How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Carpet Cleaner? [2025 Data]
The average cost to rent a carpet cleaner is $45, with most homeowners paying between $25 and $70, depending on rental duration, machine type, and location.
Renting a carpet cleaner is a budget-friendly way to refresh carpets.
Costs vary by rental duration, machine type, and location.
Cleaning solutions and attachments can increase your total cost.
DIY rentals save on labor rates, which range from $20 to $40 per hour, but require time and effort.
Professional cleaning may be better for large or heavily soiled areas.
This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by an Angi Editor in accordance with our AI policy.
On average, homeowners spend $45 per carpet cleaner rental, with prices ranging from $20 to $100 depending on the machine, rental period, and location. Most rental providers charge per 24-hour period, with additional fees for cleaning solutions and accessories.
Renting a carpet cleaner is a practical solution for deep cleaning your floors without the expense of hiring a professional. This guide breaks down the factors that impact rental costs, add-on expenses, and offers tips to help you save money while keeping your carpets looking their best.
Carpet Cleaner Rental Cost Factors
Understanding what influences the cost to rent a carpet cleaner can help you make the best decision for your home. Let’s look at the main factors that impact pricing.
Types
Carpet cleaner rental options include upright machines, portable units, and commercial-grade models:
Upright cleaners are most commonly used for home cleaning, while portable machines are ideal for spot cleaning or more minor tasks.
Commercial-grade machines offer deeper cleaning but often come at a higher rental price.
Steam cleaners, which use hot water vapor, may also be available and sometimes cost more than traditional carpet shampooers.
| Carpet Cleaner Type | Average Rental Cost (24 Hours) | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Upright | $25–$40 | Standard cleaning, home use |
| Portable | $20–$30 | Spot cleaning, lightweight |
| Commercial-grade | $50–$70 | Heavy-duty, faster cleaning |
| Steam cleaner | $35–$60 | Deep clean, uses hot steam |
Size
The size of your cleaning project plays a big role in determining your rental needs. Cleaning one or two rooms may require a single-day rental, while larger homes or multiple rooms often need a longer rental period or a larger, more efficient machine. The more square footage you plan to clean, the more time and possibly higher cost you’ll face.
| Area Size | Estimated Rental Duration | Average Total Rental Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1 room (up to 250 sq. ft.) | 1 day | $25–$40 |
| 2–3 rooms (250–750 sq. ft.) | 1–2 days | $35–$60 |
| 4+ rooms (750+ sq. ft.) | 2+ days | $50–$100 |
Materials
Carpet material affects both cleaning needs and potential costs. Synthetic carpets are easier to clean and compatible with most rental machines. Wool or specialty carpets may need gentler cleaning solutions or specific machines, which can increase the overall cost. High-pile carpets may also require more cleaning passes, which can impact rental duration.
| Carpet Material | Recommended Machine Type | Additional Cost Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Synthetic | Upright or portable | Standard solutions, no extra cost |
| Wool | Steam cleaner | Gentle solution, possible extra fee |
| High-pile | Commercial-grade | May need longer rental, more solutions |
| Low-pile | Upright or portable | No extra cost |
Labor
Most carpet cleaner rentals are designed for DIY use, so labor costs are not included. However, if you need help with transporting or setting up the machine, some stores offer assistance for an additional fee. Rates for optional helpers can range from $20 to $40 per hour, with slight regional differences. This is rarely necessary for most homeowners, but it is available if needed.
Prep
Proper preparation ensures efficient cleaning and can influence your rental duration. You’ll need to move furniture out of the way and vacuum thoroughly before using the carpet cleaner. Some homeowners purchase pre-treatment sprays for tough stains, which can cost an extra $5 to $15 per bottle. Taking the time to prepare your carpet can help you complete the job faster and avoid extra rental days.
Additional Cost Factors
Several additional expenses can add to your total cost when renting a carpet cleaner:
Cleaning solution: Most rentals require a specific cleaning solution, which costs $5 to $20 per bottle.
Attachments: Upholstery or stair tools may add $3 to $10 each to your rental.
Security deposit: Some stores require a refundable deposit, ranging from $20 to $50.
Late fees: Returning the machine late can result in charges of $10 to $30 per extra day.
Delivery and pickup: If offered, this service may add $15 to $30 each way.
Damage fees: If the machine is damaged during your rental, repair costs can range from $50 for minor fixes to several hundred dollars for major issues.
Taxes and environmental fees: Local taxes or disposal fees may apply, a small percentage of your total.
DIY Carpet Cleaning vs. Hiring a Pro
Let’s compare the costs and benefits of renting a carpet cleaner versus hiring a professional service.
Renting a carpet cleaner for DIY use costs $25 to $70 for the machine, plus $5 to $20 for cleaning solution and any add-ons. The main investment is your time and effort, as cleaning can take several hours depending on the area. Professional carpet cleaning costs $25 to $75 per room or $0.20 to $0.40 per square foot, but includes labor, expertise, and powerful equipment.
DIY cleaning requires a bit of skill to avoid over-wetting or damaging your carpet. Local carpet cleaners bring experience and can often tackle tough stains more effectively, saving you time and hassle, especially for large or heavily soiled areas.
| Method | Average Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY rental | $35–$90 | Lower cost, flexible timing, hands-on | Labor-intensive, risk of mistakes |
| Professional cleaning | $100–$300+ | Expert results, less effort, deep clean | Higher price, must schedule service |
Cost of Common Carpet Cleaner Rental Add-Ons
Rental providers offer several add-ons to enhance your carpet cleaning project. The table below outlines common fees you might encounter.
| Add-On | Average Cost | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Upholstery cleaning tool | $3–$10 | Cleans furniture, drapes, and car seats |
| Stair cleaning tool | $3–$10 | Designed for stairs and tight spaces |
| Extra cleaning solution | $5–$20 | Additional bottles for larger areas |
| Pet stain/odor formula | $7–$25 | Specialized for removing pet messes |
| Delivery/pickup service | $15–$30 | Transport to and from your home |
| Extended rental period | $10–$30/day | Extra days or hours beyond the standard rental |
| Protective carpet treatment | $10–$30 | Stain guard is applied after cleaning |
Tips to Reduce Cost When Renting a Carpet Cleaner
To keep your rental costs as low as possible, consider these strategies:
Rent during off-peak days or times for discounts.
Clean and prep the area thoroughly before renting to minimize rental time.
Share rental costs with neighbors or friends for back-to-back use.
Use coupons, loyalty programs, or store promotions.
Bring your own cleaning solution if allowed and cost-effective.
Return the machine on time to avoid late fees.
Compare rental rates at multiple local stores or online.
Choose the right machine size for your needs to avoid unnecessary costs.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
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