As a customer, you need to understand the difference between DIY carpet cleaning and hiring a pro. Some homeowners occasionally clean their own carpet by renting a machine from a hardware or departmental store. These machines are rented out on a 24 hour basis, with an extra cost for chemicals. The first problem with these machines has nothing to do with the equipment but operator error and lack of carpet cleaning experience. Another major problem is the likelihood of mold growth due to the carpet staying wet longer than 24 hours.