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Yes, you can rent or buy a steam cleaner. A heavy-duty steam cleaner costs between $175 and $250 at most retail outlets and online. You can also usually rent one for around $40 per day.

Most of the larger machines you can rent from a hardware or grocery store have a larger water reserve and a heating element. Both operate by moving slowly and methodically over the carpet. Whether you rent or buy a unit, you will want to stay off your carpet for at least 12 to 24 hours while they dry.

Vinegar and baking soda can be effective for removing old carpet stains, although success may depend on the type of stain. There are two common methods for this process.

One method involves combining the ingredients directly on the stain to create a chemical reaction. First, pour a generous layer of dry baking soda over the stain. In a spray bottle, mix distilled white vinegar with 1 cup of warm water and a few drops of liquid dish soap, then spray this solution thoroughly over the baking soda. The mixture will foam as the acidic vinegar reacts with the basic baking soda, which helps loosen and lift the stain. Let this sit for a few hours until it dries, then wipe or vacuum up the residue and blot the area with a clean, dry towel. You can repeat the process if the stain persists.

An alternative method suggests using the ingredients separately. Start by sprinkling baking soda on the stain and letting it sit for 15 to 30 minutes before vacuuming it up. Next, blot the remaining stain with a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water, and then blot the area dry with a clean cloth.

Upholstery seems easy to clean in theory, but it gets complicated when you consider how many cleaning designations there are for different kinds of fabrics. While some couches can handle a liquid cleaner, others require foam cleaners, and some should only be cleaned with dry cleaning products to prevent damage. It’s usually best to hire a professional upholstery cleaning service to ensure your couch gets appropriately cleaned and doesn’t get damaged in the process. Professional furniture cleaning is relatively affordable and easier on the wallet than replacing a damaged couch.

While you can clean memory foam, it should not go through a washing machine or be soaked in water. Always clean memory foam according to the tag's instructions. That said, many memory foam items come with removable covers that can be machine washed.