I personally do not own an upright carpet shampoo machine. I have a vacuum and a small handheld carpet shampooer that is great for treating spills and small stains. These two machines meets my day to day needs,but a few times a year I like to give my carpets a really good cleaning so I rent a heavy duty carpet shampooer for a few days. If you want to follow the same regimen then try to remember a few of my rules for carpet shampoo rental.
First, I always make sure that they machine can run on a variety of carpet cleaners and shampoos. Make sure that you do not have to use a specific brand. This is important because not every brand has every kind of cleaner that you may need. I like to use carpet odor removing shampoo when I clean my carpets, I have a brand that I like, and it does not match the brand of the machine that I rent.
Another helpful rule is to inspect the machine before you take it home. There is an expectation that you will bring the machine back clean so make sure that you are getting a clean machine to start with. Unfortunately, not everybody checks in the machines thoroughly and if your luck is as bad as mine then you are sure to run into the one and only person who goes over your carpet shampooer with a fine tooth comb. Make sure that any defects or stains are noted on the rental agreement before you leave so you will not be held responsible.
Finally, rent the machine for a long enough period. I rent mine for three days. The first day I clean my carpets with shampoo and stain removers. Then I rinse and let things sit for a day. Then on the third day, I have a good idea of where I might need to do a second pass.
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