As a busy homeowner, you know that keeping your carpets clean is essential not just for appearance, but also for the health and longevity of your flooring. While regular vacuuming can help remove surface dirt and debris, deep cleaning with a carpet cleaner is recommended every 12-18 months to extract ground-in soil, stains, allergens, and bacteria.
If you‘re considering deep cleaning your carpets yourself, you may be wondering whether it‘s better to rent or buy a carpet cleaning machine. Many retailers, including Target, sell a variety of carpet cleaners for home use – but what about rentals? In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explore whether Target rents carpet cleaners, the pros and cons of renting vs. buying, and everything you need to know to make the best choice for your home and budget.
Does Target Rent Carpet Cleaners?
The short answer is no, Target does not currently offer carpet cleaner rentals at any of its stores or online. The retailer only sells carpet cleaning machines, along with a selection of cleaning solutions and accessories, for customers to purchase and use at home.
However, this isn‘t necessarily bad news for shoppers. In fact, Target‘s focus on selling rather than renting carpet cleaners can actually be an advantage in terms of selection, quality, and value. "By offering carpet cleaners for purchase only, Target can provide a wider range of models and features to suit different needs and budgets," says Jenna Wilson, a home cleaning expert with over a decade of experience. "Customers can also take advantage of Target‘s competitive prices, frequent sales, and flexible return policy when buying a carpet cleaner."
Advantages of Owning Your Own Carpet Cleaner
While renting a carpet cleaner may seem like a more affordable short-term solution, there are several compelling reasons to consider purchasing your own machine instead:
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Convenience: With your own carpet cleaner, you can tackle spills, stains, and high-traffic areas whenever they happen, rather than having to plan around rental availability and return deadlines. "Having a carpet cleaner on hand means you can address messes quickly, before they have a chance to set in and become harder to remove," says Wilson.
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Cost savings: Depending on the frequency of use, buying a carpet cleaner can be more economical than renting one repeatedly over time. Let‘s do the math:
- The average cost of renting a carpet cleaner ranges from $30 to $50 per day, plus the cost of cleaning solution (around $15-$25 per bottle).
- If you deep clean your carpets just once a year, that‘s a total cost of $45 to $75 per rental.
- Over the course of 5 years, renting a carpet cleaner annually would cost between $225 and $375.
- In comparison, purchasing a high-quality carpet cleaner from Target typically costs between $150 and $400 upfront, with ongoing costs of around $20-$30 per year for cleaning solution.
- Assuming a lifespan of at least 5 years, the total cost of owning a Target carpet cleaner ranges from $250 to $550 – not significantly more than the cost of renting, with the added convenience and flexibility of having the machine always available.
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Customization: Owning your own carpet cleaner allows you to choose the exact model, features, and cleaning solutions that work best for your home and family. For example, if you have pets or allergies, you may want a carpet cleaner with specialized tools for removing pet hair and dander or a hypoallergenic cleaning formula.
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Improved indoor air quality: According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air pollution is often 2-5 times higher than outdoor levels, in part due to contaminants and allergens trapped in carpeting. Regular deep cleaning with a carpet cleaner can help remove these harmful particles and improve your home‘s overall air quality.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Carpet Cleaner at Target
If you‘ve decided that purchasing a carpet cleaner is the right choice for your needs, Target offers a wide selection of high-quality models from trusted brands like Bissell, Hoover, and Rug Doctor. Here are some key factors to consider when comparing different carpet cleaners at Target:
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Type of machine: Target sells both portable spot cleaners and upright deep cleaning carpet cleaners. Portable models are compact, lightweight, and ideal for cleaning small areas, stairs, upholstery, and car interiors. Upright carpet cleaners are larger and more powerful, with wider cleaning paths and larger tanks for cleaning whole rooms or entire homes.
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Size and capacity: Consider the size of the carpet cleaner in relation to your home‘s layout and storage space. Also look at the machine‘s tank capacity, which will determine how often you need to refill and empty the water and cleaning solution during use.
