Should I clean my own carpet with one of those professional carpet cleaning machines?



Here's a pic of the professional carpet cleaning machine I use

 Have you ever considered buying your very own commercial grade carpet cleaning machine?  Well I did it, and here's my story:

I used to rent one from Home Depot every few months or so (just like the one pictured above).  Then I got tired of schlepping that thing back and forth (it's heavy) so I asked if I could buy it.  They, of course, obliged to the tune of around $400.  Which, I believe, is about market rate for one of these carpet cleaning units.  I saw one at Costco, similar unit, different brand, for about that.  New is probably better.  I bought a used one for some reason.  Was it a good investment?  If you consider spending @ $100 a pop to have the professionals do it, perhaps it pays for itself after 4 or 5 uses.  But remember the opportunity cost and sore muscles (if you're out of shape like me). 

If you decide to spring for one (or rent one), here's a couple things I've learned over the years:

• The handle folds down & makes it slightly more compact & easier to carry.  It's still heavy though.
• Use hot water with little to no "shampoo".  I will either directly spot-treat or place a 1/4 cup of Folex in with the water if necessary.   Folex is the best because it doesn't foam up or leave residue. I used a foaming shampoo once, and it reminded me of that episode of the Brady Bunch when the washing machine overflowed with suds.
• Use your bathtub to fill the blue water bucket.  I used to do it at the sink, which made a mess & took forever.  I even went so far as to boil water on the stove & then put it in.  Loser.  I know.  Beware: I think hot cleans best, but it can loosen the glue. 
• Dump the dirty water in the toilet.  It will be filthy, disgusting and likely have pet hair and small rocks, which the toilet can handle.  I used to poor it in the kitchen sink & the disposal almost blew up trying to grind those tiny rocks. 
• When cleaning, pull the machine backwards and go slowly, slinging that cord over your shoulder. I was told when I rented it to be sure, whatever I did, DON'T run over that cord! I've never done it.  Not sure what really happens, but just in case. 
• You'll get used to the loud, obnoxious noise, but when it changes to a different kind of annoying buzzing sound, it's out of water.  Watch the little clear tube in back as well, because it will show the level of water.
• Try to do it on a day when you can have the windows open & the ceiling fans on.  It get super humid.
• If you use the hand tool, be sure to connect it properly.  I had Home Depot order me a new one, got home and realized they had the water hose opposite the suction hose end and I had to rework it.
• When done, take the blue bucket off, and if possible get it lower than the unit itself.  Then pull the clear tube on the back down, into the bucket, and the remaining water will come out. 
• It's not a bad idea to run a bucket of clear, clean water through using the previous step.
• Afterward, I also hold the hand tool hose up to an outdoor water spigot to rinse it through.

Did I do the right thing buying this machine?  Should I have kept renting or just hired someone to do it?  I'm not sure.  I like to think I'm saving a bundle, and I like to do it when/where I want to.  I guess I like to have the control too.  This last go-around, I actually used the spray hose on a few dirty walls & wiped 'em down while I was at it!  Cleaned my car's carpet & upholstery too.  Now that I know the ropes, I think it was worth it.
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