Is it better to rent or buy a carpet steam cleaner?
Are you tired of scrubbing your carpets with a bucket and brush, trying to get rid of stubborn stains and grime? It’s time for some serious cleaning action! But the question is – should you invest in a carpet steam cleaner or rent one? With so many options on the market, it can be hard to determine which one is best suited for your needs. In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of both renting and buying a carpet steam cleaner to help you make an informed decision. Let’s dive in!
The cost of renting vs. buying a carpet steam cleaner
The cost of renting a carpet steam cleaner can vary depending on the size and type of cleaner you need, but it typically costs between $30 and $50 per day. Buying a carpet steam cleaner outright will cost you anywhere from $100 to $400, depending on the quality of the machine. In terms of long-term cost, buying a carpet steam cleaner is generally cheaper than renting one since you won’t have to keep paying for rental fees every time you need to clean your carpets.
While the upfront cost of purchasing a carpet cleaner is higher than renting, it can quickly pay for itself—especially if you clean your carpets regularly. For example, well-reviewed models like the are priced around $240, while the comes in at about $140. These prices usually include at least one bottle of cleaning solution to get you started. The more often you use your own machine, the lower your per-cleaning cost becomes over time. So if you anticipate needing to clean your carpets more than just once or twice a year, investing in a quality carpet steam cleaner can be a smart, cost-effective move.
You may also like to read – “How can I deep clean my carpet without a steam cleaner?“
How much area does a bottle of carpet cleaning solution cover—and what does that mean for your wallet?
When you’re weighing your options, it’s not just about the cleaner itself—don’t forget the cleaning solution! Whether you rent or buy, you’ll need to purchase the cleaning liquid separately. A typical bottle from popular brands like Resolve tends to cover a significant area—about 1,600 square feet per 60-ounce bottle.
So, if you’ve got, say, around 1,100 square feet of carpet to tackle, one bottle should do the trick and then some. At roughly $19 per bottle, this keeps additional supply costs fairly manageable. The bottom line? If you plan to clean your carpets more than a couple of times, these costs add up more slowly with ownership—since you won’t be shelling out repeatedly for rentals, just refilling your cleaning solution as needed.
The pros and cons of renting a carpet steam cleaner
There are a few things to consider when trying to decide whether to rent or buy a carpet steam cleaner. One factor is cost – renting a carpet steam cleaner may be more expensive in the long run than buying one outright. Another consideration is how often you will need to use the cleaner – if you only need it for occasional spot-cleaning, renting may make more sense than buying.
There are pros and cons to both renting and buying a carpet steam cleaner. Cost is certainly a factor to consider, as well as how often you think you will need to use the machine. If you only require a carpet steam cleaner for occasional spot-cleaning, then renting may make more sense than buying. However, if you have pets or children and anticipate using the machine on a regular basis, purchasing a carpet steam cleaner outright may save you money in the long run.
You may also like to read – “What is the best steam carpet cleaner?“
The pros and cons of buying a carpet steam cleaner
When it comes to carpet steam cleaners, there are pros and cons to both renting and buying. Here are some things to consider before making a decision:
Cost: Carpet steam cleaners can be expensive, so you’ll want to factor in the cost of both options before making a decision. If you’re only going to use the cleaner occasionally, renting may be the more cost-effective option. However, if you plan on using it regularly, buying may be a better investment in the long run.
Convenience: Another thing to consider is convenience. If you rent a carpet steam cleaner, you’ll have to return it when you’re done using it. This can be inconvenient if you need to clean your carpets on short notice. If you own a carpet steam cleaner, however, you can use it whenever you need to without having to worry about returning it.
You may also like to read – “Carpet Shampooing Tips: Getting the Most Out of Your Shampooer“
Ease of Use: Carpet steam cleaners can be tricky to use, so ease of use is an important consideration. If you’re not familiar with how to operate one, renting may be a better option so that you can get help from the rental company if needed. However, if you’re comfortable using a carpet steam cleaner and don’t mind taking the time to read the instructions carefully, buying may be the way to go.
