Carpet Cleaner Rental at Lowe’s: Price, Machines and How It Works

Quick answer

Yes, many Lowe’s stores rent carpet cleaners through Rug Doctor by BISSELL. The recommended rate is $39.99 for 24 hours or $49.99 for 48 hours (the 48-hour option isn’t available everywhere), plus $5.99 for the upholstery tool. Cleaning solution is extra. A refundable deposit of up to $40 may be required, and there’s a $40 fee if you return the machine dirty or late. Prices vary by store, so check with your local Lowe’s before you go.

Renting is the cheapest way to deep clean carpets once or twice a year without buying a machine or hiring a pro. Lowe’s is one of the biggest rental points for Rug Doctor by BISSELL machines in the U.S. Here’s what it costs, what you get, and how to avoid the extra fees.

Rented upright carpet cleaner deep cleaning a beige living room carpet

How much does it cost to rent a carpet cleaner at Lowe’s?

Rug Doctor by BISSELL publishes recommended rental rates and notes that pricing may vary by retailer and location (Rug Doctor rental pricing). At the time of writing (October 2026):

ItemRecommended priceNotes
Carpet cleaner, 24 hours$39.99Standard rental
Carpet cleaner, 48 hours$49.99Must be chosen at rental; not every location offers it
Upholstery tool add-on$5.99For sofas, chairs, stairs and car interiors
Cleaning solutionSold separatelyPet, oxy, odor and general formulas
Refundable depositUp to $40May be required; returned if the machine comes back in good condition
Dirty-return fee$40If the machine isn’t cleaned before return
Late fee$40If returned after the rental period

Rug Doctor’s own example: a 24-hour rental, upholstery tool and a 48 oz pet solution comes to about $64 before tax. Leftover solution keeps for your next clean.

Which machines does Lowe’s rent?

Lowe’s locations listed in the Rug Doctor location finder offer machines from the Big Green carpet cleaner family and the Big Green upholstery tool, and some offer 48-hour rentals (example Lowe’s rental listing). Availability differs by store, so use the Rug Doctor location finder with your ZIP code or call the store to check that a machine is in stock, especially on weekends and before holidays.

Lowe's carpet cleaner rental costs, fees and step-by-step rental process

How to rent a carpet cleaner at Lowe’s

  1. Check availability online or by phone, and ask about the deposit and the 48-hour option.
  2. Bring ID and a payment card. You’ll sign a rental agreement at the store.
  3. Pick up solution and a pre-treat spray for heavy or old stains.
  4. Load the machine carefully. It’s heavy; an SUV or hatchback with the seats down works best.

How to use the rental machine

Rug Doctor’s instructions boil down to five steps (Rug Doctor: how to use a carpet cleaner rental):

  1. Prepare the carpet. Vacuum thoroughly and pre-treat old or dark stains.
  2. Prepare the machine. Fill the clean-water tank with hot tap water and add solution as directed. Start in the far corner of the room.
  3. Deep clean. Make two wet passes holding the trigger, then two drying passes without it. Overlap by a few inches and repeat until the water being pulled up looks clean.
  4. Upholstery and stairs. Only on fabric coded W or W/S, after testing a hidden spot. Don’t overwet. On stairs, keep the machine at the bottom and start at the top step. More in using a carpet cleaner on upholstery.
  5. Clean and return. Empty and rinse both tanks, remove hair from the brush area, wipe the base and the hand tool, and return everything to the same store.

If the machine leaves carpets too wet, slow down on the drying passes and check the tank seal; see carpet cleaner not picking up water.

Tips to get your money’s worth

  • Plan rooms in order and move furniture the night before, so the 24 hours go to cleaning.
  • Use the recommended amount of solution. Extra soap leaves sticky residue that attracts dirt.
  • Open windows and run fans; carpets usually need several hours to dry.
  • For pet accidents, treat spots first. See homemade carpet cleaner for pet stains.

Rent or buy?

Renting makes sense if you deep clean once or twice a year and want a large, commercial-style machine. If you have pets or kids and clean spills every month, a home carpet cleaner can pay for itself after a handful of rentals, and it’s always ready when a spill happens.

Frequently asked questions

Does Lowe’s rent carpet cleaners?

Many Lowe’s stores rent Rug Doctor by BISSELL carpet cleaners. Check the Rug Doctor location finder or call your store to confirm.

How much is a carpet cleaner rental at Lowe’s for 24 hours?

The recommended rate is $39.99 for 24 hours, but your store may charge a different price.

Is cleaning solution included with the rental?

No. Solution is sold separately, and Rug Doctor recommends using its own formulas with the machine.

Is there a deposit to rent a carpet cleaner?

A refundable deposit of up to $40 may be required, depending on the location. It’s returned when the machine comes back in good condition.

What happens if I return the machine late or dirty?

Rug Doctor lists a $40 late fee and a $40 cleaning fee for machines returned dirty.

Sources

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    The HomeHygia Editorial Team researches air purifiers, vacuums and cleaning products, compares specs and real-world reviews, and keeps every guide updated to help you build a cleaner, healthier home.