Are Rental Carpet Cleaners Any Good Compared to the Pros?

Just how popular is carpet? It accounts for 48 percent of the flooring market in the U.S., according to the Carpet and Rug Institute. As per Statista, in 2025, the revenue in the carpets and rugs market in the United States reached US$19.13bn. While carpets may be popular and feature many positive qualities, they’re not a work-free choice. Carpets require regular maintenance (vacuuming and stain treatment) and the occasional tune-up (carpet cleaning), which leaves many homeowners asking if rental carpet cleaners are any good.

You can clean your carpet without a machine. But for an easier and deeper clean, you can hire a professional carpet cleaning company or rent a carpet cleaning machine. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the method that’s right for you.

Why Consider Renting a Carpet Cleaner? Pros And Cons

Many grocery, hardware and big box home improvement stores offer carpet cleaning machine rentals. But are rental carpet cleaners any good? Here’s what to consider with this carpet cleaning option.

Pros

• Affordable: One of the main advantages of renting carpet cleaning machines is cost. Renting carpet cleaning equipment generally costs less than hiring professionals. Keep in mind that besides the rental, you may need to purchase the cleaning solution recommended for use in the machine. Machine rental starts at around $30 per day, and the cleaning solution runs about $15 to $25. (Costs and additional taxes will vary by market, and some places require a deposit.)
• Accessible how-tos: Your rental should have a user manual, one of the most essential rental cleaner performance tips. “Always read the instructions for the machine and the cleaning product before using,” says Jessica Ek, The American Cleaning Institute’s associate vice president of strategic communication. “It has important safety information and how to best use the product for maximum effect,” she adds. If you don’t have the physical manual, many can be found online. Search by the machine name and model number.

Cons

• The clean isn’t as deep: “You can use a carpet machine to clean your carpet,” says cleaning expert Leslie Reichert. “Just know it won’t clean as deep as a professional steam cleaning unit. But it’s great for spills and spots.”
• Unpredictable and finicky machines: An unfamiliar piece of equipment takes some getting used to. Figuring out how to use the machine can be a frustrating roadblock, especially if you’re pressed for time or only have the rental for a brief period. You may also find that the machine isn’t working properly once you get it home, which can derail the whole project. With reliability varying so much, it’s fair to ask: are rental carpet cleaners worth it?

Renting carpet cleaning equipment can be a good option if you’re looking to save money and have time on your hands. Similarly, if you’re only looking to spot clean or tackle a small room, book a rental and give your carpet a spruce-up.

How Professional Services Compare to Rental Machines?

Professional carpet cleaning services have advantages, but there are things you should consider before making your decision.

Pros of professional carpet cleaning

• Saves time: Carpet cleaning is a time-consuming task. Hiring a professional team means your time investment is minimal. Find the right company, book an appointment and follow the after-cleaning protocols. That’s it—this is where the debate of professional vs rental carpet cleaners comes in. While hiring pros saves time, renting can be a more budget-friendly option if you’re willing to invest your time.
• Peace of mind: Reviews can help you find a reputable carpet cleaning service. Pro carpet cleaning expert Dean Davies, at Fantastic Cleaners, recommends asking for testimonials from customers. Examples of past work can also bring comfort. “Photos speak a thousand words,” says Diana Rodriguez-Zaba, partner at ServiceMaster by Zaba, a certified carpet cleaning company.
• Powerful clean: The deep cleaning equipment used by professional carpet cleaning companies removes dirt, bacteria and other grime more effectively than consumer-grade machines.

Cons of professional carpet cleaning

Cost: Carpet cleaning companies typically charge between $25 to $50 per room. The cost is based on square footage or number of rooms, whether you have stairs to clean, your local market and other variables. Always ask for a free estimate.
You’re on someone else’s schedule: You may not be able to get an appointment when you want, especially during peak times like the holiday season or in the spring.
If you’re looking to clean several rooms, your carpeting hasn’t been cleaned in a while or it’s exceptionally dirty, it’s best to let the pros give it a like-new clean.

Top Tips for Using Rental Carpet Cleaning Machines

• Vacuum first: Before using the rental machine, vacuum thoroughly to remove loose dirt and debris. Pretreat any tough or dark stains with a spot cleaner for better results.
• Prep the machine properly: Fill the clean water tank with hot tap water and add the recommended cleaning solution. Reattach the tank securely before starting in a far corner of the room.
• Use a slow and steady technique: Rug Doctor, a company that specializes in carpet cleaning machines, advises making two wet passes (pressing the trigger) followed by two dry passes (no trigger) over each area. Slightly overlap each section for even coverage.
• Clean upholstery and stairs with care: Check fabric codes before cleaning upholstery. For safe use, look for W or WS codes. Avoid overwetting and always test in a hidden spot first.
• Return a clean machine: Empty and rinse the tanks, remove debris from the brush and wipe down the exterior and attachments before returning the unit to avoid extra fees.

FAQ

How do I get professional results with a rental carpet cleaner?

To get professional results with a rental carpet cleaner, start by thoroughly vacuuming the area to remove loose dirt and debris. Move furniture out of the way or place protective barriers under the legs to prevent staining. For tough spots, it is important to pretreat stains before running the machine. Use the recommended amount of cleaning solution as too much can leave residue, while too little may not clean effectively.
When cleaning, make slow, overlapping passes to ensure even coverage. Afterward, allow plenty of drying time and consider renting a carpet fan to speed up the process.

What are the common mistakes to avoid when renting a carpet cleaner?

Common mistakes include using excessive cleaning solution, rushing the process, making too few passes over heavily soiled areas and neglecting to check machine condition. Many people also skip thorough vacuuming first, which makes cleaning less effective. Knowing these pitfalls helps when considering DIY carpet cleaner rental pros and cons—while renting saves money and offers flexibility, results depend on your preparation and technique.

About the Experts

• • Jessica Ek is the Associate Vice President of strategic communications at the American Cleaning Institute (ACI). Since joining ACI in 2018, she has led strategy, content creation and management across the organization’s websites, social media platforms and consumer-facing blog.
  • Dean Davies is a cleaning consultant for the U.K.-based Fantastic Cleaners.
  • Diana Rodriguez-Zaba is a partner at ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba, where she oversees the company’s operations and leads outreach to adjusters, property managers and government institutions.
  • Leslie Reichert is a cleaning coach and the Director of Life Enrichment at the Briarwood Senior Living Community.

Sources:

• The Carpet and Rug Institute: “Research and Resources”
• Rug Doctor: “How to use a carpet cleaner rental”
• Statista: “Carpets & Rugs – United States”