Keeping your carpets fresh and clean can be a challenge, especially when unexpected spills or pet accidents strike. While purchasing a carpet cleaner offers long-term convenience, it might only be feasible for some, especially for occasional deep cleaning. This is where carpet cleaner rentals come in handy, and Walmart offers a convenient option for many.
Carpets are a welcoming addition to any home but can also be magnets for dirt, dust, and pet accidents. When spills happen, or deep cleaning is needed, renting a carpet cleaner from Walmart can be a budget-friendly and effective solution.
In this article:
Does Walmart Rent Carpet Cleaners?
Yes, Walmart offers carpet cleaner rentals through Rug Doctor kiosks located within most stores. These self-service kiosks provide access to powerful carpet-cleaning machines at affordable rates.
What is best? Rent it or Buy a Carpet Cleaner at Walmart?
Before diving into the rental options, consider whether renting or buying a carpet cleaner aligns better with your needs:
- Rent if: You only need the cleaner for a one-time deep clean or occasional spot cleaning. Renting is also ideal if you have limited storage space or prefer not to commit to owning a machine.
- Buy if: You anticipate using a carpet cleaner frequently, have extensive carpeted areas, or require regular deep cleaning. Purchasing a machine becomes more cost-effective in the long run under these circumstances.
How much does it cost to rent a carpet cleaner at Walmart?
If you’re considering renting a carpet cleaner from Walmart, it’s good to know how much it might cost and your options. Walmart has different types of Rug Doctor carpet cleaning machines, and the price for renting one usually ranges between $35 and $40 per day.
But if you need to clean a small spot, you can rent a spot cleaner for only 4 hours, which will cost you $19.99. Remember, other machines have to be rented for at least a full day, and in some places, you can even rent them for 48 hours, but this might cost up to $50.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the rental options and prices provided by Rug Doctor:
| Rental Option | Price |
| Rug Doctor Pro Deep Cleaner (24 hours) | $39.99 |
| Rug Doctor Pro Deep Cleaner (48 hours) | $49.99 |
| Rug Doctor Pro Portable Detailer & Spot Cleaner (4 hours) | $19.99 |
| Rug Doctor Pro Portable Detailer & Spot Cleaner (24 hours) | $29.99 |
| Rug Doctor X3 Carpet Cleaner (24 hours) | $49.99 |
| Rug Doctor X3 Carpet Cleaner (48 hours) | $69.99 |
What Types of Carpet Cleaners Does Walmart Offer?
Walmart offers three types of carpet cleaners for rent. The Rug Doctor Pro Deep Cleaner is the top-quality choice and might cost a bit more. It’s great for really getting your carpets clean.
The Rug Doctor Pro Portable Detailer & Spot Cleaner is a good pick if you need something smaller for cleaning furniture or smaller areas. It’s lighter and easier to handle. For those tough jobs where the carpet is dirty, the Rug Doctor X3 Carpet Cleaner is designed to do deep cleaning.
It’s important to remember that only some Walmart stores will have all these types of cleaners. The best way to find the options is to check with your local store.
What is the Carpet Cleaner cost by type?
Carpet cleaning can be done with two types of machines – standard carpet cleaners and steam carpet cleaners. Let’s understand how much it costs to rent them.
Standard carpet cleaners are very popular. If you want to use one for half a day, it usually costs between $20 and $30. If you need it for a whole day, which is 24 hours, the price goes up a bit, ranging from $30 to $90.
For two days or 48 hours, you would pay between $40 and $180. And if you need a standard carpet cleaner for a whole week, it will cost you somewhere from $120 to $225.
Steam carpet cleaners, which use hot water to clean deeper and remove germs, are more expensive. For a half-day, renting one of these will cost between $35 and $60. For a full day or 24 hours, the price ranges from $60 to $95. It will cost between $190 and $275 if you need it for a week. And for a whole month, the price is quite a bit higher, ranging from $750 to $980.
These prices give you an idea of how much it might cost to rent these carpet cleaners depending on how long you need them.
How do you rent a carpet cleaner at Walmart?
Renting a carpet cleaner at Walmart is a simple process, and it’s convenient if you need to clean your carpets. Here’s how you can do it in a way that’s easy to understand:
First, when visiting your local Walmart store, look for the Rug Doctor rental kiosk. You’ll usually find it near the customer service desk. At this kiosk, you can see all the different carpet cleaners they have. Take a look and choose the one that will work best for your cleaning job.
