Clean Your Carpet on the Cheap

If you are embarking upon the task of carpet cleaning for an area rug or with all the carpeting in your home or workplace, then it can be helpful to evaluate upfront what it is likely to cost. Before you invest in an expensive carpet cleaning service, you can also consider some cheaper alternatives that may deliver the same or approximate results. Depending on how extreme the cleaning job is and how damaged your carpeting may be, you can then decide if you want to hire an expert to clean the entire length and breadth of your carpet, or simply have them work with select areas.

There are numerous cheap alternatives on the market today that can do an excellent job to keep your carpet looking and feeling as if it’s still brand new. And, of course, regular maintenance is a great way to spot any potential issues before they get out of control; apply the proper cleaning techniques to keep your carpet in tip-top condition. Learn more about some options you have for cleaning your carpet frugally and decide what the best solution is for you.

Purchase a Carpet Cleaner

If you anticipate doing regular cleaning and maintenance on your carpet, then it can be a cost-effective choice long-term to purchase a portable carpet cleaner you can use as needed. If you calculate the cost of purchasing a portable carpet cleaner versus the costs of hiring a professional cleaning service to come out every time you need your carpet cleaned, you will clearly see how cost-effective this solution can be over time. Large apartment complexes and office buildings often choose to purchase their own carpet cleaning equipment and then simply train one of their cleaning staff employees on how to use it, which makes arranging for carpet cleaning easier as well.

Rent a Carpet Cleaner or Steam Cleaner Machine

Many home goods stores and even grocery stores now offer carpet cleaning equipment for rent. So if you regularly maintain your carpet with the use of a vacuum cleaner, but every so often you want to do a deeper cleaning job with a steam cleaner, for instance, you can rent one by the hour or the day from a local business. All you do is use it and then return it. In this way, you do not have to pay the labor costs for a technician to come out to do a steam cleaning job; the only extra cost you have to bear is the cost of your time or the time of the employee you designate to do the cleaning. Be sure before you opt for this approach that you have adequate ventilation in place to dry your carpet. Using well-placed floor fans can be an easy way to make sure your carpet dries evenly after a steam cleaning.

Buying the Right Carpet Cleaning Supplies

If you are tempted by the range of ultra-fancy, pricey carpet cleaning soaps, solutions, and treatments, be sure to consult the manufacturer before you choose your products. Often, simple hot water with a bit of soap can do the job just as effectively and for a fraction of the cost. If you use the wrong chemicals on your carpet, you could wind up with a much bigger and more expensive problem on your hand; you might even be left with a carpet that cannot be salvaged. You should always first just try the traditional soap and water approach (unless specifically contradicted by manufacturer instructions) and only then venture out to find stronger chemicals if initial cleaning efforts do not yield the desired results.

Clean in an Even, Consistent Pattern

Finally, if you want even results, you should be sure to follow the instructions for whatever cleaning products or equipment you are using to the letter. Cleaning in even, straight patterns either vertically or horizontally, and ensuring you can start and finish one job in one session, can be the best route to ensuring an even, seamless cleaning result when you are finished. Be mindful that you do not replace furniture and other furnishings or turn on non-uniform lighting sources until your carpet has been allowed to dry completely. This will make sure you don’t end up with streaking or damp areas that can trap and hold mold and mildew inside.

About the Author: Andrea Schneider is the go-to gal in her neighborhood for cheap, quick fix-it tips. So she figured – why not write about what she knows and make some quick cash of her own!