Are you tired of looking at those stubborn stains and general grubbiness on your carpet? Does your carpet look old and worn no matter how much you vacuum? It may be time for a deep clean. But before you go out and buy an expensive carpet cleaning machine or hire a pricey professional service, consider renting a cleaner from your local Safeway store.
As a retail expert and picky shopper, I‘ve done the research and analysis to bring you the ultimate guide to Safeway carpet cleaner rentals. From how the rental process works to choosing the right machine, usage tips, cost comparisons and more, get ready to become a carpet cleaning pro and give your floors a much-needed refresh!
Why Deep Clean Your Carpet?
Sure, regular vacuuming helps control surface dirt and dust, but it can‘t quite reach the deep down grime that builds up over time. That‘s where a carpet cleaning machine comes in.
Here are some compelling reasons to periodically deep clean your carpets:
- Remove stubborn stains and spills
- Eliminate odors, especially from pets
- Reduce dust mites and other allergens
- Restore color and texture
- Extend the life of your carpet
- Maintain your carpet‘s warranty (many require annual professional cleanings)
Did you know that the average household can accumulate 40 pounds of dust per year? Much of that ends up trapped deep in your carpet fibers. In fact, indoor air quality can be 8-10 times more polluted than outdoor air, largely due to dust and allergens hiding in carpet, according to the EPA.
For health purposes, the American Lung Association recommends deep cleaning your carpets every 12-18 months, more frequently for high-traffic areas or homes with kids, pets or allergy sufferers. So if it‘s been a while, your carpet is probably long overdue for a cleaning!
Renting a Carpet Cleaner from Safeway
Luckily, you don‘t have to go out and buy a machine or hire a pro to get your carpets looking new again. Many Safeway stores offer affordable carpet cleaner rentals through their partnership with the well-known brand Rug Doctor.
How the Rental Process Works
The first step is to check if your local Safeway offers the rentals and if they have any machines available on your desired day/time. While you can always just show up and get in line at the customer service desk, I recommend calling ahead to confirm availability, especially if you have a large area to clean and need the machine for a longer period.
When you arrive at the store, head to the customer service desk and let them know you‘d like to rent a carpet cleaner. You‘ll need to provide a valid government-issued photo ID (driver‘s license, passport, military ID, etc.) and a credit or debit card for payment. Cash and personal checks are not accepted for rentals in case of incidental charges.
Rental fees must be paid upfront. Safeway typically charges:
- $30-35 for 24 hours
- $40-45 for 48 hours
- $20-25 for the 4-hour handheld spot cleaner
*Prices may vary slightly by location
A store associate will bring the machine out to you and give a quick demonstration on how to use it. They‘ll make sure you have the instruction manual and accessories as well. You‘re then good to go and can wheel the machine out to your vehicle.
The rental period begins when you leave the store, not when you start using the machine. So if you rent at 12pm for 24 hours, it‘s due back by 12pm the next day. Be sure to factor in transportation time in addition to your estimated cleaning time.
When you return the machine, an associate will check it back in and make sure the tanks are empty and the equipment isn‘t damaged beyond normal wear and tear. As long as everything looks good, you‘re all set! If you do happen to damage the machine or bring it back excessively dirty, you may be charged an additional cleaning or repair fee.
Choosing the Right Rental Machine
Safeway offers three Rug Doctor models for rent. Here‘s a detailed comparison to help you choose the best one for your needs:
| Model | Best For | Specs | Rental Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rug Doctor X3 | Extra large homes, high-traffic areas, heavily soiled carpets | 1.9 HP motor, 12" cleaning path, 1 gallon tank, 28 foot cord | $40-45 / 48 hrs |
| Rug Doctor Mighty Pro | Average size homes, regular carpet cleaning maintenance | 1.74 HP motor, 10.8" cleaning path, 3.9 gallon tank, 28 foot cord | $35-40 / 24 hrs |
| Rug Doctor Pro Portable Detailer & Spot Cleaner | Stairs, upholstery, cars, quick stain removal | 1 HP motor, 5.5 foot hose, 64 oz tank | $20-25 / 4 hrs |
All three models have Rug Doctor‘s signature dual cross action brushes for deep cleaning agitation. The upright models also convert to a simple hose and attachment for cleaning stairs, furniture and vehicles.
