Carpet cleaning: get a pro or rent a steamer?

[amsafko]

My dd7 just got sick all over her carpet and the hall carpet (she did a nice job an her door and wall too). I'm afraid it will be leaving a pretty good stain even after resolving the spots and scrubbing like crazy. I've never rented a steamer and done it ourselves. Would that be a cheaper option than having someone come in? The hall was already stained from the same thing happening last Dec. and I'm trying to make it look even halfway decent so we don't have to recarpet. Thanks.

 

[nannerbadnanner]

I would call a professional! Stanley Steemer usually runs a special of three rooms for $99. I get them to do my carpet at least once a year, and it looks brand new when they are done. We have rented the machines before, and I have always had problems getting the soap out. My carpet always ended up looking dingy after a few weeks becasue of the residue.

 

[clh2]

UGGH - I sure hope your DD is feeling better.

If you would be able to get a professional in quickly - I would schedule it. If not, I would rent a steamer.

We've actually had really good luck with a hoover carpet cleaner, but we like to get our family room professionally cleaned about 1 time per year.

 

[mskayjay]

we rent a carpet cleaner and do it ourselves 2-3 times per year. Once you do it one time you'll see how easy it is and wonder why you didn't do it before. Yes, you have to put the water in and dump the dirty water, but other than that it is like vacuuming very slowly;. Piece of cake. FYI I get the upholstery attachments and do my furniture and cars at the same time. Cost is about 1/4 of having it done by a "pro" and you can do extras without paying more.

We rent a Rug Doctor.

 

[uva185]

We have a really nice steamer and its great for getting new stains out. However it doesn't compare to a professional. Since you don't own a steamer I would just go for the professional -- you will be pleased with the results.

 

[jlima]

Ditto on Stanley Steemer. It takes about a day to dry so be prepared for damp carpets, but they will be CLEAN.

 

[Momma2dakidz]

With kids and dogs I say having a carpet scrubber is a must, BUT just last week I caved and had a local company in to clean my carpets. Boy was that a nice gift to me!!!!! $230 later I have fresh smelling stain free, stain repellant carpet in all my rooms. (3 rooms)

 

[Tink-aholic]

we rent a carpet cleaner and do it ourselves 2-3 times per year. Once you do it one time you'll see how easy it is and wonder why you didn't do it before. Yes, you have to put the water in and dump the dirty water, but other than that it is like vacuuming very slowly;. Piece of cake.

We rent a Rug Doctor.

I second this! We had Stanley Steemer come in last year, after a lot of scheduling hassles. For what we paid them, we can rent the Rug Doctor more than every other month!

For what it's worth, I think Rug Doctors come from the devil. Anything that cleans that well for that little money has to be black magic!

We just did ours this weekend (last time was September of this year) and I pulled out enough dirt from my carpets to plant tomatoes next year!

 

[mel63]

They will clean your carpets until "clean." Some stains can't come out, but if it will they clean until it comes out. They do not charge extra for heavy traffic areas, etc, other companies usually do charge. They do not use soaps, just hot water. Anytime you use soap, the residue attracts dirt and the "stain" comes back. That is why you will see the same stains over and over after cleaning the carpets.

 

[Imzadi]

I third the Rug Doctor. It's a fantastic machine. And you can go over areas you know need extra cleaning as many times as you want.

I think you can rent them at Home Depot. Some supermarkets have them too.

 

[CarolA]

Done both. For years I thought I can do it myself. I have a hoover steamer, rented the Rug Doctor, etc.....
But I finally sprang for Stanley Steamer. Difference was AMAZING. I am now firmly in the pay a professional group LOL!

 

[jlparedes]

Ok this might be a silly question..I've also been thinking about hiring someone to do our carpets. Here goes: do I have to move EVERYTHING from the floors? I just can't imagine what I'd do with all the furniture. Or do they go around it? Or do THEY move it around as they go? I know, a small issue but I was wondering haha.

 

[mel63]

Ok this might be a silly question..I've also been thinking about hiring someone to do our carpets. Here goes: do I have to move EVERYTHING from the floors? I just can't imagine what I'd do with all the furniture. Or do they go around it? Or do THEY move it around as they go? I know, a small issue but I was wondering haha.

From what I remember, SS will move most things like chairs, sofas, tables etc. But, they will not move huge pieces like wall entertainment centers. I also don't know about furniture that is braced to the wall to prevent tip overs. They move it around as they go, then put little foam pieces under the feet to help with the drying and so that the furniture doesn't "soak up" any water from the wet carpets. Then in a day or two, you have to remove the foam.

When you call for the appt. just ask what you should do ahead of time.

 

[kinntj]

We have our carpets professionaly cleaned 1-2 times per year depending how bad it gets. We have 2 kids, 2 large dogs, and a cat, so it's important to make sure these carpet are really clean. I wouldn't take a chance of trying to get up all the ewww out of the carpet with a Rug Doctor.

It gets crazy with scheduling around the holidays. Everyone wants clean carpets for their holiday parties.