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It’s recommended to deep clean your carpeting at least once a year—and sometimes more if you have pets, a large family, or a considerable amount of foot traffic. If your carpet requires a deep cleaning that vacuuming alone can’t handle, renting a carpet cleaner is convenient. Carpet cleaner and rug cleaner rentals are available from a local home improvement store, grocery store, hardware store, or pet store near you. The best home carpet cleaners use powerful suction, specialized shampoos, stain removers, and hot water to remove dirt, grime, pet messes, stains, and odors. Using a carpet cleaner machine can help extend the life of the carpeting while removing bacteria, dust, and allergens. Consider our recommendations for the best carpet cleaner rentals to achieve a deep-down clean in your home.
- BEST OVERALL: Rug Doctor
- RUNNER-UP: Bissell Rental
- BEST FOR HIRING: HomeAdvisor
Models Available | Rental Locations | Pricing | Additional Tools | |
Rug Doctor | Pro Deep Cleaner, Pro Portable Detailer, Mighty Pro X3 Carpet Cleaner | The Home Depot, Walmart, Ace Hardware, Dollar General, Big Lots | $39.99 to rent the Mighty Pro X3 Carpet Cleaner for 24 hours | Floor dryer, pressure washer, wet/dry vacuum, upholstery tool |
| Bissell Rental | Big Green, Pawsitively Clean, Little Green Pro | Lowe’s, PetSmart, True Value, Ace Hardware, Big Lots | $39.99 to rent Big Green for 24 hours | Upholstery and stair tool, pet upholstery and stair tool, outdoor power washer |
| HomeAdvisor | Varies by service | N/A | Varies by service | Varies by service |
What to Consider When Choosing a Carpet Cleaner Rental Service
The more a homeowner looks at a dirty carpet, the more they may wonder, “What is the best carpet cleaner for my home?” It may feel like a daunting task to find the best carpet shampooer, but there are a few factors to consider before choosing a rental brand or service. These can include cleaning needs, pricing, rental locations, rental periods, tank capacity, ease of use, drying time, cleaning solutions, and any additional tools that may come with the carpet cleaner.
Cleaning Needs
Before looking for a carpet cleaner to rent, consider what kinds of messes need to be cleaned and what type of carpet is in the home. Some machines work better for superficial cleaning, and others are geared toward pet messes and stains. Different carpet types have varying cleaning needs. Shag carpets with long fibers are too delicate for strong suction and agitating motorized brushes, so some of the best rug cleaners may not be suitable for the carpet type.
Pricing, Rental Locations, and Rental Periods
Pricing for carpet cleaning machines can be found on the brand’s website. It’s as easy as entering a ZIP code to find rental locations and pricing for the cleaner a homeowner chooses. Prices typically vary by location, and rental periods are usually in 24-hour increments. Some brands require that a homeowner pick up and drop off the cleaner at a specific location, and others provide delivery service in certain areas. There are usually discounts or coupon offers on a brand’s website, so be sure to check and take advantage of any available savings.
Tank Capacity and Ease of Use
A homeowner will want to check the tank capacity of the carpet cleaner they want to rent. Capacity refers to the maximum volume of liquid that the tank can hold. The bigger the tank, the more cleaning can be done before it’s time to empty and refill the tank. Although a larger tank capacity will affect the carpet cleaner’s weight, some machines may be heavier but have a smaller tank capacity. Others may be lighter and have a larger tank capacity. In the end, it is more important to check tank capacity than the machine’s weight. Additionally, some carpet cleaners are easier to use than others; some have a bulky design or a heavier weight, making them more challenging to maneuver. If a homeowner has any concerns about whether they can physically maneuver a carpet cleaning machine, they may want to hire a professional instead.
Drying Time
The amount of time it takes a carpet to dry after being cleaned depends on the cleaning method, the model of the cleaner, and how wet the carpet is after cleaning. A carpet that’s been shampooed can take between 6 and 10 hours to dry, while one that’s been steam cleaned tends to need 24 to 72 hours to dry fully. Some carpet cleaner models have a stronger suction, which can improve the drying time to as little as 30 minutes.
