You’ve seen them at the entrance of your local Toronto grocery or hardware store: bulky carpet cleaning machines available for a low daily rental fee. It seems like a smart way to save money. But before you rent one, it’s important to understand what you’re actually getting—and what you’re not.
Myth 1: “It’s Cheaper.” The Hidden Costs.
The low daily rental fee is just the beginning. You also have to purchase the proprietary (and often low-quality) cleaning shampoos. By the time you’ve paid for the rental and the expensive solutions, you can be halfway to the cost of a professional service, before even accounting for your own time and labour.
Myth 2: “It’s the Same as What the Pros Use.” The Power Difference.
This is the biggest misconception.
- Suction Power: Professional truck-mounted machines have vastly more powerful vacuum motors. This means they extract far more water from your carpet, leading to faster drying times and less risk of mould or mildew. Rental machines leave carpets soggy.
- Water Pressure & Heat: Our machines heat water to a much higher temperature, which is more effective at breaking down grease and sanitizing fibres. Rental units use lukewarm tap water.
Myth 3: “It Cleans Your Carpet.” The Residue Problem.
Because of their weak suction, rental machines are notoriously bad at rinsing the shampoo out of your carpet. This leaves behind a sticky, soapy residue. This residue not only makes your carpet feel crunchy, but it also acts as a powerful dirt magnet, causing your “clean” carpet to get dirty again much faster than before.
The Time and Hassle Factor
Don’t forget the logistical nightmare: driving to the store, lugging the heavy machine to your car and into your home, figuring out how to use it, cleaning the machine itself before returning it, and then driving it back to the store—all within your 24-hour rental window.
When you factor in the hidden costs, the inferior results, the risk of sticky residue, and your valuable time, the “savings” from a rental machine quickly disappear.
Don’t pay for the privilege of doing a bad job. Get a free, no-obligation quote from My Canada Cleaning and get it done right the first time.