Keeping carpets fresh and clean can be a challenging task. Moreover those who life with kids, pets, and heavy foot traffic in a home. Vacuuming alone often doesn’t cut it when tackling deep-set stains. Also embedded dirt and dust mites. So, having access to a powerful carpet cleaning machine can make all the difference.
However, not everyone can justify purchasing an expensive carpet cleaner outright. especially if you only need it a few times a year. This is where renting a carpet cleaner comes in as an affordable and convenient solution. But where exactly can you rent one, and how much does it cost?
How Much to Rent a Carpet Cleaner at Walmart?
Walmart offers convenient self-service Rug Doctor carpet cleaner rentals. Customers can access it through kiosks located at the front of most stores. As of 2023, standard rental rates are $29.99 for a 24-hour rental period or $39.99 for a 48-hour rental. Specialty spot cleaner rentals are also available for $19.99 for a 4-hour rental. Rental costs can vary slightly by specific model chosen. The basic Rug Doctor Deep Carpet Cleaner rents for the base 24 and 48 hour rates listed above. Higher-end models like the Rug Doctor Professional X3 rents for $10 more per day. So, your total rental cost will range from $30-$65+ depending on machine, and rental duration. Accessories and if any extra fees incurred.
Additional charges may also apply:
- Cleaning solutions – $10-$25 per bottle
- Upholstery tools/attachments – $5-$15 each
- Late return fees – Varies based on delay
Be sure to read all rental terms and operating guidelines to avoid surprise charges.
Why Rent a Carpet Cleaner? The Key Benefits
Renting a carpet cleaner is a smart choice for several reasons:
- Cost-Effective: Renting is significantly cheaper than buying a machine. Hiring professional cleaners every time need also waste.
- Access Powerful Cleaning: Rental machines offer strong suction and deep cleaning solutions. So it is perfect for revitalizing carpets.
- Tackle Stubborn Stains: Their specialized formulas dissolve and lift. Even set-in stains and pet accidents.
- Improve Air Quality: Thorough cleaning removes trapped allergens, dust mites, and odors.
- Convenience: Easy to access rentals as needed rather than storing a machine long-term.
So if you want to deeply refresh your carpets without spending a fortune, renting is certainly the way to go.
Carpet Cleaner Rental Cost Breakdown
How prices are set and how to get the best deals
Several key factors determine carpet cleaner rental costs:
Types of Rental Rates
Rental pricing structures include:
- Hourly rates
- Daily rates
- Weekend packages
- Weekly discounts
- Monthly bundles
Longer rental duration typically provides better value. Consider timing needs.
Cost Impacting Factors
Rental prices vary based on:
- Machine type: Standard vs steam
- Model: Basic vs self-propelled
- Brand: Rug Doctor, Hoover etc.
- Store: Big box vs specialty outlets
- Accessories: Tools, cleaning solutions etc.
- Cleaning square footage needs
- Seasonal demand fluctuations
| Machine Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard | $25-$50 per day |
| Steam | $60-$125+ per day |
Finding the Best Deal
Strategies to save:
- Compare rental quotes across stores
- Look for seasonal promotions
- Opt for mid-week rentals
- Bundle accessories upfront
- Leverage coupons and loyalty rewards
Prices vary widely. So compare options and look for deals for the most affordable DIY carpet cleaning.
Professional vs DIY: Cost Comparison
Should you rent or hire experts? We break it down.
| Consideration | DIY Rental | Professional Cleaning |
|---|---|---|
| Average Cost | $30-$100 | $100-$250 |
| Cleaning Type | Standard/steam | Truckmount extraction |
| Convenience | Clean on own timeline | Wait for availability |
| Expertise | Self-administered | Years of experience |
| Accessories | Rental model limitations | Specialized equipment |
| Risks | Potential carpet damage | Virtually none |
When DIY Rental Makes Sense
- Tight budget constraints
- Only light stains to tackle
- Want control over cleaning schedule/process
When to Hire Professionals
- Heavily soiled carpets
- Want trucksmount cleaning standards
- Unsure about machine operation
- Seek perfect results without hassles
Assess carpet condition, skill level and budget. These factors are essential to decide between renting and professional services.
Expanded Machine Comparison
How Rug Doctor and other rental models stack up
Below we provide an expanded feature comparison across popular carpet cleaner rental models:
| Machine | Tank Capacity | Cleaning Path Width | Weight | Key Features | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rug Doctor Mighty Pro | 3.9 gallons | 10 inches | 43 lbs | Super Boost spray, dual cross brushes | Standard cleaning needs |
| Rug Doctor Deep Carpet Cleaner | 3.9 gallons | 12 inches | 46 lbs | Dual rotating brushes, upholstery tool | Heavy traffic areas |
| Rug Doctor Professional X7 | 4.1 gallons | 12 inches | 46 lbs | Powerful vacuum suction, self propelled | Extremely dirty carpets |
| Bissell Big Green Cleaner | 2.62.5 gallons | 10 inches | 49 lbs | 6 brush rows, builtin carrying handle | Older, delicate carpets |
| Hoover Power Dash | 1 gallon | 11 inches | 20 lbs | Compact lightweight model, antimicrobial protection | Apartments, small homes |
Match tank capacity, cleaning path, and machine size. Then the unique features and ideal usage to carpet size and condition. Consult rental outlets for recommendations.
