Consumer Review

For the last several months, I've been begging Chad for new carpet or hardwoods. The people who lived her before obviously never walked on this carpet because it was gorgeous when we purchased this home. However, when we moved in, let the dogs temporarily rule the roost and then had a child who loves to make a mess, our gorgeous carpet bid us adieu and its ugly alter-ego took over.

It was obvious what our normal path was -- down the stairs, into the kitchen, and onto the couch -- the carpet ratted us out by pointing the way with dingy dirt. We also couldn't hide the fact that we're habitual tea drinkers because of the spill stains in not-so-subtle places.

A few months ago, I called Stanley Steemer. (It drives me crazy that they won't spell it right! That was just their first mistake.) They sent out Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dumb to clean our carpet. In the dead of winter, I couldn't close the door because the hoses had to be run in from their van outside. They also informed me that the girl who "just answers the phone" incorrectly assured us that the spots would come out of the carpet. So much for the guarantee. I was a totally dissatisfied customer.

After grumbling and complaining too much, I went to look at carpet. Should I fork out the big bucks for the good stuff that I'll love or purchase the cheap stuff and hope we can move soon? Oh, the angst.

Last week, however, after my weekly grocery run (Who am I kidding? It's a grocery journey -- LONG journey.) I noticed a rack of Rug Doctor machines by the checkout line. When I got home, I unloaded the food and jumped on the computer to do a little research. For about $40, I could rent the machine and additional upholstery cleaning hose for a day and also purchase the concentrated carpet cleaning solution. A small investment. The reviews and testimonials sold me.

I ran back to the store with Avery on my hip and rented the bad boy. I even rolled it to my car and put it in by myself while still holding her. Something told me my doors wouldn't have to stay open while the carpet was being cleaned this time.

I vacuumed the house quickly and went to work steam cleaning away. It was marvelous! That machine sucked all the nastiness out of my worn out carpet. You no longer can tell where the main traffic paths are. I might be able to get a few more years out of my carpet.

A quick disclaimer: If you come to visit me and don't think my carpets look smokin' hot, get over it. You should've seen the before shots! Go get you a Rug Doctor, too!