Do your carpets look dingy and feel rough? Are stubborn stains making rooms look dull and dirty? Don‘t worry – you can revive your carpets and refresh your whole home with a rental carpet cleaner from Walmart and Rug Doctor!
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll provide everything you need to know about Walmart‘s carpet cleaner rental service. You‘ll learn all about:
- How the Walmart and Rug Doctor rental service works
- The costs, models available, and rental process
- Cleaning tips and tricks for optimal results
- Helpful guidance to avoid rookie rental mistakes
- Detailed comparisons of buying vs renting considerations
- Alternatives to Walmart for rental services
By the end, you‘ll be a carpet cleaning pro ready to choose the perfect rental machine and get professional-quality results at home for less!
An Introduction to Walmart‘s Carpet Cleaner Rentals
Walmart provides an affordable and convenient carpet cleaner rental service through an exclusive partnership with Rug Doctor – a leading brand in DIY carpet cleaning machines.
Nearly all Walmart locations (over 90%) have a Rug Doctor kiosk on-site that allows you to rent a variety of heavy-duty carpet cleaners for 24 or 48 hours. Prices typically range from $29.99 – $39.99 depending on rental duration.
These rental units provide powerful deep cleaning for carpets and rugs, helping lift out ground-in dirt, residues, allergens, and stains from high foot traffic areas. By getting deep down where vacuums can‘t reach, rental carpet cleaners can restore and extend the life of wall-to-wall carpeting.
According to the Carpet and Rug Institute, hot water carpet extraction (what rental cleaners offer) provides superior cleaning results compared to other methods:
- Hot water extraction removes up to 94% of common household dirt and residues
- It eliminates up to 92% of dangerous pollutants and allergens
- Improves carpet appearance by up to 17% compared to vacuuming alone
When paired with the right techniques and solutions, a Walmart carpet cleaner rental can make your floors look brand new again! Keep reading to learn how to get started.
Step 1: Find a Walmart Store With Rug Doctor Rentals
Nearly all Walmart stores have a Rug Doctor rental kiosk – but it‘s wise to confirm availability before making the trip.
You can check which locations offer carpet cleaner rentals using Rug Doctor‘s rental locator tool. Just enter your zip code to see Walmart stores near you with a Rug Doctor kiosk on-site.
The locator provides handy details like:
- Exact store address and contact info
- Distance from your location
- Specific models available at that kiosk
- Inventory status (if any units are out of stock)
This allows you to pinpoint the optimal rental location based on convenience, available models, and real-time inventory.
If no nearby stores appear, try expanding your search radius or entering a different zip code. You can also call stores directly to ask about Rug Doctor rental availability.
Once you‘ve identified the ideal store, you‘re ready to move on to renting your cleaner!
Step 2: Rent Your Carpet Cleaner at the Rug Doctor Kiosk
The self-service Rug Doctor kiosks make renting fast and simple. Here‘s the process:
- Locate the kiosk, typically near the customer service desk at the store entrance
- Use the touchscreen to select your rental timeframe – either 24 or 48 hours
- Enter your contact information including name, phone number, and address
- Choose your payment method – credit/debit cards and gift cards accepted
- Wait for payment to process fully, then remove your rented cleaner
- Don‘t forget to grab cleaning solutions and accessories if needed!
Walmart associates are available if you need any help working the kiosk and selecting the right rental unit and supplies.
You‘ll also want to inspect your rental carpet cleaner before leaving the store:
- Check for any damage and test all functions
- Make sure all parts/accessories are included
- Verify the fluid tanks are empty and clean
- Alert staff immediately if any issues to prevent deposit loss
With your ready-to-use carpet cleaner in hand, it‘s time to head home and tackle those rugs!
Step 3: Clean Your Carpets Like a Pro!
Once home with your rented carpet cleaning unit, follow these expert tips for outstanding results:
1. Vacuum thoroughly
Be sure to vacuum high-traffic areas in multiple directions to get up loose debris first. This prevents pushing dirt further into the carpet fibers. Vacuuming also lifts pile and makes cleaning more effective.
2. Pre-treat any problem stains
Use a bit of carpet cleaner solution directly on stubborn spots and stains at least 5-10 minutes before deep cleaning. This gives the formula time to break down stain-causing compounds.
