Carpet cleaning

FinallyStoppedLurking

Hi everyone,
In the next few weeks we are hoping to complete and move into our new home. We've decided that we would like all of the carpets cleaned before we move in. They aren't dirty so it's more a of a hygiene thing and also seems a good opportunity whilst the house is completely empty (we've been living with relatives and have furniture in storage so don;t need to move on the day).

Our options are:
1. Borrow a standard 'home-style' carpet cleaner from a relative.
2. Hire a rug doctor or similar for a day.
3. Get the carpets professionally cleaned.

Whilst we would obviously not want to waste money, the cost side of things isn't too much of an issue and our priority is getting them cleaned properly. One of the factors in this is making sure they aren't damaged by excess water etc. 

For those who have experience of having carpets cleaned (our previous home had all new carpets fitted and before that we lived in rentals), what would you suggest?
Extra info:
-There are 5 carpeted rooms plus the stairs and upstairs hallway
-We'd be able to leave all the carpets for 24 hours (or more if necessary) before moving the furniture in

Ebe_Scrooge

Getting a professional in can be the most effective way - however, you do need to be careful who you choose.  There are some very good outfits around, but there are also some right cowboys.  As always, a personal recommendation is best.  Hiring a Rug Doctor or similar is an option, but don't underestimate the time it takes to clean the carpets properly.

For what it's worth, we use a Bissell which we've had for years.  It was a couple of hundred quid when we bought it, but it's more than paid for itself if you add up the number of times it's been used.  We do have kids that have a habit of knocking drinks over and pets with muddy paws (and vice-versa LOL!), so it's really convenient to be able to just whip out the cleaner when necessary and deal with any spills or whatever there and then.

If it's just a one-off clean you want, I'd probably say get a recommendation for a professional in, but buying your own machine can be a very worthwhile investment if you're likely to need to clean the carpets several times over the next few years.

FinallyStoppedLurking

Really good advice - thank you.

Belenus

What cleaner does your relative have?

If you have the time and are prepared to put in the effort then I suggest that you do it yourself with that borrowed machine or buy one yourself. They are very useful to have.

Be aware that it is quite hard work, a lot harder than vacuuming.

Ten years ago when we moved to our current house we sold, rented for a while and then bought. That gave us an overlap of several weeks. We used that time to clean every carpet with a Vax cleaner that we already owned.

We still have the cleaner and have used it a number of times since to clean spillages or refresh carpets.

It has paid for itself many times over in the 15 years we have owned it so don't hesitate to buy your own.

You don't need to buy new. We bought ours second hand  for less than half price even though it was in as new condition.

FinallyStoppedLurking

Belenus said:

What cleaner does your relative have?

If you have the time and are prepared to put in the effort then I suggest that you do it yourself with that borrowed machine or buy one yourself. They are very useful to have.

Be aware that it is quite hard work, a lot harder than vacuuming.

Ten years ago when we moved to our current house we sold, rented for a while and then bought. That gave us an overlap of several weeks. We used that time to clean every carpet with a Vax cleaner that we already owned.

We still have the cleaner and have used it a number of times since to clean spillages or refresh carpets.

It has paid for itself many times over in the 15 years we have owned it so don't hesitate to buy your own.

You don't need to buy new. We bought ours second hand  for less than half price even though it was in as new condition.

I think it's a Vax one we could borrow from relatives although it's at least 6 years old so probably not the best. 

I did consider buying one although we could easily borrow the relatives one every weekend if needed. I just wonder whether hiring a rug doctor for the initial clean would be worth the money to save time and get a better clean. 

Belenus

FinallyStoppedLurking said:

Belenus said:

What cleaner does your relative have?

If you have the time and are prepared to put in the effort then I suggest that you do it yourself with that borrowed machine or buy one yourself. They are very useful to have.

Be aware that it is quite hard work, a lot harder than vacuuming.

Ten years ago when we moved to our current house we sold, rented for a while and then bought. That gave us an overlap of several weeks. We used that time to clean every carpet with a Vax cleaner that we already owned.

We still have the cleaner and have used it a number of times since to clean spillages or refresh carpets.

It has paid for itself many times over in the 15 years we have owned it so don't hesitate to buy your own.

You don't need to buy new. We bought ours second hand  for less than half price even though it was in as new condition.

I think it's a Vax one we could borrow from relatives although it's at least 6 years old so probably not the best. 

I did consider buying one although we could easily borrow the relatives one every weekend if needed. I just wonder whether hiring a rug doctor for the initial clean would be worth the money to save time and get a better clean. 

If it has been cared for it should be fine. Ours was second hand about 15 years ago, has seen quite a lot of use, and is still working well.

FinallyStoppedLurking

Thanks, that's good to know. 

Ajmason42

If going for the pros although probably closed for lock down 2 but you local independent carpet shop may recommend a cleaning company . Or try your local spotted face book group 
we have a Bissett cleaner and like others has paid for its self  over the years  

twopenny

I have a Vax and it's very good.

However I did ask a professional cleaner to come because I'd seen the results of the deep clean.

I use the Vax whenever the weather is right for the carpets to dry quickly. I would suggest at this time of year a professional cleaner could get the job done and the carpets dry much quicker. If time doesn't matter do it yourself.

Not found the RugDoctor any better than the Vax and a lot harder to use. Mine is now 10yrs old and does a fine job.

FinallyStoppedLurking

Thanks both.

Squeaky9

Another vote for Vax. When I moved into my last house 7 years ago I borrowed a family member’s one to do the carpets. That was Dec and they dried pretty quick, left the heating on low and cracked a few windows open, left it overnight and it was pretty much dry the next day. Can’t speak for the difference in cleaning ability to the professionals but for cheap and convenient it did the job. Will be doing the same in a few weeks in the new place (Vax is shared amongst family who all contributed to buying it so it moves around depending on who needs it at the time)!