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Special features: Many carpet cleaners come with specialized tools and features for tackling specific cleaning challenges. For example, some models have heated cleaning or forced air drying for faster results, while others have pet hair removal tools or targeted spray nozzles for stairs and crevices.
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Customer ratings: Reading reviews from other Target shoppers can give you valuable insights into a carpet cleaner‘s real-world performance, ease of use, and durability. Look for models with high overall ratings and positive feedback on the specific features that matter most to you.
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Price and warranty: Target‘s carpet cleaners range in price from around $70 for a basic portable spot cleaner to over $400 for a top-of-the-line upright model. While it‘s important to stay within your budget, investing in a higher-quality machine can pay off in terms of better cleaning performance and longevity. Also consider the length and terms of the manufacturer‘s warranty, which can provide peace of mind and protection for your purchase.
To help you compare some of the best carpet cleaner options sold at Target, we‘ve put together this handy table:
| Model | Type | Weight | Cord Length | Tank Capacity | Special Features | Price | Customer Rating |
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| Bissell Little Green Portable Spot and Stain Cleaner | Portable | 9.65 lbs | 15 ft | 48 oz | Hydro Rinse tool, removable water tanks | $109.99 | 4.6 / 5 |
| Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact Carpet Cleaner | Upright | 12.5 lbs | 20 ft | 0.5 gal | PowerSpin pet brush roll, antimicrobial pet tool | $99.99 | 4.4 / 5 |
| Rug Doctor Mighty Pro X3 Commercial Carpet Cleaner | Upright | 39 lbs | 28 ft | 3.9 gal | Triple-action vibrating brush, adjustable handle | $449.99 | 4.2 / 5 |
| Shark Ultralite Pet Pro Carpet and Hard Floor Cleaner | Upright | 17.8 lbs | 22 ft | 1.0 gal | DuoClean powerhead, powered lift-away mode | $199.99 | 4.5 / 5 |
| Bissell SpotClean ProHeat Portable Carpet Cleaner | Portable | 12 lbs | 22 ft | 37 oz | Built-in water heater, 5 flex hose | $149.99 | 4.5 / 5 |
Data current as of March 2023. Customer ratings based on Target.com reviews.
Proper Use and Maintenance of Your Target Carpet Cleaner
To get the best results and longest lifespan from your Target carpet cleaner, it‘s important to use and maintain it properly. Here are some tips from cleaning expert Jenna Wilson:
- Always vacuum the carpet thoroughly before deep cleaning to remove surface dirt and debris.
- Use only the type and amount of cleaning solution recommended by the manufacturer, as using too much or the wrong kind can leave residue or even damage the machine.
- Fill the clean water tank with hot tap water for best results, but never boiling water which can damage the machine‘s internal components.
- For heavily soiled areas, allow the cleaning solution to penetrate for 5-10 minutes before extracting with the carpet cleaner.
- Make multiple slow, overlapping passes over each section of carpet, both when applying the cleaning solution and when extracting the dirty water.
- Empty and rinse the dirty water tank after each use to prevent odors and bacteria growth.
- Clean the machine‘s brushes, hoses, and tools regularly, and allow all parts to dry completely before storing.
- Have your carpet cleaner serviced professionally every 1-2 years, or as recommended by the manufacturer, to keep it running smoothly.
By following these guidelines and using your Target carpet cleaner regularly, you can enjoy cleaner, healthier carpets and extend the life of your flooring.
The Bottom Line
While Target does not offer carpet cleaner rentals, the retailer sells a wide selection of high-quality, affordable carpet cleaning machines for home use. From portable spot cleaners to full-size upright models, Target has options to fit every need and budget.
When deciding whether to rent or buy a carpet cleaner, consider factors like convenience, cost savings over time, and the ability to customize your cleaning routine. In many cases, owning your own carpet cleaner can be a smart long-term investment in the health and appearance of your home.
By choosing a carpet cleaner that fits your specific needs and using it properly, you can keep your carpets looking and smelling fresh for years to come – all without the hassle and expense of repeated rentals. So the next time you‘re at Target, take a look at their carpet cleaner selection and see if one of these powerful cleaning machines is right for you!
