Best Picks

High-rated cleaners: Consumer's Checkbook rated the following high for quality: CarpetClean (Minneapolis, 612-788-7737), Dennis the Janitor Clean Care (St. Paul, 651-639-0016), H & J Services (Moundsview, 763-786-4666), and Tiller's (Isanti, 952-935-8900). CarpetClean and H & J were also check-rated by Checkbook for reasonable pricing. Angie's List subscribers also give high marks to CarpetClean and Tiller's as well as A-Plus Carpet Cleaning (St. Paul, 612-386-7909), which Checkbook did not evaluate.

Last update: July 10, 2006 - 2:55 PM

Consumer's Checkbook (651-646-2057 or www.checkbook.org) is a biannual consumer publication that accepts no advertising. Angie's List ratings come from subscribers who pay to access ratings on hundreds of service providers. Call 612-339-6600 or go to www.angieslist.com.

Spot cleaners: Consumer Reports rated OxiClean Active spray as the best at removing mud, wine and coffee stains but not oily stains. Spot Shot, Woolite Power Shot, Resolve and Carbona were also tested. For most stains, CR reported that the cleaners aren't any better than using ordinary dish detergent and water or 3 percent hydrogen peroxide.

Do-it-yourself machines: Consumer Reports (July 2003) compared a Hoover Steam Vac, a Bissell ProHeat and a Rug Doctor rental. The Hoover Steam Vac scored the highest. The magazine rated the Rug Doctor rental ($20 to $30 per day) as only average in cleaning ability. In my own experience last month, I agreed. If you want to rent a Rug Doctor machine, try one with the cleanest brushes with little wear. The brushes are in the same area as the beater bar on an upright vacuum. Resist the temptation to add more cleaning solution. It can make the carpet attract more dirt.

JOHN EWOLDT

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