with little or no soap residue. It doesn't use harsh detergents which are oily or sticky.

Should carpets be rinsed after shampooing?

Rinsing your carpets is an essential part of the cleaning process so don't get lazy at the last hurdle! While you can just rinse with water, for best results, using a rinse aid is advised. It will leave your carpets feeling soft, fresh and smelling great.

Is it OK to steam clean carpets?

Steam cleaners don't just buff out surface level dirt, they also blast away bacteria – 99% of it, even in carpets. This natural sanitation method means you don't have to bring nasty chemicals into your house or spend hours scrubbing stains.

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