When Should You Buy vs Rent?
We explore the differences in-depth
Below we dive deeper on key renting vs buying considerations:
| Parameter | Rent | Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Costs | Small rental fee | Hundreds of dollars for machine |
| Recurring Costs | Each rental period | Only cleaning solutions |
| Convenience | Easy pickup and return | Need storage space |
| Accessories | Usually basic | Can buy specialty tools |
| Care | Not your concern | Must maintain properly |
| Frequency of Use | Ideal for 1-2 times a year | Best for frequent cleaning needs |
| Skill Level | Some technique required | Learning curve to operate properly |
| Risks | Potential fees from improper use/damage | If stopped working, wasted investment |
When Buying Outright Makes Sense
For homes with:
- Regular heavy cleaning needs – pets, kids etc.
- Large carpeted square footage
- Willingness to learn machine maintenance
- Ample storage space
Renting works well for 1-2 times a year. Frequent cleaning needs make buying more worthwhile long-term.
Rental Cost Comparison With Other Stores
How does Walmart pricing hold up against other national chains?
Here’s how Walmart carpet cleaner rental rates compare against Home Depot and Lowe’s:
| Machine Type | Walmart | Home Depot | Lowe’s |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Cleaner | $29/day | $32/day | $47/day |
| Steam Cleaner | $39/day | $49/day | $74/day |
Walmart offers the most affordable standard carpet cleaner rentals. While Home Depot edges them out slightly on steam cleaner pricing.
This can vary by region though, so be sure to get quotes specific to your local stores.
Self-Service Rental vs Staff Help
We compare the pros and cons of both
Walmart offers convenient self-service rental kiosks for Rug Doctor carpet cleaners. The checkout and returns facilitated completely independently.
Alternatively, specialty rental stores like Home Depot provide additional staff guidance. But, they may charge slightly higher fees.
| Consideration | Self-Service Kiosk | Staff Helped |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | Available 24/7 | Store opening hours only |
| Guidance | DIY process | Get machine recommendations |
| Availability | First come first serve | May need reservations |
| Rental Rates | Lower | Slightly higher |
| Risks | Operating errors | Virtually none |
Choose rental method based on needs – fully self-service for independence. Or staff guidance for those wanting input.
Cleaning Solutions – Buy vs Rent?
Below we compare decisions around cleaning solutions:
| Consideration | Rent | Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | Part of rental bundle | Make separate purchase |
| Cost | Pay per rental period | Cheaper per oz buying own |
| Specialized Formulas | Typically only basic/universal solutions | Wide variety of spotting formulas |
| Storage | Not applicable | Must store properly between uses |
| Options | Whatever rental provides | Buy your preferred solutions |
Rent for simplicity, buy for greater selection and cost savings from specialized formulas.
Payment & Reservation Convenience
How Walmart improves the rental experience
Walmart offers convenient online reservations for Rug Doctor rentals with flexible payment methods:
- Secure online rental reservations
- Pay online or in-store
- Accepts credit cards, Walmart gift cards, cash
- Email notifications on status
- Hourly reservation reminders
This allows you to seamlessly book rentals online. Then head to the store for a quick, automated pickup using your chosen payment method.
Step-by-Step DIY Cleaning
Best practices for carpet care success
Below are some best practices when tackling DIY carpet cleaning:
Pre-Cleaning Checklist
[x] Vacuum thoroughly [x] Precondition heavily soiled areas [x] Fill machine tanks properly [x] Attach hose, accessories securely
Methodical Cleaning Steps
- Divide carpet into sections
- Clean systematically zone by zone
- Apply solutions evenly per grain
- Never oversaturate carpets
- Make additional focused stain passes
- Rinse and extract thoroughly
Post-Cleaning Tips
- Flush out rented machine tanks & hoses
- Allow sufficient drying time
- Use drying fans to speed things up
- Inspect while still damp for any leftover residue
- Schedule professional cleaning if results unsatisfactory
Following these simple guidelines will lead to dramatically refreshed carpets. So, rental without any hassles or damage.
Wrap Up: Key Takeaways
We hope this comprehensive DIY carpet cleaning guide gave you clarity. So you are confidence to renting from Walmart.
The key pointers to remember are:
- Compare total rental costs across stores for best rates
- Carefully evaluate your unique cleaning requirements
- Leverage Walmart’s convenient reservation system
- Pick Rug Doctor model suited for carpets and skill level
- Budget for any additional accessories or solutions
- Determine ideal rental duration based on scope
- Follow best practices when operating equipment
- Assess rental vs purchase based on cleaning frequency
These insights can tackle stubborn stains, and revitalize dingy carpets. Breathe life into high footfall areas without overspending. Just run through the rental checklist before a rewarding DIY cleaning experience.
Have any other carpet cleaner rental questions? Let us know!