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DIY vs Professional Carpet Cleaning: What’s the Best Option?

North Charleston Carpet Cleaners Using Industrial Equipment to Clean CarpetsRegular cleaning can extend the life of the carpets in your North Charleston rental properties. However expensive a maintenance item shampooing carpets might be, it might not be too heavy of a burden if you don’t do it more than once a year. One way to save on costs is to clean the carpets in your rental house yourself. Nevertheless, is it that big of a deal? Researching the advantages and disadvantages of both professional and do-it-yourself carpet cleaning will lead you to a more thorough decision-making process.

Most people know that cleaning carpets will help remove stains and odors. But regular cleaning does more than that. It can restore the look and feel of carpets, especially nylon carpet, and remove deeply embedded dirt that a regular vacuum cleaner is unable to remove. For most carpets, manufacturers recommend using a hot water extraction method, often referred to as “steam cleaning.” This method deep cleans carpets by spraying hot water (often mixed with a cleaning solution) onto the carpet and then using strong suction to remove it, along with the dirt.

Most professional carpet cleaners, as well as do-it-yourself carpet cleaning machines, use the same hot water extraction method. But there are usually distinct differences in the process as well as the results. Professional carpet cleaners often use either a truck-mounted or portable cleaning unit. If you want a better outcome, the truck-mounted units might be a better option. They are more powerful, extract water more efficiently, and lead to shorter drying times. Renting or buying a steam cleaning machine is an option, too, however. These units are more affordable, as well. Let’s say your carpet will only need a couple of touch-ups between full cleanings; you’ll only need a smaller device on hand to address small spills or accidents.

However, the DIY route does have a few disadvantages. Using a smaller personal machine does take more time than a professional cleaner typically would. What if you need to do an entire rental house or large areas? If you don’t mind spending a whole day dedicated to cleaning carpets, then it shouldn’t be much of a problem. Even with much effort, the results are likely to be less than ideal. Smaller carpet cleaning machines often don’t remove enough water from the carpet, so it can take a very long time to dry. The longer the drying time, the higher the risk for complications like mold or further dirt collection, so using fans to speed the process is usually recommended. An issue that’s likely to occur is the use of too much or too little cleaning solution. Any of the two will lead to either a stiff carpet or insufficient cleanliness.

While professional cleaning will usually give you good results, it does come at a price. The advanced technology and service professional carpet cleaners offer will cost more than trying to do it yourself. If you want to avoid costs, bargain deals might do that for you; but, it could also bring anything between shoddy service to full scams. However, professional carpet cleaning is more efficient, takes less time to dry, and usually only takes a couple of hours (or less), depending on the area. If you tend to use the same company regularly, they might be willing to offer you a deal.

So, whatever it is you decide on, whether it’s to hire a professional carpet cleaner or do it yourself, know your options well enough to be secured in your decision — for you and your rental properties.

These nitty-gritty details might intimidate you. You don’t have to go about them all by yourself. Allow our team of North Charleston property managers at Real Property Management Charleston to assist you! Regular maintenance service, being part of the many services we offer, is something you might need, as well. If you want to know more about what we can do to serve you, don’t hesitate to contact us online or call us at 843-900-4061.

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