A rug can do wonders for any kind of space. It brings warmth, protects floors from damage, and brightens up a dull room. Unfortunately, rugs also happen to be a magnet for dirt, bacteria, and other debris.
To retain its softness and shine, a rug must be regularly cleaned. What’s more, homeowners are expected to supplement DIY practices with professional rug cleaning services.
How do you know which to choose and when? Let’s analyze the difference between professional rug cleaning and DIY efforts.
DIY Vs. Professional Rug Cleaning: Process
How do you clean a rug at home? There are many answers, but the most common is regular vacuuming. Some also invest in shampoos, rent cleaning equipment, or try solutions like vinegar and baking soda to remove stains.
Once the rug is cleaned or free of visible stains at least, it’s dried on a line.
A professional follows a similar process but employs more advanced techniques.
They will first study the rug’s material before deciding on an appropriate course of action. They will then use various agitation methods to bring dirt to the surface, and rigorously hand wash your rug to restore its shine.
Once the rug is clean, it is slowly dried in a controlled 120-degree F environment.
DIY Vs. Professional Rug Cleaning: Costs
There’s an obvious cost difference between professional rug cleaning and DIY cleaning. A professional will naturally charge a fee for their time and expertise while vacuuming a rug costs you nothing.
However, when it comes to deep cleans, comparing the costs of DIY vs professional rug cleaning isn’t as straightforward.
Many homeowners rent unnecessary equipment, buy ineffective shampoos, and fail to follow the proper procedure — and end up spending more as a result.
A cleaning company may charge a fee, but it comes with an assurance. The team will have its own equipment and expertise — and leave you with superior results.
Pros and Cons of DIY Rug Cleaning
Is DIY rug cleaning as effective as professional cleaning in any situation? Let’s assess some prominent pros and cons.
Pros
- It’s cost-effective: Many immediate DIY solutions are free. So, unless you’re investing in unfamiliar equipment, it’s the more attractive option.
- It’s convenient: With DIY cleaning, there are no schedules to work around, barring your own. It can be done on any day of the week and at any time.
- It’s immediate: Sometimes when you drop food on a carpet, you don’t want to wait for a professional to show up.
Cons
- It’s time-consuming: Cleaning a rug is a demanding task. Not everyone has the time to clean as often.
- It requires discipline: An unclean rug isn’t just unhygienic; it also poses a serious threat to your health. Cleaning schedules must be strictly adhered to.
- It’s Inefficient: There are so many aspects to cleaning a rug that homeowners are unfamiliar with. Sure, you’re cleaning, but are you really getting all the dirt out?
Drawbacks and Advantages of Professional Rug Cleaning
We’ve already addressed the major drawback of professional cleaning — it’s cost.
Beyond that, there are some mild inconveniences. You’ll have to book a slot, work around someone else’s schedule, and leave the room during the process.
There are also several benefits of professional vs DIY rug cleaning:
- It’s flexible: Professionals deal with almost all kinds of materials and employ techniques to match.
- It’s thorough: A rug cleaner eliminates stubborn stains, bacteria that’s embedded deep within, and neutralizes unpleasant odors.
- It’s advanced: Rug cleaners wash rugs at appropriate temperatures, dry them for long periods, and use tried-and-tested methods to ensure optimal results.
There are also some long-term advantages of professional rug cleaning. It improves a home’s air quality, softens fibers, and prolongs the life of your carpet.
Is Professional Rug Cleaning Worth it?
So, the ultimate question is: Do the advantages of professional rug cleaning outweigh the costs and inconveniences? The answer is an emphatic yes. Here are three specific situations where the benefits of professional vs DIY rug cleaning really shine through.
- If you have pets: DIY solutions are ineffective in dealing with stubborn pet hair, or in getting rid of urine stains and smells.
- If you have children: Children tend to spill things, knock things over, and mess up the floor with dirty feet. One of the major benefits of professional rug cleaning is that it helps deal with all these eventualities.
- If you live with elderly, or sick: The health risks of an unclean rug can range from respiratory issues to skin and immunity issues. If you live with someone particularly prone to any illness, you need regular professional services.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, comparing DIY vs professional cleaning is a futile exercise because they both serve vastly different purposes. DIY practices must be carried out regularly, only deal with surface impurities, and are handy for spot cleaning.
A professional rug cleaner, on the other hand, is more equipped to carry out deep cleaning, eliminate bacteria and allergens, and restore the carpet to its original condition.
If you’re looking for professional rug cleaners in Los Angeles who help achieve all these goals, look no further than Tomas Rug Cleaning Company. For over 100 years, we’ve worked on a wide range of rugs — including antiques and new-age materials.
We personally hand wash each rug, break down odor and bacteria enzymes, and eliminate the most stubborn stains. Contact Thomas Rug Cleaning Company to experience the benefits of professional vs diy rug cleaning first-hand.
