As someone who used to have a terrible wanderlust (well, still does
but is trying to learn not to yield to it every time), I've cleaned
carpet and had carpet cleaned in more rental houses more times than I
can count. In my experience, the person wielding the equipment has
been the biggest variable. I have had both dismal and outstanding
results with people using both truck-mounted and "Rug Doctor" type of
equipment. I've seen my son and his wife make their off-white carpet
look better than any service I've ever hired, with the cheapest rental
unit they could find.

If you were happy with the job you got before, that company is a good
place to start (I probably wouldn't go for the extras -- I have never
thought any of them made a difference). Otherwise, I'd ask around and
see who's happy with their carpet cleaning pros, or decide to put in
the sweat equity and rent/buy a machine.

Incidentally, I've also bought and worn out a couple different carpet
cleaning machines, and I think renting something like a Rug Doctor does
a better job, although the machines are nice to have around for
in-between touch-ups. My best tip for cleaning it yourself is a final
once-over with a bit of vinegar in plain water, to make sure you've
gotten out all the soap.

Jo Ann

Joseph Meehan wrote:
46erjoe wrote:
When we bought our house a few months ago, my wife went through and
cleaned it thoroughly. But she felt it wasn't complete until the rugs
were cleaned. So we called a rug cleaning company we found in the
yellow pages and got a price quote. When they came, they advised that
we get several other features with their service - a deodorizer, a
sanitizer and a soil resistance coating. It ended up costing us twice
what we thought it would.

We are now selling our previous home and we want to get the rugs there
cleaned "professionally" to make the home more presentable.

Two questions: Are all these other "features" really necessary? Did we
get ripped off?

Is there a difference between the companies that use a vacuum hose
attached to their truck and one that just uses the "rug doctor" type
of machine?

I ask this last question because some years ago we called in a cleaner
and they had this huge (and loud) vacuum in their truck with hoses
going into the truck and water input hooked into our spigot. But this
last time around, the guys just came in with one machine that looked
like a big floor vacuum. They sprayed stuff on the rugs and then went
over it with the machine.

What's the best route to go for this next cleaning? Thanks.