Anyone used a Rug Doctor? (curtain, sink, cleaner, furniture)
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Looking for tips/tricks with a rug doctor. Did a search on here and there were not any threads here on the subject that I could find, just general recommendations for carpet cleaners.
Thoughts?
I'm guessing it'll be around $40 or so for the machine and chemicals, my grocery store rents one right around the corner so getting it won't be an issue.
We had family over and their dogs peed and threw up on my carpet so I want to get rid of those stains too.
I used one, several times. It works GREAT. Here are some tips:
1) use the rug shampoo. It works better than laundry detergent. Not quite as foamy.
2) Rug doctors come in two sizes. The smaller size it easier to use, but you have to empty it and re-fill it more often. Use the smaller size.
3) After washing, make sure you rinse, twice. Also, go over the carpet one or two times when you are done without spraying in more water. The goal is to suck out as much liquid as you can.
4) The rug doctor gets close to the walls, but doesn't get the last 1/2 inch. Get the attachments if you want to get close to the wall--then you have to get on your hands and knees. I normally don't do this--to much effort.
5) If you move furniture, put aluminum foil under the legs when you put it back. This prevents any color, rust, or wood stain from staining the carpet.
One more tip. Make sure the bottom of the machine is clean. Even if it looks clean, wipe it off anyway. I used one and it left rust colored stains all along my light carpet which couldn't be seen until it dried. Turned out the previous renter never cleaned the bottom and while it looked ok to me it wasn't. I complained to Rug Doctor and after having two inspectors out to survey the damage all I got was a refund for the rental.
The tips offered by the others are right on. I've had good luck with the Rug Doctor.
Remember, the thing is heavy - very heavy. I actually hurt myself lifting it from the car. However once it's in place, it's easy to use.
Yes... I did rent Rug Doctor and it really works, as long as you follow all the above tips. Allow me to add a tip of my own. Spend a few extra bucks and purchase their Heavy Traffic Areas Pre-Treatment Spray. Spray on the heavily soiled areas and let it soak for a while before going over with the machine. It lifts all the stains and grease off the carpet so that you can completely clean the area in one or two passings. The one time I did not use the pre treatment, it took me three times more work, time and water to achieve the same results. I now have my own carpet steamer of another brand but I still use their pre treatment spray every time I clean my carpets.
Yes, if you rent the upholstery attachments. Make sure you wash the brushes under the sink before using them on your upholstery. Also, do not over-wet the upholstery. Use lots of dry suction and a little bit of water. Otherwise, if you use too much water the upholstery will never clean up right. Try it a few times, and you will get comfortable with it.
We just bought a rug doctor, a new one (not a used rental). It has paid for itself already. Be sure to buy the anti foam, it keeps the foaming under control. And yes, do go back over your cleaned carpet and do a plain water rinse, followed by several passes just to suck up water. The drying time is cut way down by this. I wouldn't use foil under furniture legs though. I just clean half of a room at a time instead. But if you do have to put your furniture back right away, cut up a shower curtain and use that. No chance at all of a reaction with plastic. Sometimes foil will have a reaction and could cause stains.
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