Carpet cleaning: DIY vs professional

Carpets bring warmth, comfort and style to a home, but the reality is, especially in busy households with children and pets, they can also quickly become unhealthy for us. Regular vacuuming is a great way to remove surface debris from your carpets, but to really clean them, you have to go deeper. So, what are your options?

DIY carpet cleaning seems an easy choice. But can you DIY carpet clean successfully? Does a professional really do it better? And what about the cost?

The hidden dirt problem

No matter how often you vacuum, carpets will inevitably harbour dirt, dust, and allergens deep within their fibres. If you have pets, children or food spills on your carpet, you can potentially add ‘bacteria’ to the list of contaminants. While vacuuming does a good job of removing surface debris, it isn’t enough to reach the deeper layers of dirt and grime that settle into the carpet’s fibres and primary backing.

Additionally, Christchurch’s diverse soil types—from sandy to clay-based—mean your carpets are exposed to a broad range of gritty soils which settle way down deep in carpet pile. It’s well recognised that the natural abrasiveness of dry outdoor soils weakens carpet fibres, causing them to wear, flatten and become dull-looking. 

DIY carpet cleaning: the basics

DIY carpet cleaning often involves renting or purchasing a carpet cleaner or using over-the-counter cleaning solutions. Some homeowners choose this method because they just like doing things themselves, or because it seems a more affordable option. There are a few potential downsides:



·        Tools and equipment for DIY carpet cleaning

The lightweight nature of DIY machines is a problem if your expectation is for a professional outcome, as they lack the capabilities of professional equipment. For instance, they will dispense water and cleaning solution onto the carpet at a generic rate, not adjusted at all for carpet type or level of soiling. This often results in a carpet becoming over-wet which is made worse by the other feature of DIY carpet cleaning machines: they do not have sufficient suction power to fully extract dirt and water. This inevitably means a long drying time, and some carpets will discolour and smell if drying takes too long. 

Additionally, if you’ve loosened dirt, and added moisture but not fully extracted it, the soiling is still there. It doesn’t look fresh and clean, but has a dirty, patchy or streaky look. And if the machine is using hot water from your tap, it’s usually not hot enough to effectively tackle the different types of soiling common in most homes.

·        DIY carpet cleaning products

DIY cleaning products are either homemade or store-bought products that look simple to apply but they have some drawbacks. Some will be too harsh for certain types of carpets. Other formulas leave behind sticky residues that attract even more dirt over time. And if it’s a stain that you’re trying to get rid of, the tendency is to try one product or remedy after another. This layering-up of different products and their chemical elements just makes a stain so much more complex, and commonly results in the carpet becoming permanently damaged.

So, while some cleaners may promise to be all-purpose, user beware! They might not be a good option for your carpet in the long run.

·        Manual effort, and cost

Be under no illusion, DIY carpet cleaning is labour-intensive. Setting up equipment, moving furniture, treating stains, and thoroughly cleaning the entire carpet area can take several hours, especially in large rooms or commercial carpet cleaning.

Research carefully the actual cost to hire or purchase a machine, and the products and accessories you will. If you have hired carpet cleaning equipment, you also have the pressure to complete the clean quickly to avoid more costs. It can quickly add up, and if the cleaning process isn’t completed well, you may be left with a re-soiling or sad-looking carpet and be repeating the clean again far sooner than you thought.

·        Risk of damage

Carpets are made from a variety of textiles, and each have their own tolerances to chemicals, moisture, and abrasion. Using too much water or improper cleaning techniques can damage to carpet fibres or lead to over-wetting, which can cause to odour and mould. The temptation to over-use cleaning products can also damage carpet fibres and joins, and result in discolouration or loss of colour.



The case for professional carpet cleaning

Hiring a professional carpet cleaning service comes with a range of benefits that make it worthwhile for homeowners who want the best results. Here are just a few of the reasons why professional carpet cleaning outshines DIY methods:

·        Expert knowledge and skill

Advanced Carpet Cleaning have been professionally cleaning carpets since 1994, but that doesn’t make them old and stuck in the dark ages! Their locally sourced and imported product ranges are at the leading edge of industry standards. Their considerable training and experience is reflected in their understanding of materials and fibres, and stains – ensuring the right cleaning method is used for each.

·        Professional equipment

Advanced Carpet Cleaning only use the proven best carpet cleaning methods and equipment. As a professional cleaning service, our range of high-end, industrial-grade equipment is more effective than consumer-grade models – for instance a hire machine will typically have a 1.5 KW electric motor; our truck-mounted machine runs on a 32.5 HP motor! These machines are designed to extract dirt and moisture efficiently, deep cleaning carpets without leaving behind excess water.  If you’ve never experienced beautifully clean carpet that’s fast-drying, it’s time you called Advanced Carpet Cleaning!

·        Thorough cleaning and long-lasting results

Professional carpet cleaning reaches deep into the carpet fibres, removing not only visible dirt but also the dirt that resides beneath the surface. This means that professional cleaning doesn’t just improve the look of your carpets—it helps to maintain their integrity. With professional cleaning, carpets are fresher, cleaner, and more hygienic, and the results typically last much longer than a DIY effort. This is ideal deal for those who want to minimise the risks or effects of allergies or respiratory conditions.

·        Safe, eco-friendly

Advanced Carpet Cleaning use eco-friendly cleaning products that are safe for both your family and the environment. These products are designed to break down dirt and stains without using harsh chemicals, so your home stays healthy while your carpets are cleaned effectively.

Unlike store-bought cleaners, which can leave residues, professional solutions are designed to be fully rinsed away, so carpets are left clean, fresh and safe.

·        Saving you time and effort

With VERY LITTLE time and effort on your part, we leave you with a cleaner, healthier and dryer carpet than a DIY clean can – so you can get on with your weekend!

Conclusion: DIY vs professional

We recognise there is a place for careful DIY carpet cleaning. However, it has its risks and it doesn’t provide the same level of cleanliness as professional services.

Advanced Carpet Cleaning have the right skills, equipment, cleaning methods and products to keep your carpets in top condition for a fresh and healthy home environment.



And, instead of a DIY carpet clean taking more time, sweat and money than you expected, our professional service is just the ticket for getting a tough job off your To Do List - EFFORTLESSLY!