For serious carpet rehab or large square footage, go with the X3. It boasts 75% more suction compared to leading upright deep cleaners. However, it is bulkier and heavier, so keep that in mind if you have a lot of stairs or limited strength and mobility.
The Mighty Pro is ideal for average size homes and routine maintenance cleanings. It‘s Rug Doctor‘s classic model and provides professional-grade cleaning performance and features.
For small messes or spot treatments, the Pro Portable is your best bet. It‘s compact and easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The long hose is handy for stairs and the model easily fits in most vehicles.
Cost Comparison: Renting vs Buying vs Hiring
One of the biggest benefits of renting a carpet cleaner is the cost savings compared to buying your own machine or hiring a professional carpet cleaning service. Let‘s break it down:
Renting from Safeway:
- $30-45 for 24-48 hour rental period
- Additional cost of cleaning solution (around $20)
- Total: $50-65 per use, 1-2 times per year
- Annual cost: $100-$130
Buying your own carpet cleaning machine:
- $150-$500+ for initial purchase
- $20-30 per use for cleaning solution
- Ongoing maintenance and possible repairs
- Total: $190-$560 initial investment
- Annual cost: $40-$60+ for solution
Professional carpet cleaning service:
- $25-50 per room
- $75-300 for whole house
- Typically recommended every 12-18 months
- Annual cost: $150-$600
As you can see, renting is by far the most economical option, costing around half of even the cheapest carpet cleaner to buy outright. Plus, you don‘t have to worry about storage or maintenance. Even if you rent the top-of-the-line X3 model for a full 48 hours twice per year, your annual costs are still well under buying.
Compared to hiring a professional cleaning service, renting can save you hundreds per year, even factoring in the cost of your time and labor to do it yourself. Of course, there are situations where hiring a pro makes sense. For extremely delicate oriental rugs, major disaster restoration or if you physically cannot operate the machines yourself, calling in a professional is your best bet.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Carpet Cleaner Rental
To get your money‘s worth out of your Safeway carpet cleaner rental, here are some expert tips to maximize performance and results:
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Vacuum thoroughly before cleaning. The more loose dirt and debris you can remove from the carpet beforehand, the more effective the deep cleaning will be. Don‘t skimp on this step!
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Pre-treat any visible stains. Use Rug Doctor‘s Spot & Stain remover or your own favorite carpet stain treatment on noticeable spots before you start cleaning the whole room. Let it sit for 3-5 minutes to penetrate.
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Use the right cleaning solution. Safeway sells Rug Doctor‘s professional-grade carpet cleaning solutions that are specifically formulated for their machines. Using other brands is not recommended as they can void the rental agreement and cause excess foaming in the machine. For heavy duty cleaning, try their Oxy-Steam solution. For milder everyday cleaning, go with the regular carpet cleaner.
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Don‘t skimp on the solution. It may be tempting to use less cleaning solution than recommended to save money, but you need an adequate amount for the machine to be effective. Follow the instructions for filling the tank and mixing ratios. When in doubt, lean towards more solution rather than less.
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Take your time. Run the machine at a slow, steady pace. Pushing it too quickly will not give the brushes enough time to agitate and extract the dirt. Two "wet" passes and at least two "dry" passes for each section of carpet is a good rule of thumb.
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Overlap your passes slightly. To avoid missing spots, overlap each pass by an inch or two, especially with a heavily soiled carpet.
