Are you looking for a cost-effective way to deep clean your carpets without investing in an expensive machine or hiring a professional service? Dollar General, in partnership with Rug Doctor, offers a convenient and affordable carpet cleaner rental program at select locations nationwide.
In this ultimate guide, we‘ll dive into all the details of Dollar General‘s carpet cleaner rental service, including:
- Types of machines available
- Rental costs and time periods
- How it compares to other retailer‘s programs
- Tips for choosing the right option and getting the best results
- Benefits of renting vs. buying or hiring a pro
By the end, you‘ll have everything you need to know to make an informed decision and get the most value for your money. Let‘s get started!
Dollar General‘s Rug Doctor Rental Program
Dollar General has offered Rug Doctor carpet cleaner rentals at select stores since 2010. It‘s part of their strategy to provide value-added services that attract customers and increase foot traffic.
Rug Doctor is a leading brand in the carpet cleaning industry, known for their powerful, professional-grade machines. They‘ve been renting directly to consumers since 1972, but partnering with retailers like Dollar General makes their products even more accessible.
What Types of Machines Are Available?
Dollar General typically offers two types of Rug Doctor carpet cleaning machines for rent:
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Rug Doctor Mighty Pro X3: This is a robust, upright machine ideal for cleaning large carpeted areas. It features a wide cleaning path, a rotary brush for deep dirt extraction, and a "Super Boost" spray function for extra cleaning power on heavily soiled spots.
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Rug Doctor Pro Portable Detailer & Spot Cleaner: This compact, portable machine is perfect for cleaning small areas like upholstery, stairs, car interiors, or spot-treating stains. It still packs a powerful punch with its motorized brush and suction.
Both machines are user-friendly and come with detailed instructions. However, they do require some physical effort to transport and operate, so keep that in mind when making your selection.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent?
The rental costs for Rug Doctor machines at Dollar General are quite reasonable, especially compared to professional cleaning services. As of 2023, the base rental prices are:
- Mighty Pro X3: $29.99 for 24 hours, $39.99 for 48 hours
- Pro Portable Detailer & Spot Cleaner: $19.99 for 4 hours
Keep in mind that these prices do not include the cost of cleaning solution or optional accessories like the upholstery tool. You‘ll need to purchase those separately. Rug Doctor solutions range from $14.99-$29.99 depending on the formula and size.
There may also be a security deposit required (usually around $20-$30) which will be refunded when you return the machine in clean, undamaged condition. Late fees of $5-$10 per day typically apply if you keep the machine past the agreed rental period.
How Does It Compare to Other Retailers?
Dollar General‘s rental prices are on par with or slightly lower than other big box retailers that offer Rug Doctor rentals. For example, as of 2023:
- Home Depot: $35 for 24 hours, $45 for 48 hours
- Walmart: $29.99 for 24 hours, $39.99 for 48 hours
- Lowe‘s: $35 for 24 hours, $45 for 48 hours
One potential advantage of renting from Dollar General is convenience – with over 18,000 stores nationwide, there‘s likely a location closer to home. However, not all Dollar General stores participate in the rental program, so be sure to check ahead.
Is Renting a Carpet Cleaner Worth It?
Now that we‘ve covered the specifics of Dollar General‘s program, let‘s take a step back and consider if renting a carpet cleaner is the right choice for you. Here are some of the key benefits:
Cost Savings vs. Buying or Hiring
Purchasing your own high-quality carpet cleaning machine can easily run you $200-$500+. Renting allows you to access professional-grade equipment for a fraction of that cost.
According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost to hire a professional carpet cleaning service ranges from $121-$233 for a typical 3 bedroom home. Even factoring in the cost of solution, renting a machine and doing it yourself can be significantly cheaper, especially if you only need to clean 1-2 rooms.
Flexibility and Convenience
With rental periods as short as 4 hours, you only pay for the time you need. This is ideal for small jobs, spot-treating, or testing out a machine before committing to a purchase.
Plus, you don‘t have to worry about storing or maintaining a bulky carpet cleaner long-term. Just pick it up when you need it and return when you‘re done – no closet space required.
Eco-Friendliness
Renting a carpet cleaner can be more environmentally-friendly than relying on disposable products or hiring a service that uses harsh chemicals. With a rental, you control what solutions you use and can opt for more natural, biodegradable formulas.
Plus, when multiple people share the same machine, it cuts down on the resources needed to manufacture more products. That‘s a win-win!
Tips for Making the Most of Your Rental
If you‘ve decided to give Dollar General‘s carpet cleaner rental a try, here are some expert tips to help you get the best bang for your buck:
Preparation is Key
For optimal results, don‘t skip these essential preparation steps:
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Thoroughly vacuum the carpet first to remove surface dirt and debris. This allows the machine to extract the deeper-down grime.
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Pre-treat any heavily soiled or high-traffic areas with a stain remover or extra cleaning solution.
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Test for colorfastness in an inconspicuous spot before cleaning the entire carpet. Dab a small amount of solution and blot with a white cloth to make sure the colors don‘t run.
Read the Instructions
Yes, it‘s tempting to just wing it, but taking a few minutes to read the machine‘s instruction manual can save you a lot of headaches. Make sure you understand how to properly fill and empty the tanks, adjust the settings, and maneuver the machine.
Most Rug Doctor machines have helpful instructional diagrams right on the unit itself. Take advantage of those visual aids!
Take Your Time
Rushing through the job won‘t do you any favors in the long run. Work in a slow, methodical pattern, slightly overlapping each pass to ensure you don‘t miss any spots.
Keep an eye on the machine‘s dirty water tank and empty as needed. If the water starts looking clear, you‘re probably ready to move on to the next section.
Let It Dry
Resist the urge to immediately put all the furniture back and walk on the carpet. It needs adequate time to air dry completely to avoid mold, mildew, or re-soiling.
If possible, keep kids and pets off the carpet for at least 6 hours, or until it‘s no longer damp to the touch. Opening windows and running fans can speed up the drying process.
Don‘t Forget to Clean the Machine
Before returning your rental, make sure to give the machine itself a once-over. Empty and rinse out the dirty water tank, wipe down any exterior dirt or debris, and wind up the power cords.
Most Dollar General locations will charge a cleaning fee (usually around $25) if the machine is returned excessively dirty. A few extra minutes of TLC can save you that headache!
The Bottom Line
Renting a carpet cleaner from Dollar General can be an economical, efficient way to refresh your carpets without the long-term commitment or high upfront costs. With a little preparation and know-how, you can achieve professional-level results at a DIY price.
Of course, renting isn‘t the right solution for everyone. If you have a large home with lots of carpeting or need to deep clean multiple times a year, investing in your own machine may be more cost-effective in the long run.
But for the occasional spot-clean or seasonal refresh, Dollar General‘s Rug Doctor rental program is definitely worth checking out. With competitive prices, convenient locations, and powerful equipment, it‘s a great option for savvy shoppers looking to stretch their cleaning budget.
Just remember to read the fine print, follow the instructions, and give yourself plenty of time to do the job right. With a little elbow grease and these expert tips, you‘ll have clean, fresh-smelling carpets in no time – without blowing your budget.