Next, you’ll need to enter information on the kiosk’s touch screen. This will include your name, address, and phone number. It’s just like filling out a simple form.
Then, it’s time to pay for the rental. You can use your credit card, debit card, or even a Walmart MoneyCard if you have one. Just swipe your card to pay the fee.
Once you’ve done that, the kiosk will unlock, and you can remove your chosen carpet cleaning machine. And that’s it! You’re ready to start cleaning your carpets. It’s a pretty straightforward process.
You can also reserve a machine online if your local store allows it.
How do you return a carpet cleaner after Word is done?
When returning your carpet cleaner, enter your information on the kiosk’s touch screen and return the machine to the kiosk. Before you return the machine, you should empty and clean it. While Walmart doesn’t charge penalties for returning a machine without cleaning it, cleaning helps keep the machines in good working order.
Is Renting a Carpet Cleaner from Walmart Worth It?
For many individuals, renting a carpet cleaner from Walmart presents a cost-effective and convenient solution for achieving professional-level cleaning results. It’s particularly advantageous for one-time deep cleans, occasional spot treatments, or trying out a machine before committing to buying one.
However, if you require frequent cleanings or have extensive carpeted areas, purchasing a carpet cleaner might be a more economical option in the long run.
Conclusion
Renting a carpet cleaner from Walmart can be a convenient and affordable solution for occasional deep cleaning needs. With various options and a straightforward rental process, it’s a good choice for tackling tough stains and keeping carpets fresh. Weigh your needs and budget against alternative options like purchasing a machine or hiring professional services to make the best decision for your cleaning requirements.
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FAQs
How long does it take the carpet to dry after cleaning?
Drying time depends on several factors, including carpet type, amount of moisture used, airflow, and humidity. Generally, standard cleaning methods take 4-8 hours to dry, while steam cleaning can take 12-24 hours. Ensure proper ventilation to promote faster drying and prevent mold growth.
Is it better to rent a carpet cleaner or buy one?
If you only need to clean your carpets occasionally, renting is a more cost-effective option. Purchasing a machine makes sense if you have pets, small children, or heavily trafficked areas requiring frequent cleaning. Consider your individual needs and usage frequency before making a decision.
Do I need to purchase a cleaning solution separately?
Yes, Walmart sells Rug Doctor cleaning solutions formulated for different cleaning tasks and carpet types. You can also bring your preferred carpet cleaning solution, but ensure it’s compatible with the rental machine.
Can I rent a carpet cleaner if I have pets?
Absolutely! Rug Doctor offers pet-specific cleaning solutions and machines that effectively handle pet stains and odors.
Is a Rug Doctor a steam cleaner?
Technically, no. While Rug Doctor machines use hot water as part of their cleaning process, they primarily rely on a water extraction method rather than pure steam. The hot water helps loosen dirt and grime, while the potent suction extracts the loosened dirt and cleaning solution from the carpet fibers. However, some models do offer an optional “steam boost” feature for deeper cleaning.
Do I need to rinse my carpet after cleaning with a Rug Doctor?
No, typically not. Rug Doctor machines are designed to extract most of the cleaning solution during the cleaning process. However, following the specific instructions for the model you rent is important. Some models may recommend an additional rinse cycle, mainly if you have used many cleaning solutions or have heavily soiled carpets.
How long does it take for my carpet to dry after using a Rug Doctor?
Drying times can vary depending on several factors, including:
- Airflow in the room: Ensure good ventilation to promote faster drying.
- Humidity levels: Higher humidity will slow down drying times.
- Carpet type: Thicker carpets may take longer to dry than thinner ones.
- Amount of cleaning solution used: Using less solution will lead to faster drying.
Generally, expect drying times between 4-8 hours. You can speed up the process using fans and dehumidifiers in the room.
What is the difference between a carpet cleaner and a carpet shampooer?
The terms “carpet cleaner” and “carpet shampooer” are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences:
- Carpet cleaner: This is a broader term encompassing various methods for cleaning carpets, including hot water extraction (Rug Doctor’s method), dry cleaning, and encapsulation cleaning.
- Carpet shampooer: This term typically refers to machines that use a shampoo-like solution to clean carpets. The shampoo loosens dirt and grime, which is extracted or rinsed away.
Rug Doctor machines primarily use the hot water extraction method, though some models may also offer shampooing options.
