For rental property managers, regular cleaning is a vital step to extend the life of the carpets and keep them looking sharp, but shampooing carpets can turn into a costly upkeep chore, especially if it’s required several times a year. To save on costs, you might choose to clean the carpets in your rental house yourself, taking a proactive stance on this job. But is DIY the best route?
By learning more about the advantages and disadvantages of professional and do-it-yourself carpet cleaning, you can more confidently choose the right option for your properties.
What is required to keep carpets looking fresh?
Regular carpet cleaning is a critical upkeep tool—it removes stains and odors that can harm a rental house’s ambiance and restores the carpet’s appearance by extracting dirt embedded deep within the fibers, out of a standard vacuum’s reach. Experts often recommend hot water extraction, or steam cleaning, which sprays hot water mixed with a cleaning solution onto the carpet, then uses strong suction to remove the dirt. Professional carpet cleaners and do-it-yourself machines both employ hot water extraction to clean carpets, though their tools differ significantly. Professionals use powerful truck-mounted machines or portable units, with truck-mounted machines excelling at ensuring carpets dry faster. Alternatively, renting or buying a steam cleaning machine offers a smaller machine, ideal for quick clean-ups after spills or accidents, providing a handy solution between deep cleanings.
Comparing DIY and Professional Cleaning
Opting to clean the carpets in your rental house yourself can save on costs, a big perk for keeping expenses under control, but there are disadvantages to the DIY route that can’t be ignored. A smaller personal machine takes longer than a professional cleaner—cleaning the carpets across a rental house might take a full day or more, depending on the size of the area, with results that may be less than satisfactory. Smaller carpet cleaning machines often fail to remove enough water, leading to a long time to dry and risks like mold or further dirt collection; using fans to speed the process is a smart fix. Too much or too little cleaning solution can result in stiff carpets or inadequate cleanliness, making DIY less effective for deep cleanings compared to professional methods.
Evaluating Professional Carpet Cleaning
Professional carpet cleaning delivers excellent results, leveraging advanced technology and techniques that outshine most DIY efforts, though it comes with a higher cost that requires careful budgeting. Professional carpet cleaners use advanced technology and techniques, while attempting to clean your carpets yourself might reduce immediate costs, professional cleaning ensures top quality, though bargain deals can lead to poor service or scams. A budget-friendly tip: hire a professional carpet cleaner consistently from the same cleaning company—they might offer you a discount, syncing well with your property management services.
Deciding whether to hire a professional carpet cleaner or use do-it-yourself machines depends on understanding what each offers your rental properties. Regular cleaning extends carpet life and saves on costs by preventing early wear, with professional cleaning ideal for deep cleanings that deliver exceptional results, and a smaller machine suited for quick clean-ups after spills or accidents. Weigh your needs to make the best choice.
For expert cleaning the carpets, the Santaquin property management experts at Real Property Management Homestead offer property management services that guarantee excellent results without the hassle. Get in touch with us online or call 435-269-4440 today to keep your rental house in top condition.
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