Hey there, fellow Memphians--T. Tiger here! Are you getting ready for Spring in Memphis? It's been raining A LOT lately, and that means muddy, damp, and smelly carpets, especially if you have young children or pets. You may be wondering if you should rent one of those rug shampooers from the grocery store to clean your carpets yourself, or if you should hire a professional for the job. I'm here to help you decide!
There are several points to consider when deciding to DIY your carpet cleaning versus hiring a pro.
One important consideration is do you have experience cleaning your own carpets? Rental machines can be tricky if you've never used one before. For example, do you know how much detergent to use? If you use too much detergent and don't get it all out of the carpet fibers, the cleaning solution can actually attract more dirt and debris!
What about drying time? Machines available for rent aren't nearly as powerful as professional models, and can leave behind excess water, leading to mold and mildew in your carpet, and nobody wants that!
Are you renting? If you live in an apartment or are renting a house, check your lease first! Your landlord may have policies regarding carpet cleaning. Most will insist that you use a professional, and if they find out you've used one of those carpet shampooer rentals, they'll send out professional carpet cleaners to re-clean those carpets and stick you with the bill.
Finally, what's your stain situation? If it's been a while since you've had your carpets cleaned (don't worry, I won't judge), you may have had some stains accumulate. These can be difficult to remove with at-home carpet cleaners and rental machines. Professional industry machines & detergents, like the ones Tiger Paws Carpet and Upholstery uses, are much more powerful than any machine you can rent or purchase yourself.
Thanks for reading! Now you can make an informed decision about what's best for you and your carpets.