Carpet cleaning

continualdiamond

Is it recommended to purchase a carpet cleaner rather than pay a professional to do it?

I was thinking of getting someone in to do it, but then wondered if its cheaper in the long run to just buy one.

Are they any good, do they do a good job?

I have pets, 4 cats and a dog. Dog is a puppy at the minute, so most stains are from him at the moment.

Lord_Gardener

I suggest buying a cleaner if you need to use it on a regular basis - we've got one of these which does a good job!

http://www.vax.co.uk/vax/product_range_detail.php?rangeID=49

Should be able to get one for under £100!

GhostDog_2

We have 3 dogs so carpet cleaning has always been a regular chore for us The new house will have laminate! :rotfl:

We've always hired from local commercial laundry. Industrial cleaner for about £10. Don't listen to the spiel re using carpet shampoos - we've always used ordinary washing powder (non-bio)

Good luck!

Pipkin

Get a Bissel upright Carpet Cleaner - probably a bit more expensive than the Vax , but they are ace.

Dead easy to use, just like hoovering, instead of bending over with the Vax.

Easy to empty and fill, can go through a lot of cleaning fluid if you fill it up with it, but I always do the carpet with just water first to get the worst out (it has the option of water only/normal/high traffic to regulate how much shampoo is mixed in with the water).

I've had one for a good few years now because I live in rented accomodation and move a lot, and always have to leave my carpets in a very good state.

Never had any problems with it, and when I accidentally damaged it the customer servfice from Bissel was excellent, and they repaired it without quibble.

All my friends have borrowed it, and they've all loved it.

I've got the more basic one, but there is a pro heat version for slightly more money which could only be even better.

Pipkin

PS: I always use Vax fluid with it, because it is cheaper than Bissels own - am sure I saw that someone had used Stardrops in it though, even better - though the instructions do warn NOT to use citrus based cleaners as these can rot and crack the plastic.

Poppycat

I been using our old hoover carpet cleaner for years it does job for crapet doesnt keep clean to long, I heard some shampoos attract dirt. So I have tried various other carpet machones from a carpet clean shop and local hardware hire shop. I have found them not much better tbh than my own one.

I havent tried the professional experts that come in a van and do the job.

irnbru_2

continualdiamond wrote:

I have pets, 4 cats and a dog. Dog is a puppy at the minute, so most stains are from him at the moment.

Maybe you'ld be better with a spot cleaner instead?

For the refurbished Bissell I have, the instructions recommend that you vacuum first though I never bother.

Stardrops as the cleaning agent.

wigglygiggly

I have the Bissell cleaner too - it is fab! The cleaning fluid is quite pricey but with added scotchguard in it, its worth it, especially as I have two children and three dogs!!!

shown73

On a previous discussion, a professional recommended using very little detergent, as the recommended amounts resulted in a sticky residue, which in itself was a dirt magnet, and of course excess profits!

continualdiamond

Thanks for all the replies. Will help in my decision.

I have on the spot cleaner at the minute for the dog, seems to work, but noticed with some products i've used it leaves an edge, like a water stain as a result.

Plus the carpet has other stains from previous owner, would love to just bring it up really nice, plus have the luxury i can do it when it needs it

TimBuckTeeth

Don't know if this Vax one is any good but I noticed it was on sale in Argos, and was thinking about getting one myself.

http://www.argos.co.uk/ProductDisplayTRK019?partNumber=4057042

jackieb

I have a Bissell cleaner too. I love it. It cost £210 18 months ago (they're cheaper now though). My mum, sister and myself each paid £70 each. We live close to one another and we get on so no problems there.

If you want to buy the Bissell shampoo's, very often Ideal World (shopping channel) have it on. It costs £19.99 for 3 bottles, where Argos charge £14.99/£17.49(for pets) for one. I love the lavender stuff. http://www.idealworld.tv/csp/isd/ideal/index.csp (I can only get the link go to the homepage - sorry! Just search fro Bissell)

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/4081379/Trail/C%24cip%3D42001.Kitchen%2Band%2Blaundry%3EC%24Brand%3DBissell.Bissell.htm