If you’re like most homeowners, you probably don’t think much about your carpets until you see that first stain. At that point, your mind scrambles for a solution to get your carpets clean again. Without professional carpet cleaning services, the thought of renting a carpet cleaner from a place like DIYM or Home Depot or buying one and tackling the task yourself might seem like your only two options. Luckily, there are plenty of pros and cons to weigh when deciding whether it’s best to hire a pro or tackle the project yourself.
What’s the Difference Between Professional Carpet Cleaning and DIY?
There are a number of key differences between professional carpet cleaning and the do-it-yourself (DIY) method of cleaning your carpets, including the tools and products used, the level of expertise required, and the amount of time and effort required.
Tools – Professional cleaning companies have a wide range of tools that can make cleaning your carpets much easier and more efficient. You may be able to use a wide variety of tools depending on the specific areas of your home that need cleaning.
Products – There are plenty of different products available for your carpets, but only a few of those are best used by homeowners. The professionals who clean your carpets will know exactly which products to use, how much of each product is needed, and how long the carpets need to stay damp so the chemicals can do their job.
Level of expertise – Many professional cleaning companies require their technicians to have a certain amount of experience before they’re allowed to clean your carpets. This ensures that your carpets are being cleaned right the first time, without the risk of harming your floors.
Time – While you can fit the DIY method into your schedule, the amount of time required for professional carpet cleaning varies greatly depending on the size of your home, the degree of soiling on your carpets, and the type of cleaning solution being used.
Effort – Depending on the size of the area you’re cleaning, the DIY method can be a quick and easy project that only takes a few hours. With professional cleaning, you’ll likely be looking at a few days of work and lots of heavy lifting and hauling.
Hiring a Pro to Do the Dirty Work
There’s no doubt that hiring a professional cleaning service is an added expense, but is it worth it? One good consideration is the potential for damage that might be caused by attempting to clean carpets that are extremely dirty. Very dirty carpets can harbor bacteria, mold, and other allergens, and can release those irritants into the air when they are disturbed. Very dirty carpets can also be extremely challenging to clean. If you have carpeting made from a delicate fiber, such as wool or silk, it is probably best to call a professional. Professional cleaning companies have the tools, experience, and equipment necessary to safely clean these types of carpets without causing permanent damage. Another thing to consider is that because professional cleaning is a scheduled service, you can work with one company to clean your entire house. This can help keep your budget in line, since you won’t have to pay for multiple cleaning services.
Is it Worth it to Hire a Pro for Carpet Cleaning?
You’ll want to weigh the pros and cons of each method before making a final decision on which way is best for you. Depending on the age and condition of your carpets, you may find that they can benefit greatly from professional cleaning. Depending on the severity of the dirt and stains on your carpets and the amount of traffic in your home, you may find that a professional cleaning once or twice a year is a worthwhile investment. If your carpets haven’t been professionally cleaned in a long time, or if you have very young children or pets who spend a lot of time indoors, you may see a dramatic improvement in your indoor air quality by having your carpets professionally cleaned. You’ll also extend the life of your carpets by removing dirt, grime, and allergens from your carpets, which reduce the amount of wear and tear they experience.
Should You DIY?
You should definitely consider the pros and cons of DIY carpet cleaning if you’re considering a do-it-yourself approach. You may find that hiring a professional cleaning company is worth the added expense because you save time, effort, and possibly money. Depending on the size of your home and the level of soiling on your carpets, you may find that the DIY method takes longer than you expect. This could result in more expense, as well as increased stress, thanks to the added time. You can find a professional carpet cleaner on our helpr section.
The Pros of DIY Carpet Cleaning
If you’re still on the fence about whether to hire a professional cleaning company or tackle the project yourself, there are a few good reasons to consider cleaning your own carpets.
Budget – You can accomplish a lot with a few simple tools and a little know-how. Regular Maintenance – Carpet cleaning is not something that you do just once and then forget about. Rather, it should be viewed as an important part of regular maintenance that keeps your carpets looking and smelling fresh and helps extend their life.
Ease of use – Most carpet cleaning products are relatively easy to use and are safe for children and pets.
Availability – Most carpet cleaning products can be purchased at a wide variety of stores, and many of them are much more affordable than you might think.
The Cons of DIY Carpet Cleaning
There are a few negatives to consider when deciding whether or not to take on the DIY method of cleaning your carpets.
Safety – Cleaning your carpets can be incredibly dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing or if you use the wrong products.
Over-cleaning – You can damage your carpets if you clean them too often, which can cause them to wear out faster and limit their lifespan.
Final Words: Which Option is Right for You?
When deciding which method of cleaning is right for you, you need to consider the age and condition of your carpets, the amount of traffic in your home, the degree of soiling on your carpets, and your budget. Any one of these factors may indicate that professional cleaning is the best choice for you. In that case, it’s worth the extra expense, time, and effort to have your carpets professionally cleaned. If one or more of these factors doesn’t suggest that professional cleaning is necessary, you can save time and money by cleaning your carpets yourself using a do-it-yourself method. To even make this cheaper, you can rent a cleaner from DIY Marketplace.
