For owners of rental properties, regular cleaning is essential to extend the life of the carpets and keep them in top condition, but shampooing carpets can quickly become a significant maintenance expense, especially if it’s required more than once annually. One practical approach to save on costs is to clean the carpets in your rental house yourself, taking a hands-on role in upkeep. However, is this DIY method genuinely worth the time and effort it demands?
By learning more about the advantages and disadvantages of professional and do-it-yourself carpet cleaning, you can more confidently choose the right option for your properties.
What is required to keep carpets looking fresh?
Regular carpet cleaning serves multiple purposes: it removes stains and odors that detract from a rental house’s appeal and restores the carpet’s appearance by eliminating dirt trapped deep within the fibers—grime that standard vacuums simply can’t reach. Carpet manufacturers frequently recommend hot water extraction, commonly referred to as steam cleaning, which involves spraying hot water mixed with a cleaning solution onto the carpet and then using strong suction to remove the dirt. This method is widely utilized by both professional carpet cleaners and do-it-yourself machines designed for hot water extraction to clean carpets. However, the execution varies significantly between the two. Professional cleaners typically employ powerful truck-mounted machines or portable units, with truck-mounted machines being particularly effective due to their superior power, which ensures carpets dry faster and stay fresher longer. On the other hand, renting or buying a steam cleaning machine provides access to a smaller machine, which proves useful for quick clean-ups following spills or accidents, offering a convenient solution between more intensive deep cleanings.
Comparing DIY and Professional Cleaning
Choosing to clean the carpets in your rental house yourself can indeed save on costs, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious property managers, but there are notable disadvantages to the DIY route that warrant consideration. Using a smaller personal machine demands far more time and effort than hiring a professional cleaner—cleaning the carpets across an entire rental house might consume a full day or more, depending on the size of the area, and even then, the results may be less than satisfactory. Smaller carpet cleaning machines often lack the power to remove enough water from the carpet, leading to a long time to dry that increases the risk of complications such as mold or further dirt collection. To mitigate this, using fans to speed the process is advisable, though care must be taken to avoid applying too much or too little cleaning solution, which could result in stiff carpets or inadequate cleanliness, especially during deep cleanings where thoroughness is critical.
Evaluating Professional Carpet Cleaning
Opting for professional carpet cleaning typically delivers excellent results, thanks to the use of advanced technology and techniques that outperform most DIY efforts, although this comes at a higher cost that may strain a tight budget. Professional carpet cleaners use advanced technology and techniques, which can be more expensive than attempting to clean your carpets yourself. If you look for bargain deals, be cautious, as this can lead to poor service or scams. However, opting for professional carpet cleaning is usually more efficient. It dries more quickly and typically takes only a couple of hours (or less), depending on the size of the area. If you consistently use the same cleaning company, they may be willing to offer you a discount.
While attempting to clean your carpets yourself might seem economical, professional cleaning offers efficiency and quality that’s hard to match, though seeking bargain deals requires caution to avoid poor service or scams. A smart strategy is to hire a professional carpet cleaner consistently from the same cleaning company, as they may offer you a discount for repeat business, making professional cleaning a more viable part of your property management services over time.
For those who prefer a stress-free solution, the Rexburg property management experts at Real Property Management Southeast Idaho offer comprehensive property management services, including expertly cleaning the carpets to deliver excellent results without the hassle. Get in touch with us online or call 208-522-2400 today to explore how we can support your rental house needs.
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