Renting a carpet steamer can be handled in little time. If your carpets are dirty and you want to steam clean them without hiring a professional, you'll likely find the rental process simple and budget friendly. A little planning ahead, such as removing clutter and vacuuming carpets before you rent, will allow you more time with the machine. Many grocery, chain, and local hardware stores offer half-day or 24-hour rentals.
Large hardware stores, do-it-yourself moving locations, and many chain grocery stores offer carpet cleaner rentals. Call ahead, or visit the store to determine availability. Ask if you can reserve a steamer for a specific time. Before picking up the machine, determine how much room needs cleaned and estimate how long it will take. This will help you decide how long you should rent the machine.
Inspect the appliance. If there are obvious dents, loose wheels, standing water, excessive dirt, or pet hair, ask the store clerk to give you a different machine. These steamers have likely been used by many others before you, so if they appear in poor shape, they may not clean as well as they should.
Ask the clerk to explain how to empty water from the steamer, and how to add shampoo. If you don't already know, find out what type of cleaning solutions to use. Most locations offer a full range of cleaning supplies for the machines they rent.
Fill out the rental agreement and show two forms of current photo identification. A driver's license, state ID card, immigration card, passport, student ID, military ID card, or store check-cashing card may be used. Usually, a credit card is required in lieu of a deposit, but many stores accept cash instead.
You will be given a receipt and a copy of the rental agreement. Make sure you understand the terms and that the time you need to return the machine is correct. Some stores charge a fee if the machine is returned late.