Does Target Rent Carpet Cleaners in 2026? (Do This Instead)

To start – no, Target does not offer any carpet cleaner rentals at their retail locations or online. So if you need to deep clean the rugs in your home or office, you‘ll have to look into buying a carpet cleaner at Target or renting a unit elsewhere.

While Target doesn‘t provide the option to rent carpet cleaners, they do sell a wide variety of models in-store and on their website. Prices for Target‘s carpet cleaners range from $80 to $200+ depending on the unit‘s size and features.

In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll cover where you can rent carpet cleaners, how much it costs, the top-rated cleaners sold at Target, and tips to decide between renting vs buying so you can make the best choice for your needs!

Where to Rent Carpet Cleaners

Even though you‘re out of luck for rentals at Target, there are still many major chains and local options that allow you to rent carpet cleaners by the day or week.

Some top national retailers that offer carpet cleaner rentals include:

• Home Depot – Rents the Rug Doctor Pro model. Requires a $50 deposit payable by credit card and photo ID. Rental rates are:
  • $22 for 4 hours
  • $32 for 1 day
  • $128 per week
  • $394 for 4 weeks
• Lowe‘s – Rents the Rug Doctor Mighty Pro X3 model for $29 per day or $74 for 4 days.
• Ace Hardware – Rents full-size carpet cleaners starting at $29.99 per day. Spot cleaners rent for $20 for 4 hours.
• Walmart – Select locations rent the Rug Doctor Mighty Pro X3 for around $30 per day. Call ahead to verify availability.

In addition to the major chains, many local hardware stores and tool rentals offer carpet cleaner rentals from name brands like Bissell and Rug Doctor. Rates can vary but usually start around $20-50 per day depending on the machine.

I‘d recommend calling around to find the best rental rate in your area. Be sure to ask about any additional fees like charging for cleaning solution or added costs for long rentals.

Carpet Cleaners Sold at Target

Renting isn‘t your only option – Target has you covered if you decide buying is the better choice. They sell a wide selection of carpet cleaners suited for all needs.

Here are some of Target‘s top-rated and best-selling carpet cleaning machines:

• Hoover SmartWash Automatic Carpet Cleaner – $179.99
  • Hoover‘s #1 best-seller! Features automatic cleaning and an auto-dry feature.
• Bissell TurboClean PowerBrush Pet Upright Carpet Cleaner – $99.99
  • Designed for pet messes with powerful suction + antimicrobial brushes.
• Hoover Power Dash Lightweight Carpet Cleaner – $119.99
  • Compact and lightweight at only 12 pounds! Easy to store.
• Bissell Pet Stain Eraser Cordless Handheld Carpet Cleaner – $84.99
  • Great for spot cleaning with the convenience of being cordless.

Model	Price	Key Features
Hoover SmartWash	$179.99	Auto-clean, auto-dry
Bissell TurboClean Pet	$99.99	Pet formula, antimicrobial brushes
Hoover Power Dash Lightweight	$119.99	Lightweight at 12 lbs, compact
Bissell Pet Stain Eraser Cordless	$84.99	Cordless, portable

Prices range from $80 to $200 for full-size carpet cleaners on Target‘s website and in-store. Lower-priced options under $100 are also available for handheld spot cleaners.

The carpet cleaning machines sold at Target are designed for a range of needs – quick everyday messes, heavy duty pet stains, whole home deep cleaning, and portability. Brands like Hoover and Bissell are known for quality and performance.

Based on customer reviews, Target‘s selection of carpet cleaners consistently earn 4 stars and above. People mention how well they clean and how satisfying it is to see just how dirty the water gets!

Cost Comparison: Rent or Buy?

Now that you know where you can go to rent or buy carpet cleaners, let‘s compare the costs. Is it better to rent or buy your own machine?

The average rental rates are:

• $20-50 per day for full-size carpet cleaners
• Around $30-50 per day at major chains like Home Depot and Lowe‘s
• $20-30 per day at local stores

If you rented a carpet cleaner for 3 days per year at $30 per day from Home Depot, your yearly rental cost would be $90.

Buying a carpet cleaner from Target ranges from $80 to $200 depending on the model. Let‘s assume an average price of $150.

The Hoover SmartWash is $180 and currently a best-seller with great reviews. If you bought this Hoover model, the one-time purchase price would be $180.

Breaking down the numbers shows renting comes out lower cost if you rarely need to deep clean carpets. But if you clean carpets multiple times per year, buying your own machine is more economical long-term.

Of course upfront cost isn‘t the only consideration…

Pros and Cons: Rent or Buy?

Beyond just dollars and cents, there are good reasons to both rent and buy a carpet cleaner depending on your needs.

