How much does it cost to rent a carpet cleaner?
Ashburn, VA

How much does it cost to rent a carpet cleaner?

Ashburn, VA

How much does it cost to rent a carpet cleaner?

$30 – $50standard carpet cleaner cost per day
$70 – $125steam cleaner / hot water extractor cost per day

Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:

$30 – $50 standard carpet cleaner cost per day

$70 – $125 steam cleaner / hot water extractor cost per day


Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:
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Tara Farmer
Written by
Tara Farmer
Edited by
Tamatha Hazen
Fact-checked by
Kristen Cramer

Average cost to rent a carpet cleaner

The average cost to rent a carpet cleaner is $30 to $50 per day for a standard carpet cleaner or $70 to $125 per day for a steam cleaner, not including cleaning solutions or specialty attachments. Carpet cleaner rental prices depend on the location, machine type, and rental duration.

Average cost to rent a carpet cleaner
Rental length Average price*
Half day (4 hours) $15 – $30
24 hours $30 – $125
48 hours $40 – $150
Weekly $120 – $350
Monthly $350 – $950

*Machine rental price only; not including cleaning solution or add-on cleaning tools.

  • Cleaning solution costs $15 to $35+, depending on the brand and how much you need. Use the manufacturer-recommended cleaning solution when renting a carpet cleaner, as some solutions could damage the machine.

  • Tools and attachments for cleaning upholstery, pet stains, and stairs range from $5 to $10 each per day if not included with the machine rental.

  • Renting floor dryer fans to speed up the carpet drying time cost $15 to $30 per day.

Get free estimates from carpet cleaning services near you.

When to rent a carpet cleaner

If a professional carpet cleaning service is out of your budget, here are some signs you should consider renting a carpet cleaner:

  • The carpet is visibly dirty or stained.

  • The carpet smells musty or unpleasant.

  • The carpet has been flattened from foot traffic.

  • You've experienced a pest infestation in the home.

  • Walking on or being near the carpet triggers allergies.

  • You’ve not had a professional carpet cleaning in more than a year.

Carpet cleaner rental prices by type

There are two main types of rental carpet cleaners—standard cleaners and steam or hot water extraction cleaners. These machines differ in cost, availability, and how they clean.

Carpet cleaner daily rental price by type - chart
Carpet cleaner daily rental price by type - chart
Carpet cleaner daily rental price by type
Factor Standard carpet cleaner Steam cleaner / hot water extractor
Rental price per day* $30 – $50 $70 – $125
Where to rent Grocery stores, hardware stores, home improvement stores Home improvement stores, business supply stores
Best for Superficial cleaning Deep cleaning

*Machine rental price only; not including cleaning solution or add-on cleaning tools.

Standard carpet cleaner

The standard carpet cleaner is the most common type found at grocery and hardware stores. This machine uses nylon brush agitation and cleaning solution to loosen dirt, then extract it with a vacuum. Standard cleaners do not heat the water, but manufacturers often recommend using hot water for the best results.

Standard carpet cleaner rental prices
Rental length Standard upright carpet cleaner
rental prices*
Handheld upholstery detailer
rental prices*
Half-day (4 hours) $20 – $30 $15 – $20
24 hours $30 – $50 $25 – $40
48 hours $45 – $150 $40 – $50
Weekly $150 – $200 $120 – $130
Monthly $450 – $550 $350 – $370

*Machine rental price only; not including cleaning solution or add-on cleaning tools.

Carpet steam cleaner / hot water extractor (HWE)

Carpet steam cleaners, or hot water extractors, use a combination of high temperature and high pressure. A powerful pump and vacuum send hot water vapor deep into the carpet to dislodge and lift out dirt and stains from the carpet fibers. HWE machines cost more but give superior results.

Carpet steam cleaner / HWE rental prices
Rental length Steam cleaner / HWE rental prices*
Half-day (4 hours) $55 – $65
24 hours $70 – $125
Weekly $220 – $350
Monthly $590 – $950

*Machine rental price only; not including cleaning solution or add-on cleaning tools.

  • Most professional truck-mounted carpet cleaners are powerful hot water extractors.

  • You can find HWE machines for rent at some home improvement stores and other retailers renting tools and equipment.

A carpet cleaner lifting dirt from the carpeting in a home
A carpet cleaner lifting dirt from the carpeting in a home

Carpet cleaner rental cost factors

The following factors impact carpet cleaner rental prices:

  • Machine type & size:

    • Renting a heavy-duty or professional-level carpet cleaner costs more than renting a standard one but gives a better result if used correctly.

    • Some machines clean only on the backward motion, while others clean on both the forward and backward passes, reducing cleaning time.

    • Larger machines with a bigger tank capacity may cost more to rent but typically do the job quicker.

