Regular cleaning can extend the life of the carpets in your rental properties, but shampooing carpets can become a costly maintenance task, especially if needed more than once a year. One way to save on costs is to clean the carpets in your rental house yourself. But is it truly worth the effort?
By learning more about the advantages and disadvantages of professional and do-it-yourself carpet cleaning, you can confidently choose the right option for your properties.
What is required to keep carpets looking fresh?
Regular carpet cleaning not only removes stains and odors but also restores the carpet’s appearance by tackling deeply embedded dirt that standard vacuums miss. Manufacturers often recommend hot water extraction, also known as steam cleaning, which uses hot water mixed with a cleaning solution and strong suction to remove the dirt. Both professional carpet cleaners and do-it-yourself machines rely on hot water extraction to clean carpets, yet the equipment and outcomes differ significantly. Professional cleaners typically use powerful truck-mounted machines or portable units, with truck-mounted machines excelling due to their strength, ensuring carpets dry faster. Meanwhile, renting or buying a steam cleaning machine offers a smaller machine ideal for quick clean-ups after spills or accidents between deep cleanings.
Comparing DIY and Professional Cleaning
Attempting to clean your carpets yourself can save on costs, but there are disadvantages to the DIY route. Using a smaller personal machine takes longer than hiring a professional cleaner—cleaning the carpets in an entire rental house could take a full day, and the results 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 helps but applying too much or too little cleaning solution can result in stiff carpets or inadequate cleanliness. For deep cleanings, DIY methods with a smaller machine may fall short compared to professional options.
Evaluating Professional Carpet Cleaning
Professional carpet cleaning delivers excellent results using advanced technology and techniques, though it comes at a higher cost. Professional carpet cleaners use advanced technology and techniques, which can be more expensive than attempting to clean your carpets yourself. If you look for bargain deals, be cautious, as this can lead to poor service or scams. However, bargain deals can lead to poor service or scams, so caution is key when you hire a professional carpet cleaner. Opting for professional cleaning is more efficient, and if you consistently use the same cleaning company, they might offer you a discount, enhancing cost-effectiveness for your property management services.
Whether you choose professional carpet cleaners or do-it-yourself machines, understanding the trade-offs helps you choose the option that is right for you and your rental properties. Regular cleaning extends carpet life and saves on costs long-term, but professional cleaning offers superior results for deep cleanings, while a smaller machine suits quick clean-ups. If you’d rather avoid the hassle, reach out to the Roslindale property management experts at Real Property Management Boston. Our property management services include regular maintenance like cleaning the carpets, ensuring excellent results without the stress. Get in touch with us online or call 617-522-0099 today.
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