Cleaning Solutions
When renting a carpet cleaner, buying cleaning solutions is an additional cost. Some brands offer pet-specific, stain removing, deep cleaning, oxygen powered, and pretreating cleaning sprays and foams. Some manufacturers require using their proprietary brand of cleaning solution when renting. Customers will want to consider the best carpet shampoos or the best carpet stain removers for their needs, whether they want to deodorize their carpet or remove stubborn pet stains.
Additional Tools
To make the cleaning process more manageable, some carpet cleaners come with additional tools, such as motorized stair and pet tools along with floor dryers, pressure washers, wet/dry vacuums, and upholstery cleaner rentals. Upholstery tools can be used to clean curtains, furniture, stairs, and other hard-to-reach areas.
Our Top Picks
We considered factors such as available cleaner models for rent, rental locations, pricing, and additional tools to determine the best carpet cleaner machines. We also thoroughly researched the companies by evaluating customer experiences and reviews, assessing their websites for ease of use, and getting information and quotes.
Best Overall
Rug Doctor
Why It Made the Cut: With widespread availability from several national chain stores and a large selection of machines available, Rug Doctor is a top choice for customers who need to rent a carpet cleaner.
With more than 40,000 rental locations nationwide, Rug Doctor offers a selection of carpet cleaners and additional tools to help customers keep their homes clean on a budget. Rug Doctor rental places include several well-known stores, such as The Home Depot, Walmart, Ace Hardware, Dollar General, and Big Lots. As such, homeowners across the country may have an easy time finding a rental location. Although there are limited pet stain cleaning options, customers can choose between three different carpet cleaner models, including the Pro Deep Cleaner, the Pro Portable Detailer, and the Mighty Pro X3 Carpet Cleaner. The latter has a large 3.9-gallon dirty-water tank capacity along with a 3-gallon clean-water tank, which means customers will spend less time emptying and refilling the machine as they clean. Customers can rent this Rug Doctor carpet cleaner for 24 hours for $39.99.
Customers can also rent a floor dryer from Rug Doctor for an additional cost. Using this tool can decrease carpet drying time by half, which is especially important for customers cleaning high-traffic areas. The floor dryer can also be useful for customers dealing with a flood or pipe leak in their home since it can help dry out the carpet quickly and prevent mold and mildew from developing. Another add-on option is the hard-surface cleaning tool that can be used with the Pro Deep Cleaner. Customers who opt to rent this additional tool can clean both carpet and hardwood floors in their home with the same machine, cutting down on rental expenses.
Specs
- Models available: Pro Deep Cleaner, Pro Portable Detailer, Mighty Pro X3 Carpet Cleaner
- Rental locations: The Home Depot, Walmart, Ace Hardware, Dollar General, Big Lots
- Pricing: $39.99 to rent the Mighty Pro X3 Carpet Cleaner for 24 hours
- Additional tools: Floor dryer, pressure washer, wet/dry vacuum, upholstery tool
Pros
- More than 40,000 rental locations nationwide
- Large 3.9-gallon tank capacity with Mighty Pro X3 Carpet Cleaner
- Hard-floor attachment available with Pro Deep Cleaner rental
- Quicker dry times with floor dryer rental
Cons
- Limited pet stain cleaning options
Runner-Up
BISSELL Rental
Why It Made the Cut: Bissell offers carpet cleaner rental services at several national chain stores and has machines and cleaning solutions specifically tailored to pet stain removal.
Bissell is known for its carpet cleaners, which can be rented as well as purchased. Customers can rent a Bissell carpet cleaner from several big-name stores, including Lowe’s, PetSmart, True Value, Ace Hardware, and Big Lots. There are several different cleaning formulas for customers to choose from, including a deep-cleaning solution with Febreze, a multipurpose cleaner, and pretreating and spot-treating formulas. This makes Bissell work for a variety of customers.
Bissell offers three different models for rent, including Big Green, Pawsitively Clean, and Little Green Pro. Rental costs will vary by location and model, but the Big Green starts at $39.99 for a 24-hour rental. Bissell often has generous discounts and coupons on carpet cleaner rentals, so customers may find that they end up paying less than this. The Big Green is the largest model available, though at 1.75 gallons, its tank is relatively small. However, this tank will likely be plenty big enough for a smaller home or apartment, and in the worst-case scenario, the customer will need to refill it while cleaning their carpet.