Benefits of Renting

• Lower upfront cost – Avoid buying an appliance you rarely use
• Convenience – Easy to rent just when needed
• New models – Access latest machines and tech
• Variety – Can try different brands and features

Downsides of Renting

• Recurring fees – Costs add up if renting frequently
• Availability – May not get ideal rental times
• Limitations – Usually 1-3 day rentals max
• Hassle – The pickup and drop-off logistics

Pros of Buying Your Own

• Use anytime – Clean carpets on your own schedule
• Cost savings – Better value if used often
• Familiarity – Learn one machine inside and out
• Convenience – Always on hand when messes happen

Cons of Buying

• Upfront cost – Major purchase of $100+
• Storage – Takes up space between uses
• Maintenance – Must be cleaned and maintained
• Commitment – Stuck with one model until replacing

Recommendations for First-Time Carpet Cleaner Buyers

If you decide buying your own carpet cleaner is the best route, here are my recommendations as a first-time purchaser:

• Prioritize suction power – The stronger the suction, the better it will clean. Look for PSI of 8 or higher.

• Consider convenience features – Auto-clean, lightweight, and cordless make cleaning easier.

• Check hose length – Longer hoses, at least 4 feet, provide more reach.

• Look for attachments – Tools for stairs, upholstery and pet hair are useful.

• Buy extra cleaning solution – You‘ll want to stock up on the formula.

• Compare warranties – Aim for at least a 1 year limited warranty.

• Read user reviews – Don‘t just trust the marketing claims – see what real customers say.

• Buy from a retailer with a good return policy, like Target, in case you dislike the cleaner you select.

Step-By-Step Guide for Using a Rental Carpet Cleaner

Since rentals are a cost-effective way to occasionally deep clean your carpets, here is my beginner‘s guide to using a rented carpet cleaner machine:

Before Cleaning

• Completely vacuum the area – Get up as much debris and dirt as possible first.
• Pre-treat any problem stains – Use a stain remover product to help lift stains before the water extraction.
• Read all rental instructions – Don‘t miss any important steps or warnings.

Filling & Mixing Cleaning Solution

• Fill clean water tank per instructions – Usually fill with hottest tap water possible.
• Add carpet cleaner solution – Pour in measured amount and dilute as directed.
• Screw tank lid on tightly – Avoid any leakage!

Operating the Machine

• Test small hidden area first – Check for colorfastness and ensure suction isn‘t too strong.
• Clean in sections back-and-forth – Overlap passes slightly.
• Empty dirty water tank often – Don‘t allow it to overfill. Rinse tank after emptying.
• Let carpets fully dry – Wait the recommended time before walking on them.
• Re-vacuum after drying – Fluffs up carpet fibers nicely.

Follow these best practices when using a rented or new carpet cleaner for best results! Proper operation and allowing full drying time prevents mold, mildew and carpet damage.

Why Target Doesn‘t Offer Carpet Cleaner Rentals

You might be wondering why a mega-retailer like Target doesn‘t offer the option to rent carpet cleaners. There are a few likely reasons:

• Target wants to encourage carpet cleaner purchases from their wide in-store selection.

• Handling rentals requires additional staff for inventory, cleaning, maintenance and customer service.

• Avoid potential liability issues that arise when customers use equipment off-site.

• Doesn‘t fit their current service offerings and business model. Focus is diverse retail selection.

Unlike equipment and vehicle rentals, carpet cleaners aren‘t really a compatible category for Target based on their strengths as a retailer.

Their wide selection of affordable cleaner models covers needs ranging from quick cleanups to heavy duty deep cleaning. Customers also rely on Target‘s exceptional return policy in case they aren‘t satisfied.

Rental Damage Horror Stories

While carpet cleaner rentals are very convenient and accessible these days, it‘s good to keep in mind that renting an appliance comes with risks. Here are some rental damage horror stories to be aware of:

• A customer was charged $1,500 by Home Depot after returning an extremely clogged and dirty Rug Doctor rental unit. The filthy condition apparently broke the machine.

• Someone rented a carpet cleaner from a grocery store then spilled red wine all over their light carpet. The thing dyed their carpets pink and they lost their $150 deposit.

• A family‘s toddler put Christmas tree pine needles into the rental unit, cracking the water tank. They had to buy a $350 replacement.

• One person got blood stains on the Rug Doctor they rented from Walmart and were billed $250 for a hazmat cleaning fee.

While these are just a few examples, it highlights the need to use any rental equipment with extreme care. Always follow all operating guidelines to avoid damaging the unit or your home!

The Bottom Line

While Target doesn‘t offer the ability to rent carpet cleaners, they provide plenty of buying options starting at just $80 for machines that will handle all your carpet cleaning needs. Renting from retailers like Home Depot or Lowe‘s is the most affordable way to clean carpets just 1-2 times per year.

I hope this detailed guide gave you all the information needed to decide where to rent carpet cleaners, why Target doesn‘t rent the machines, the benefits of buying your own, and tips to use any carpet cleaner properly.

The next time you need to revive your rugs and carpets, you‘ll know exactly where to go and what to look for thanks to this advice. Let me know if you have any other carpet cleaner questions!