Features to Look for in a Carpet Steam Cleaner
If you’re shopping for a carpet steam cleaner, it’s worth paying attention to the specialized features that can make tackling specific cleaning tasks a breeze. Many of the best models these days come equipped with attachments designed for more than just carpets.
- Upholstery Tools: Look for machines with dedicated upholstery attachments, which let you refresh sofas, chairs, or even car seats—perfect for homes with lots of fabric surfaces.
- Pet-Specific Tools: For those wrestling with pet fur or accidents, consider models with special pet tools. These often include brushes or nozzles engineered to lift animal hair and tackle set-in stains or odors.
- Crevice and Edge Tools: Narrow attachments help get into hard-to-reach spots, like baseboards, stairs, and tight corners, ensuring a thorough clean.
- Spot-Cleaning Accessories: Many units offer small, focused nozzles for spot treatment—handy for that one stubborn spill or muddy footprint.
- Tank Size and Water Heating: Larger water tanks allow you to clean bigger areas without frequent refilling, and built-in heaters can boost cleaning power for tough jobs.
By choosing a carpet steam cleaner with the right combination of tools, you can address everything from pet messes to upholstery stains and tricky corners, keeping your entire home looking fresh.
When is the best time of year to buy a carpet cleaner?
If you’re looking to snag a deal on a new carpet cleaner, timing can make a real difference. Generally, the spring months—April and May—are ideal for making your purchase. Retailers like often run spring cleaning sales as homeowners prepare for annual deep cleans.
December is another great month to keep in mind. With the holiday season in full swing, many stores offer end-of-year discounts to clear out inventory, giving you the chance to pick up a quality carpet cleaner at a lower price.
So, if you can hold out until these months, you’re more likely to find competitive prices and even extra perks, like bundled cleaning solutions or accessories. Patience here can definitely pay off!
Which is better for you: renting or buying a carpet steam cleaner?
When it comes to carpet steam cleaners, there are pros and cons to both renting and buying. Ultimately, the decision of which is better for you depends on your individual needs and circumstances.
If you only need a carpet steam cleaner on occasion, then renting may be the more cost-effective option. You can rent a machine from most home improvement or hardware stores for a relatively low price. However, if you plan on using a carpet steam cleaner frequently, then buying one may be a better investment. Carpet steam cleaners range in price, but you can typically find a good quality machine for under $200.
Another factor to consider is how easy the machine is to use and maintain. Some carpet steam cleaners can be quite bulky and difficult to operate, while others are much more user-friendly. If you’re not confident in your ability to use and maintain a complex machine, then opting for a simpler model may be best.
You may also like to read – “Can I use a Steam Cleaner to Kill Bed Bugs?“
Finally, think about the size and type of carpets you need to clean. Some carpet steam cleaners are designed for specific types of carpets, so make sure you choose one that’s compatible with your floors. If you have large areas of carpeting to clean, then a larger machine may be necessary.
How to care for your carpet after cleaning it
Assuming you’re talking about a rented steam cleaner, most of them come with instructions. If not, here are some tips.
First, vacuum the entire carpeted area to remove any loose dirt and debris. This will make the steam cleaning process more effective.
Next, fill the tank with hot water and the recommended amount of carpet cleaning solution. Some solutions may require you to mix them with water before adding to the tank. Whether you’re using a rented machine or one you own, you’ll need to purchase the cleaning solution separately—these are rarely included with the machine itself. Renting a carpet cleaner can be a good option if you’d rather not store a bulky appliance at home, but either way, don’t skip this step: the right solution is key to getting your carpets truly clean.
Once the tank is full, turn on the machine and start working your way across the carpet, moving in straight lines. Be sure to go over each area multiple times for best results.
After you’ve finished steaming the entire carpet, turn off the machine and let it cool down before emptying the tank. Once it’s empty, rinse it out with hot water and allow it to dry completely before storing away.