The Pawsitively Clean machine is specifically designed to tackle pet stains and messes, making it ideal for dog and cat owners who want to keep their carpets looking fresh. Customers can also pair this Bissell machine with cleaning solutions designed specifically for homes with pets—options include a spot-cleaning formula, an enzymatic cleaning solution to tackle urine stains, and a stain and odor eliminator designed for tough stains like feces and vomit.
Specs
- Models available: Big Green, Pawsitively Clean, Little Green Pro
- Rental locations: Lowe’s, PetSmart, True Value, Ace Hardware, Big Lots
- Pricing: $39.99 to rent Big Green for 24 hours
- Additional tools: Upholstery and stair tool, pet upholstery and stair tool, outdoor power washer
Pros
- Generous discounts and coupons on carpet cleaner rentals
- Specialized pet stain cleaner available
- Wide range of cleaning formulas
Cons
- Relatively small 1.75-gallon tank capacity with Big Green carpet cleaner
Best for Hiring
HomeAdvisor
Why It Made the Cut: HomeAdvisor is an excellent resource to help homeowners who prefer to hire a professional carpet cleaning service find qualified pros in their area.
As a trusted name in home improvement, HomeAdvisor lets homeowners find professionals in their area to complete the projects. Customers who are interested in professional carpet cleaning can search for local service providers on the HomeAdvisor website and request several quotes to compare to get the best deal. To see local carpet cleaning companies in their area, customers will need to enter their name, phone number, and email address, which may seem off-putting at first. However, entering their information gives customers access to a long list of possibilities so they can shop around before hiring a pro. Hiring a carpet cleaning service will be more expensive than renting a carpet cleaner, but the additional cost may be worth it for homeowners who would prefer to leave this job to the professionals.
HomeAdvisor serves cities and states across the country, so customers can likely find a pro through this website no matter where they live. The website is user-friendly and has a variety of project filters to help customers find the right pro for their job. For instance, there are filters for cleaning carpets or rugs, upholstery, and furniture, as well as filters for one-time house cleanings and maid services. This allows customers to narrow down the list to show only the companies that offer the specific services they’re looking for.
Since HomeAdvisor lists a wide range of professional carpet cleaners available for hire, customers can consider local contractors as well as national service providers such as Stanley Steemer. This gives customers more options to consider when they’re deciding whether to hire a professional carpet cleaner or rent a cleaner and complete the work themselves.
Specs
- Models available: Varies by service
- Rental locations: N/A
- Pricing: Varies by service
- Additional tools: Varies by service
Pros
- Nationwide availability
- Wide range of local professional cleaners available for hire
- User-friendly website with numerous project filters
Cons
- Rates may be higher than carpet cleaner rental prices
- Name, phone number, and email are required to browse local services
Our Verdict
Rug Doctor is our pick for Best Overall due to availability, machine performance, tank capacity, and the add-on options available. Runner-Up goes to Bissell Rental on account of the specialized pet-stain cleaners available for rent as well as the variety of cleaning formulas to consider. A customer can be confident in knowing that whichever company they choose, both provide good carpet cleaning results. For homeowners who prefer to hire a professional, HomeAdvisor delivers access to many local pros in a customer’s area.
How We Chose the Best Carpet Cleaner Rental Services
To determine the best carpet cleaner rental services, we examined each company’s quality, rental locations, machine quality, website ease of use, pricing, and available cleaner models for rent. We paid particular attention to cleaning ability, tank capacity, and cleaning solution options. Each carpet cleaner rental brand has satisfied customers, provides a much-needed service, and has an excellent reputation.
Before You Rent From a Carpet Cleaner Rental Service
Renting a carpet cleaner is a convenient and easy way to clean dirty and stained carpeting in the home. Before renting a carpet cleaner, there are a few things to consider.
- Rental period. Consider how long you’ll need to rent the machine. For many people, having the machine for 24 hours is long enough, but if you have multiple rooms and stairs to clean, it’s better to overestimate the amount of time you’ll need to clean the carpeting so you don’t have to rush through the job.
- Cleaning solution. Find out what cleaning solution needs to be used in the machine you rent. Companies can have different solutions for upholstery, pet stains, and pretreating, so plan for what you need. Using the wrong type of cleaning solution could damage the carpet cleaner, resulting in extra costs.