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Allow plenty of drying time. Carpets can take anywhere from 2-24 hours to dry completely, depending on airflow and humidity levels. To speed up dry time, ventilate the room as much as possible with fans, open windows, running the A/C, etc. Avoid walking on the carpet until it is fully dry to prevent re-soiling.
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Manage your expectations. While renting a Rug Doctor can produce impressive results, some stains are permanent and carpets with extreme wear may never look brand new again. Set realistic expectations based on the age and condition of your carpet.
Real Customers, Real Results
To give you a better idea of the kind of results you can expect from a Safeway rental, here are some real customer reviews:
"I was skeptical that a rental machine could get my carpet clean after my kids and dog destroyed it, but the Rug Doctor X3 from Safeway worked wonders! The water coming out was black but my carpet looks amazing now. Well worth the $45 to not have to buy my own machine." – Sarah K., Seattle
"This was my first time renting a carpet cleaner. I got the Mighty Pro and it was easy to use and did a great job. My carpet looks so much brighter and fresher now. I‘ll definitely rent again next year for a fraction of what a cleaning service charges." – John R., Portland
"I just used the portable spot cleaner on my upholstered dining room chairs and it lifted stains that have been there for years! I‘m a pet sitter and it worked great for removing pet hair and odors from my carpet and furniture too. Awesome little machine for the price." – Rachel M., San Francisco
Of course, no product works perfectly for everyone. The most common complaints about Rug Doctor rentals are:
- The machines are heavy/bulky and can be hard to maneuver (especially the X3)
- Rental fees and solution costs can add up for very large homes that take longer than 48 hours to clean
- Rented machines may not be in pristine condition and sometimes break down or perform poorly
For the vast majority of customers though, Safeway carpet cleaner rentals offer a convenient and cost-effective solution for turning back the clock on dingy, stained carpet.
FAQ on Safeway Carpet Cleaner Rentals
To wrap up, here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Safeway rental process:
Q: Do I need to empty and clean the machine before returning it?
A: Yes, you are responsible for emptying the dirty water tank and cleaning out any large debris from the brushes and hoses. The machine should be returned in the same condition you received it in.
Q: What happens if I return the machine late?
A: Safeway charges a late fee equal to the original rental rate for each additional day. So if you paid $40 for a 48-hour rental, you‘ll owe another $40 for each extra day you keep it. To avoid this, give yourself plenty of time for cleaning and drying before the return deadline.
Q: Can I use my own cleaning solution in the Rug Doctor?
A: No, the rental agreement requires that you use Rug Doctor branded solutions in their machines. Using other products can cause problems like excess foaming and may result in additional fees.
Q: Does Safeway accept competitor coupons for carpet cleaner rentals?
A: No, Safeway does not accept competitor coupons for Rug Doctor rentals.
Q: Are Rug Doctor carpet cleaners safe for homes with babies and pets?
A: Yes, as long as you follow the directions, Rug Doctor machines and solutions are safe for use around children and animals. Their solutions are non-toxic and the machines are designed to extract the majority of cleaning solution from the carpet, leaving minimal residue behind. However, it‘s always a good idea to allow extra drying time and ventilation to be on the safe side.
With these insider tips and information, you‘re now equipped to tackle your carpet cleaning project with confidence! Whether you‘re facing tough stains, fighting allergies or just want to freshen up your home for the season, consider giving Safeway Rug Doctor rentals a try.
I was pleasantly surprised by the results in my own home. The 24-hour rental of the Mighty Pro was more than enough time to deep clean my 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom house. The carpet looks noticeably brighter and smells amazing. I appreciate being able to get professional-level cleaning for a fraction of the cost of hiring a service.
In my opinion, every smart consumer should take advantage of this convenient rental option to maintain the appearance and value of their carpets. When you consider the cost savings over time compared to other carpet cleaning methods, Safeway rentals are a no-brainer.
So what are you waiting for? Reserve your Rug Doctor today and get ready to be amazed at how new your old carpet can look again!
