Professional Cleaning vs DIY

March 10, 2020 | Steamy Concepts | Carpet Cleaning

TLDR: The right option depends on what you want for your home, but if you have tough stains and are looking for the deepest clean and the biggest bang for your buck, professional carpet cleaning is the superior option.

If you are interested in cleaning your carpets, chances are you have considered whether you should do it yourself or hire a professional. If you’re torn between cleaning your carpet yourself or paying a professional, let’s compare the two options before renting your own machine. The goal is to make the right decision for your home in order to have a clean and comfortable environment to live in.

Professional Cleaning vs DIY Machines

At first glance, the cost to rent your own carpet cleaning machine may appear to be the most cost-effective route. However, you do have to keep in mind the cost of the solution you will need to buy which will add to the overall price. Depending on the size you are trying to clean, you may need to rent it for multiple days which will add up quickly. Comparatively, it will take a professional an average of 20 minutes per room to clean the carpet. If you choose to go the DIY route, you may be sacrificing the quality of the clean by reducing the price insignificantly when you factor in the variables.

Compared to DIY machines, Professional Machines are Stronger

Carpet cleaning machines that you can rent will pull up some of the dirt from the surface, as you will see in the water that comes up. However, this is not a deep clean. Professional equipment is more effective in thoroughly cleaning the carpet and doing the job right.

Self carpet cleaning machines have lower water pressure and weaker vacuums when compared to professional equipment. This means that you will not rinse the carpet fibers thoroughly and will result in a less effective clean. Also, the low-pressure water you do put down will not be adequately vacuumed up. Although DIY carpet cleaners do remove some water and dirt, they are ineffective at thoroughly drying your carpets. This may leave you with a soggy, musty-smelling carpet.

When a professional team cleans your carpet, they are able to extract far more water, which means extracting far more dirt, from the carpet. This leaves you with drier, cleaner carpets as the end result. Beyond that, there are options for high-velocity fans or carpet rakes to speed dry your carpets after cleaning, resulting in the carpets being dry by the time the company leaves. For example; your carpet can take 24-48 hours to fully dry. If the carpet is professionally steam cleaned, it can take up to 4 hours to dry. If the company uses a high-quality fan or carpet rake, the carpet can be dry before the time they leave your home.

Professional Carpet Cleaner Machines are Higher Quality Than DIY Machines

Higher quality machines will result in a deeper clean. Most machines you are able to rent yourself do not have a water heater, while professional carpet cleaning machines do. This means that when you clean your carpets yourself, you are limited to the temperature of the water that is coming out of your tap. Professional carpet cleaning machines can heat water to the ideal temperature, which is near boiling, and maintain that temperature throughout the carpet cleaning process.

This makes a noticeable difference in removing tough stains and getting rid of unfavorable odors, as the hot water is able to penetrate the carpet fibers and get rid of the built-up grime. Additionally, it allows the cleaning solutions to be better activated, resulting in a deeper clean. The extreme temperatures of hot water extraction are part of what sets professional carpet cleaners apart as the best carpet cleaning solution available. the answer to what’s better, Professional Cleaning vs DIY, it depends on your situation.

When Comparing DIY to Professional Carpet Cleaning, Keep in Mind Your Furry Friends

If you have pets, this can drastically change which option is the best. Simply put, you should be looking into a professional company to ensure a deep clean. This will help maintain better looking, healthier, and longer-lasting carpets. In addition to better-looking carpets, it will also be better smelling since professional carpet cleaning will reduce the odor inside the home. If you choose to self clean your carpets and they take 48 hours to dry and your furry friends were to walk over the damp carpet, be aware that this will leave the home with a less-than-pleasant odor.

Getting Your Carpet Professionally Cleaned is Better Than Doing It Yourself

On average, it will cost you about $30-$75 per room to clean your carpet yourself. Most professional carpet cleaning companies will charge about $150-$250 for 3 rooms and a hallway. Most companies offer free estimates, so you will be able to look at which route is the most cost-effective option for your home depending on the project.

However, keep in mind the hidden costs that may be found if you do it yourself, with the possibility of it adding up to cost more than a professional in the long run. When factoring in the time spent doing it yourself, this will mean you will end up spending more time and money compared to paying a professional to quickly and effectively clean your carpets. If you are looking for the most thorough and long-lasting option for maintaining your carpets, then the best option would be to pay a professional to clean your carpets.

To get started on your professional carpet cleaning contact Steamy Concepts today!

People Also Ask

Why do stains come back quickly after cleaning them myself? If there is a residue left, the surface can become sticky which can attract dust and other particles, resulting in new stains forming more quickly. There is a possibility of old stains not being thoroughly cleaned enough to get rid of them, especially if they have been there a while or are pet related. Wicking can also occur if the carpet was too wet without being properly dried.
How often should I clean my carpets? In high-traffic areas, you should consider cleaning your carpet at least once every 12 months. The entire carpet should be cleaned at least once every 2 years.
Can cleaning your carpet damage it? Yes, if you are cleaning your carpet yourself and it is not done properly, then it can result in damage. For example, if the carpet is not properly dried, sopping wet carpet fibers can ultimately lead to mold and mildew growth, something that can affect your indoor air quality in the home, in addition to the quality of the carpet.
How long should I stay off my carpets after it is cleaned? Ideally, avoid heavy traffic and keep children and pets off the carpet for at least 6 hours after cleaning. If you must walk across the carpet to get to another part of the house, do it 30 minutes after cleaning it by removing your shoes and wearing a pair of clean white socks to protect the carpet.