3. Fill and prepare the machine
Check the owner‘s manual for proper tank filling and solution mixing. Pour in hot water then add carpet cleaning solution – about 4 ounces per 1 gallon water.
4. Clean highest traffic zones first
Start where dirt and grime is heaviest. Slowly push the machine forward and backward over the section while continuously spraying solution.Overlap passes slightly.
5. Rinse with clean water
Once the whole area has been cleaned, go over it again with just clean hot water in the tank to thoroughly rinse away all residues.
6. Allow to fully dry
Keep pets and people off carpet until completely dry, about 4-6 hours. Place fans nearby to speed drying. This prevents restaining and mold growth.
Follow these best practices starting in high traffic areas first. Work systematically room by room or section by section until carpets look fresh, feel soft, and smell clean again!
Walmart Carpet Cleaner Rental Costs
Walmart offers flexible rental timeframes and rates:
| Rental Duration | Cost |
|---|---|
| 24 hours | $29.99 |
| 48 hours | $39.99 |
Taxes may apply at checkout. Accessories, cleaning solutions, and portable spot cleaner add-ons are available for additional fees.
Late fees will be charged if the unit is returned beyond the 24 or 48 hour rental period. Avoid surprise fees by noting your return time and budgeting cleaning time accordingly!
Available Carpet Cleaner Models at Walmart
Walmart Rug Doctor kiosks provide several commercial-grade carpet cleaner models to choose from:
Rug Doctor Mighty Pro X3
- Best for heavy duty cleaning and whole home use
- Extra-large 1.1 gallon dual water tanks
- 75% more suction power than previous models
- Cleans forward and backward for quicker cleaning
- Ideal for carpets, rugs, upholstery, cars
Rug Doctor Pro Deep Carpet Cleaner
- Top-of-the-line deep cleaning with brushing + vibration
- Patented Crossover cleaning for unmatched performance
- Dual 1 gallon tanks for continuous cleaning
- Quick dry technology extracts 47% more moisture
- Advanced dirt lifter removes deep down grime
Rug Doctor Pro Portable Spot Cleaner
- Compact 18-pound unit easily cleans cars, RVs, stairs
- Powerful suction plus vibrating brush loosens stains
- Includes trial-size spot remover and scrubbing wand
- Affordable add-on option for portability ($15 rental fee)
Rug Doctor Wide Track Carpet Cleaner
- Extra-wide 12″ cleaning path
- 75% larger brush reaches edges and into corners
- Quick dry time thanks to powerful suction
- Low profile design accesses under furniture
- Great for hallways, large rooms, and wall-to-wall carpet
Check your local kiosk‘s inventory to confirm which models they have in stock before renting. Supply varies by store.
Handy Carpet Cleaning Accessories
Don‘t forget to take advantage of Rug Doctor‘s handy specialty accessories during your Walmart rental:
- Upholstery Tool – Only $7.99 extra to clean sofas, chairs, car seats, and stairs
- Pet Pack – Contains formulas tailored for pet stains and odors, $16.44
- Oxy Steam Carpet Cleaner – Hospital-grade cleaner kills bacteria and odors, $10.44
- Drying Fan – Speeds carpet dry time to 2-3 hours, just $10.99 more
These helpful add-ons make carpet cleaning faster and expand what you can clean. The right attachments and solutions get you professional-grade results!
Cleaning Solutions for Optimal Results
While rental units come empty, be sure to pick up specialized Rug Doctor cleaning solutions for the best results on your carpets. Their formulations are designed specifically for use in Rug Doctor machines.
Some top options include:
- Oxy Deep Carpet Cleaner – Deodorizes and whitens, $9.97
- Pet Formula – Eliminates stains and odors from urine, vomit, feces, $12.97
- Odor Remover – Hospital-grade cleaner sanitizes and removes smells, $12.97
- Urine Eliminator – Removes urine salts to prevent resoiling, $12.97
- Red Wine Formula – Breaks down tannins to lift red wine stains, $12.97
Rug Doctor also offers spot remover sprays and pre-treatment gels that help break down stubborn stains before deep cleaning the carpets.
Budget about $10-$25 for high-quality solutions tailored to your needs. And always read ingredient labels before using any carpet cleaning solutions.