  • Availability: In some areas, hot water extraction cleaners are not as widely available for rent as standard carpet cleaners.

  • Rental company: Most grocery and hardware stores rent out standard carpet cleaning machines. Tool rental stores and home improvement stores typically offer both standard and more powerful machines.

  • Rental length: The longer you rent the machine for, the higher the total cost. The cost per day typically goes down if you rent the cleaner for a week or a month.

  • Damage protection: Some companies offer damage protection for an additional 15%. This protection is not insurance, but it covers you for damage from normal wear and tear that occurs during your rental period.

  • Pickup & delivery: Pickup and delivery costs range from $50 to $75 each way. Not all retailers offer this service.

  • Deposit: Many stores require you to pay a deposit to rent the machine. This increases your upfront cost, but the deposit is typically refundable if you bring the machine back with no issues.

Get free estimates from carpet cleaning services near you.

Professional vs. rental carpet cleaners

While hiring a professional carpet cleaning service costs more than renting a DIY carpet cleaner, weigh the details, pros, and cons of each option before making your decision. Renting saves money and you can clean on your own time, but the machines are typically not as effective as professional-grade carpet cleaners.

Professional vs. rental carpet cleaners
Factor Professional carpet cleaner Rental carpet cleaners /
consumer carpet cleaning machines
Average cost $125 – $250 (1 to 3 rooms) $30 – $125 per day rental*
Pros
  • More thorough cleaning
  • May include fans to reduce drying time
  • Typically have multiple cleansers to address a variety of problems
  • Trained professionals
  • Cheaper
  • Clean on your own schedule
Cons
  • More expensive
  • Must schedule appointment
  • Less powerful machines with limited effectiveness
  • Longer drying time and increased mold and mildew risk
  • Time-consuming and labor-intensive
  • May have a learning curve
  • Higher risk of damaging the carpet
  • May be responsible for machine repair or replacement

*Machine rental price only; not including cleaning solution or add-on cleaning tools.

Cleaning the carpet in a home
Cleaning the carpet in a home

FAQs about carpet cleaner rental

Is it worth renting a carpet cleaner?

Renting a carpet cleaner may be worth it for deep cleaning carpets between professional cleanings. A carpet cleaning machine can help prolong the carpet's life and improve indoor air quality by removing dust and other allergens from the carpet fibers.

If your home needs frequent deep cleaning and you have the available storage space, compare the cost of buying a machine to the cost and frequency of renting one to determine the better long-term choice.

What is the best rental carpet cleaning machine?

Bissell and Rug Doctor are the top rental carpet cleaner brands most local retailers carry. Opinions are mixed as to which is the best choice. Compare features and read reviews for each brand and model to determine which will work best for your carpet type and cleaning needs.

Where can I rent a carpet cleaner?

You can rent a carpet cleaner from home improvement and hardware stores like Ace, Home Depot, and Lowe's. Many grocery stores, pet stores, business suppliers, and other retailers also rent carpet cleaning machines.

Should you vacuum before using a carpet cleaning machine?

Yes. Vacuuming thoroughly before using a carpet cleaning machine allows the machine to deeper clean the carpets rather than fight through dirt and debris first.

How long does it take carpet to dry after cleaning?

Carpets typically need 6 to 24 hours to fully dry after cleaning, depending on the cleaning method and the air circulation in the space. Proper ventilation speeds up the drying process.

How often should carpets be cleaned?

Experts recommend deep cleaning carpets every 12 to 18 months for low- or moderate-traffic areas and every 6 to 12 months on average for high-traffic areas like entryways and hallways. This more frequent schedule is also ideal for homes with children, pets, or family members with allergies.

Get free estimates from carpet cleaning services near you.

How much does it cost to rent a carpet cleaner from Walmart?

Renting a carpet cleaner from Walmart costs $20 to $50 per day, depending on the model and location. This price does not include cleaning solution, which adds $15 to $35+. Contact your local Walmart to confirm the available models and costs.

Questions to ask when renting a carpet cleaner

Before renting a carpet cleaner, get estimates from carpet cleaning companies near you. Professional cleaning is more effective and may save you money in the long run. If you decide to stick with a rental, be sure to ask the following questions:

  • What is the daily rental rate?

  • How much deposit do you require, and is it refundable?

  • What machine do you recommend for my carpet type?

  • Will you show me how to use the machine, and how to clean it after use?

  • What cleaning solution do I need for this machine?

  • What happens if the machine breaks while I'm renting it?

  • Do you offer discounts on carpet cleaner rentals?

  • Do you offer pickup and delivery?

  • What do you charge for late returns?

  • Can I extend my rental if needed?

  • What is the return process, and can I return the machine to any location?