Do it yourself or hire the cheapest?
It’s easy to be drawn to companies advertising rock-bottom prices. After all, who isn’t looking for a good deal? However, the saying "you get what you pay for" rings particularly true in the carpet cleaning industry. A company offering drastically low prices often cuts corners, and these shortcuts can have long-term consequences for your carpets and your wallet.
Here’s where you might see these cost-cutting measures appear:
Limited Pre-Treatment: Stains require careful pre-treatment for effective removal. Budget companies may skip this vital step, resulting in stubborn stains that linger.
Inferior Cleaning Solutions: Using cheaper, less effective cleaning solutions can leave behind residue that attracts dirt, leading to carpets getting dirty faster than before. These solutions can also be harmful to children, pets and some carpets.
Inadequate Equipment: Professional-grade carpet cleaning equipment is expensive to maintain including all the training required. Companies that skimp in this area might rely on outdated or poorly powered machines, hindering their ability to thoroughly extract dirt and moisture.
Unskilled Technicians: A clean carpet is not just about equipment it’s about the experience behind the machines. A lack of training and experience for the technicians can lead to damaging cleaning practices, like over-wetting or using incorrect techniques for specific carpet fibers.
Hidden Costs: The "bait-and-switch" tactic is common. A very low initial price might quickly inflate with added charges for services that should be standard, like moving furniture or treating stains.
Here’s where you might see these cost-cutting measures appear:
Limited Pre-Treatment: Stains require careful pre-treatment for effective removal. Budget companies may skip this vital step, resulting in stubborn stains that linger.
Inferior Cleaning Solutions: Using cheaper, less effective cleaning solutions can leave behind residue that attracts dirt, leading to carpets getting dirty faster than before. These solutions can also be harmful to children, pets and some carpets.
Inadequate Equipment: Professional-grade carpet cleaning equipment is expensive to maintain including all the training required. Companies that skimp in this area might rely on outdated or poorly powered machines, hindering their ability to thoroughly extract dirt and moisture.
Unskilled Technicians: A clean carpet is not just about equipment it’s about the experience behind the machines. A lack of training and experience for the technicians can lead to damaging cleaning practices, like over-wetting or using incorrect techniques for specific carpet fibers.
Hidden Costs: The "bait-and-switch" tactic is common. A very low initial price might quickly inflate with added charges for services that should be standard, like moving furniture or treating stains.
The DIY Dilemma: Is It Worth the Effort?
The alternative to hiring a professional is tackling the job yourself. Renting a carpet cleaner may seem like the perfect solution to save money, but it also comes with its own set of challenges:
Learning Curve: Using a rental machine effectively requires understanding the specific settings and techniques. Doing it wrong can lead to soaked carpets, mold growth, or even damage.
Limited Power: Rental machines are often less powerful than professional equipment, making it harder to lift deep-down dirt and grime.
Time and Effort: Carpet cleaning is physically demanding. Moving furniture, filling and emptying the machine, and the actual cleaning process can take a significant amount of time and effort.
Solution Selection: Figuring out the right cleaning solution for your particular carpet type and stains can be tricky. Using the wrong product can damage the carpet or leave behind residue.
The alternative to hiring a professional is tackling the job yourself. Renting a carpet cleaner may seem like the perfect solution to save money, but it also comes with its own set of challenges:
Learning Curve: Using a rental machine effectively requires understanding the specific settings and techniques. Doing it wrong can lead to soaked carpets, mold growth, or even damage.
Limited Power: Rental machines are often less powerful than professional equipment, making it harder to lift deep-down dirt and grime.
Time and Effort: Carpet cleaning is physically demanding. Moving furniture, filling and emptying the machine, and the actual cleaning process can take a significant amount of time and effort.
Solution Selection: Figuring out the right cleaning solution for your particular carpet type and stains can be tricky. Using the wrong product can damage the carpet or leave behind residue.
Choosing between a budget cleaning service, a DIY approach, or a higher-quality professional company isn't simply about saving money; it's about making an investment in your home's health and longevity. By being informed and doing your research, you can ensure that your carpets receive the care they deserve, leaving you with a truly clean and comfortable living space. The cheapest option isn't always the best choice.
DMS Carpet & Upholstery Cleaners
Family Owned & Operated
203-322-3333
Family Owned & Operated
203-322-3333