Cleaning your carpet can be easy and straightforward when it’s a routine task. But it can become a nightmare when there’s more than just dirt on it. In some cases, you may opt to do it yourself, while in others, one look can have you start thinking about professional carpet cleaners.
But before you decide who’ll handle the job, carefully weigh the costs and results of both approaches. This guide provides answers to help you make the best possible decision based on your carpet situation.
Cost Comparison
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to carpet cleaning because it varies based on the carpet’s size, type, and the level of cleaning required. If you go with the pros, you could spend anywhere between USD$123 and USD$241. However, the final price still depends on their assessment of your carpet and the most effective cleaning solution they recommend.
If you live in a smaller apartment, for instance, you may find the service cheaper. To be safe, have around USD$100 to USD$200 at hand. But if you have a larger home, USD$300 to USD$500+ may do just fine. However, this is not a cost set in stone. If you need specialty services, say stain removal, pet odor treatment, and so on, expect to spend more.
What about if you go for a DIY approach? You’ll need to consider rental equipment costs. This can set you back anywhere between USD$20–USD$50 per day. But if you clean more often, purchasing your own carpet cleaning equipment might make sense. This can be around USD$100-USD$500. Then there’s shampoo or carpet cleaning solution that will vary by brand and stain removers, too.
There’s also the time aspect. Carpet cleaning can take a huge chunk of your day, so consider blocking enough time to ensure you get it right.
Quality of Results
It is way easier for professional carpet cleaners to deliver quality results compared to most DIY efforts. For starters, they often come armed with industrial-grade equipment that easily beats most consumer-grade machines.
Also, chances are high that cleaning your carpets isn’t their first rodeo. They have the benefit of experience, and some even have certifications and technical training in the craft. This can mean that tough stains, odors, and allergens are no match.
Another selling point for these professionals is access to specialized treatments that you may not easily find. This can include pet urine removal and mold prevention. If this level of professionalism is what you’re after, it may be a good idea to consider Deluxe Carpet Cleaning in Sydney or any other experts near where you live.
But if you’re after DIY, you can still pull it off. One thing this approach gives you is full control over the timing and effort of the whole cleaning process. If you want it done in hours, it’s within your purview. If days, your call. When you own the cleaning equipment, you’re at even more liberty. This can mean low recurring costs and the satisfaction of doing things yourself.
But sometimes, despite your best efforts, your DIY carpet cleaning skills may not be up to par when compared to what the pros can do. Or maybe the cleaning process demands better equipment than what you’ve got.
In these situations, chances are high that you’ll miss deep-seated dirt, allergens, and stubborn stains. Also, it can be physically demanding to move furniture and operate the machines.
Which Option Is Right for You?
At the end of the day, there are no right or wrong choices. It all boils down to your needs.
Go for professional carpet cleaning services if:
- You’re after superior results and deep cleaning.
- Your carpet has too many pet stains for you to take on, or you have odors or allergen concerns.
- You’re willing to invest in long-term carpet health and its overall appearance.
- You do not have the time and resources for DIY cleaning.
Go the DIY cleaning route if:
- Money is tight, and moderate results will do for now.
- You only need light maintenance as you plan for a thorough cleaning period later on.
- You love the hands-on approach and have access to equipment, be it a rental or your own.
These scenarios show when you can prioritize one over the other. But it doesn’t have to be an either/or situation. You can still strike a balance between the two approaches.
Tips to Strike a Balance Between Professional Carpet Cleaning and DIY
If you want to do right by your carpet, you may be better off combining both approaches. Here’s how you can get this balance right:
- Vacuum your carpets once or twice a week to prevent dirt from settling deep into the fibers. Also, don’t wait for the next day to address spills and stains. Do it immediately. A DIY spot cleaner can aid in your mission to prevent stains from becoming permanent fixtures.
- Put a carpet cleaner to work every 3-4 months. If you can, buy one and have it around. If not, consider renting. This is a good way to keep your carpet in good condition at all times. Additionally, schedule a professional deep clean every one to two years to tackle stubborn odors, allergens, and issues that DIY methods might miss.
- When cleaning time comes, make sure you’re well-prepared. Clear every bit of clutter, get the furniture out of the way, and vacuum beforehand. If you have particular concerns, such as odors, tell the cleaning company beforehand. They can tailor their approach to fit the situation.
Blending the convenience and expertise of professional carpet cleaners with the affordability and flexibility of DIY cleaning can help you get the results you’re looking for and still stay within your means.
Closing Thoughts
Getting a professional carpet cleaner can guarantee superior results, save you time, and offer long-term benefits. However, it may be a little on the expensive end. Meanwhile, DIY cleaning is budget-friendly and flexible, but it demands effort and may only deliver moderate results.
When you combine both approaches—regular DIY maintenance with periodic professional cleanings—you can unlock a consistently clean carpet and have an effective cleaning strategy for it.