- Drying time. Most carpeting will take several hours to dry after cleaning them with a rental cleaner. Opening windows and running fans can speed up drying time, but be prepared to stay off the carpet and wait before moving furniture back into the room so you don’t dirty them.
- Consider the machine. Different carpet cleaners offer different results. Be sure to ask questions regarding the type of machine that will work the best with the type of carpeting in your home. Some cleaners may be too intense for delicate carpets.
Cost of Using a Carpet Cleaner Rental Service
A carpet cleaner rental can vary according to brand and location. Although the exact cost will depend on the carpet cleaner brand and the rental location, customers can expect to pay between $30 and $95 per day, or an average of $40, on the cost to rent a carpet cleaner. When comparing Rug Doctor vs. Bissell, customers will find that both companies’ rental costs are in line with this average.
The price to rent Rug Doctor machines can start at $19.99 for 4 hours (at participating locations) for the Pro Portable Detailer, $39.99 for 24 hours for the X3 Carpet Cleaner, and $39.99 for 24 hours for the Pro Deep Cleaner. To speed up drying time, a floor dryer can be rented at the cost of $29.99 for 24 hours.
Bissell machines can start at $39.99 for 24 hours for the Big Green carpet cleaner and the Pawsitively Clean Pet carpet cleaner, and $14.99 for 24 hours for the Little Green Pro portable carpet cleaner. Additional accessories, such as the upholstery and stair attachment as well as pet stain cleaning tools, can be rented for an additional $5 each. Keep in mind that cleaning solutions cost extra for each carpet cleaner. Prospective renters will want to contact the rental location for clarification to find the most accurate pricing.
Professional carpet cleaning can cost between $122 and $235, with the national average at $178. Prices can vary from the national average due to location, the extent of the cleaning project, cleaning method, and stain removal.
The Advantages of Using One of the Best Carpet Cleaner Rental Services
Renting a carpet cleaner will eliminate visible grime and stains within the carpeting. This can make the room more inviting and comfortable. Some additional benefits of using a carpet cleaner rental are:
- Cleaning the carpet on your schedule
- Returning the cleaner to the store instead of finding storage space
- Eliminating allergens and pollutants
- Restoring carpeting
- Removing odors
- Renting is an affordable option to buying a machine or hiring a professional
FAQs
Choosing to rent one of the best carpet cleaners for home use while staying within a budget can be a bit of a challenge. Here are some frequently asked questions about carpet cleaner rentals to help guide your decisions.
Many of the best carpet cleaning companies (such as Stanley Steemer or Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning) use the hot water extraction method, which uses a cleaning solution and hot water to get a deep clean. Some use powders for a dry cleaning method, and bonnet cleaners use a scrub pad that utilizes a liquid cleaning solution to clean the carpet’s surface. Encapsulation involves using a foam that turns into a powder, encapsulating the dirt in the carpeting. After this, a vacuum suctions away the dirt. Some people prefer one method over another and choose what will work the best for them and the type of carpeting they have in their home.
The type of cleaning solution depends on the cleaning method. Some might use foaming shampoos, liquid cleaning agents, an absorbent compound for dry cleaning methods, or synthetic foams. Others opt for one of the best pet stain removers to help customers with animals at home get their carpets clean.
Steam cleaners use hot water and high pressure to break down dirt, grime, and bacteria within the carpeting. This type of cleaning can re-plump the fibers and make the carpet feel softer than before the cleaning process. It also gets the fibers very wet and can take a long time to dry. Shampooing carpets involves the application of a foaming shampoo and water and a rolling brush that disperses the mixture over the carpeting. The dirty water and lather are then sucked back into the machine. The rolling brush can remove embedded pet hair, but the process leaves shampoo residue on the carpet and can make it look dull over time. Not all the water can be removed from either of these cleaning processes, which can result in mold or mildew formation. There are pros and cons to each method.
Some cleaning methods that soak the carpeting with water can require between 8 and 24 hours of drying time, while other methods, like encapsulation, can take up to 2 hours.
While the initial cost to buy one of the best carpet cleaners is more expensive than renting, it will pay for itself around the sixth use if you need to clean your carpeting often. However, if you don’t anticipate cleaning your carpets often, it’s likely a smarter choice to look for one of the best rug shampooers to rent instead.