Top 10 Rental Mistakes to Avoid
Follow these expert tips to avoid common carpet cleaner rental pitfalls:
- Pick a rental duration that fits your project. 24 hours for one room, 48 hours for whole home.
- Return on time to avoid late fees! Mark your end time and allow for transport.
- Review assembly/prep instructions first. Ensure water and solution tanks are filled properly.
- Pre-vacuum high traffic areas thoroughly to lift debris. Make cleaning more effective.
- Pre-treat stains for best results removing spots and spills.
- Start in high traffic areas then systematically clean room to room.
- Rinse with just hot water after cleaning to remove all residues.
- Keep pets/kids off until fully dry to prevent restaining and mold risks.
- Inspect for damage prior to rental. Note any issues to avoid non-return fees.
- Clean rental machine before returning so it‘s ready for the next customer.
Following these simple guidelines will help you avoid rookie mistakes and get outstanding results from your Walmart carpet cleaner rental.
Buying vs Renting a Carpet Cleaner – Which is Best?
Should you invest in buying your own carpet cleaning machine rather than renting? Here‘s an in-depth look at the pros and cons of both options:
Buying a Carpet Cleaner – Considerations
Pros
- No store trips for rental and return
- Use for as long as needed without time limits
- Often comes with cleaning solutions and tools
- No risk of late fees or rental deposit loss
Cons
- High upfront investment, typically $150 to $550
- Ongoing costs for maintenance, repairs, accessories
- Takes up storage space when not in use
- Outdated features compared to newer models
Renting a Carpet Cleaner – Considerations
Pros
- Low single-use cost, starting around $30
- Convenient location for pickup and dropoff
- Always latest model with newest features
- No maintenance or storage required
Cons
- Limited rental period, usually 24 or 48 hours max
- Additional fees for solutions and accessories
- Late fees if not returned on time
- No guarantee of machine availability
To help decide, here‘s a cost comparison if cleaning carpets twice per year:
| Option | Year 1 Cost |
|---|---|
| Buy Basic Model | $150 machine + $30 solutions = $180 |
| Buy Premium Model | $500 machine + $30 solutions = $530 |
| Rent Basic Model | 2 x $30 rental fee = $60 |
| Rent Premium Model | 2 x $40 rental fee = $80 |
As you can see, renting is more economical if cleaning only occasionally throughout the year. However, buying has the advantage of unlimited access whenever you need.
Evaluate your specific carpet cleaning needs and frequency to determine if renting or buying makes the most financial sense for your situation.
No Rentals at Your Local Walmart? Alternatives to Find a Carpet Cleaner
If the Walmart stores in your area don‘t offer Rug Doctor rentals, don‘t fret – you still have options! Here are some alternative retailers that provide carpet cleaner rentals:
- Dollar General – Many locations feature Rug Doctor kiosks similar to Walmart
- Publix – Select Publix stores offer on-site Rug Doctor rentals
- Kroger – Some Kroger supermarkets provide Rug Doctor carpet cleaner rentals
- Local Hardware Stores – Stores like Ace Hardware often rent Hoover or Bissell carpet cleaning units
- Online Rentals – Services like RugDoctor.com and CleanRentals.com deliver rentals right to your doorstep
- Rug and Carpet Stores – Ask your local carpet retailer about rental services
If Rug Doctor rentals aren‘t locally available, compare rental rates and models from other brands like Bissell and Hoover. Thoroughly inspect units before renting.
Give Your Carpets a Deep Clean with Walmart‘s Rental Service
Walmart and Rug Doctor make it quick, easy, and affordable to revive your carpets with convenient rental units.
By following the tips in this guide, you can leverage Walmart‘s carpet cleaner rentals to banish dirt, allergens, odors, and stains from your floors.
Renting gives you access to top-of-the-line deep cleaning machines to restore your carpets to like-new condition. And the reasonable single-use rates fit conveniently into any home maintenance budget.
So don‘t tolerate dingy, matted down carpeting for one more day! Use the guidance above to rent the perfect carpet cleaner from Walmart and see outstanding floor cleaning results. Your home‘s carpets will look refreshed, feel soft, and smell clean again in no time!
