Carpet Cleaning

[Falcon57]

I am considering in buying a carpet steam cleaner. I don't know if it is more economical to rent one or not. What is the best route to go? What model of cleaner should I consider before buying?

[O&J'sdad]

If you have kids and pets I would just buy one. We have a hoover steam vac and you wouldn't believe the crap it gets out of the carpet. It has worked great for the 4 or 5 years we have had it.

[Falcon57]

I live in a condo by myself and feel I need to do this at least twice or three times a year in addition to vacuuming.

[Jake]

I have also used the hoover steam vac. It works awesome!

[Falcon57]

Do most of these steam cleaners use chemicals along with water? I know it may sound stupid, but I am concerned about chemical residue in the carpet.

[MTF8]

Most (if not all) steam cleaners can be run without chemical cleaner. I had a steamvac that I used without chemicals for years, just nice hot water to power away the crud. I had that steamvac until I foolishly loaned it to a friend, came back clogged with dog crap and gravel, and that was the end of that.

[cadsfe]

These cleaners are great. Which one to get depends on how much you are willing to spend.
The hoover steam cleaners are great. But the professional ones do actually work better. The rug doctor ones that you can buy do work EXCELLENT. But they run about 600.00. I had borrowed one from my neighbor at the time and after cleaning with the hoover steam cleaner then going over it with the rug doctor it was cleaner. Would I spend 600 on a cleaner most likely not but I would recommend getting some form of a cleaner if you have pets or kids as they are worth it if you use it.

Jeron