For rental property managers, regular cleaning is a must to extend the life of the carpets and keep them in great shape, but shampooing carpets can become a pricey maintenance task, especially if it’s required multiple times a year. To save on costs, you might opt to clean the carpets in your rental house yourself, taking a hands-on approach to this job. But is DIY the right choice?
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 powerhouse for maintenance—it removes stains and odors that can detract from a rental house’s allure and restores the carpet’s appearance by clearing out dirt buried deep within the fibers, beyond a standard vacuum’s reach. Industry pros often endorse 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, but their tools differ significantly. Professionals use powerful truck-mounted machines or portable units, with truck-mounted machines excelling at ensuring carpets dry faster. On the other hand, renting or buying a steam cleaning machine gives you a smaller machine, perfect for quick clean-ups after spills or accidents, providing a convenient 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 advantage 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 stretch into 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 leave excess water, causing a long time to dry and risks like mold or further dirt collection; fans to speed the process are a smart move. Using too much or too little cleaning solution can lead to stiff carpets or inadequate cleanliness, making DIY less effective for deep cleanings compared to professional methods.
Evaluating Professional Carpet Cleaning
While professional cleaning typically yields excellent results, it does come 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. While attempting to clean your carpets yourself might ease immediate expenses, 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 may 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 brings to 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 Brookhaven property management experts at Real Property Management Reimagined offer property management services that guarantee excellent results without the hassle. Get in touch with us online or call 470-945-4686 today to keep your rental house in top condition.
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