Last Christmas was certainly the night my life turned into a complete nightmare. I was hosting over a hundred guests, and the party, though a real blast, was followed by what can only be called horrific.
My beautiful new carpet, which I had purchased just before Christmas, was covered in stains!
I never knew spending so much money on professional carpet cleaning services was going to come at such an awkward time, considering the holiday expenses. There I was, just about to lose all hope, when I had a helpful neighbor share some budget-friendly carpet cleaning tips with me.
Once I used and effectively restored my carpets, I thought that I would share these budget-friendly techniques with you. These tips will keep your carpets smelling fresh and new without making holes in your wallet.
Professional Carpet Cleaning: Is It Worth It?
One of the most effective ways to clean carpets is through professional services, but this comes with a price. If your carpet is large and the stains are deep, opting for professional cleaning might be a good choice. However, if you are looking to cut costs, here are a few smart tips to get the best deal:
Compare Quotes Before Choosing a Service
Since I was in a rush, I chose the nearest cleaning service, but looking back, I should have compared multiple quotes. Many cleaning centers offer different pricing, and some may have discounts if you bring in multiple carpets at once.
Bulk Cleaning Discounts
If you have more than one carpet to clean, you might be eligible for a discount. Some carpet cleaning businesses offer reduced prices for bulk cleaning, so always ask before committing.
Avoid Extra Charges
Other services, such as additional protection, deodorization, and special stain treatments, can add up fast. If your carpet does not need any of these, do not spend money on them. Stick to the basic deep cleaning and handle deodorization yourself with baking soda and other DIY solutions.
In-Home vs. Drop-Off Cleaning
Calling a professional to clean a single carpet at home is an expensive affair. Instead, if you have multiple carpets, consider dropping them off at a cleaning center, as it is often cheaper than home service.
Investing in a Home Carpet Cleaner: A Long-Term Solution
With technology advancing, home carpet cleaning machines have become an affordable and effective alternative. Initially, the cost of purchasing a carpet cleaner might seem high, but it pays off in the long run. Here is why:
One-Time Investment, Multiple Uses
Instead of paying for professional services every few months, investing in a home carpet cleaner means you can clean your carpets whenever needed. Over time, the cost of professional cleaning will surpass the price of a machine, making it a wise investment.
Maintenance Costs are Manageable
Yes, the machines do require maintenance, but the yearly cost is much lower compared to professional cleanings done monthly. Caring for the right carpet cleaner well will work for years and save you a lot of money.
Convenience and Flexibility
You may not need to wait for appointments, nor do you need to stress if your carpets get dirty sometimes. Spilled wine during a party? No problem! Just take out the machine and fix it right away.
3. DIY Carpet Cleaning Hacks: Budget-Friendly Solutions
For those who do not want to invest in a machine or hire a professional, DIY methods work wonders. Here are some tried-and-tested techniques that I used to restore my carpets without spending much:
- Baking Soda & Vinegar Method
- Sprinkle baking soda generously over the stains.
- Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Spray the mixture over the baking soda and let it fizz.
- Using a soft brush, gently scrub the area.
- Blot with a towel, allowing it to air dry.
- This is great for cleaning up stains and removing odors.
- Club Soda for Wine & Coffee Stains
If wine or coffee was spilled over your carpet, act fast:
- Blot the stain with a paper towel to absorb excess liquid.
- Pour club soda over the stain and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Blot again and repeat if necessary.
- Dish Soap & Hydrogen Peroxide for Tough Stains
- Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with two parts dish soap.
- Apply it to the stain and let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Blot with a clean cloth and rinse with warm water.
This method is effective for removing food and grease stains.
Conclusion
Invest in a carpet cleaner if you wish. Deep clean, steam technology, and user-friendliness are just some of the top features, and one can opt for any of the best models in the market. Some excellent ones come from brands such as Bissell, Hoover, and Rug Doctor.
It all depends on your choice of opting for professional cleaning, investing in a machine, or using some DIY hacks; it can help you save hundreds of dollars per year.