How Rug Doctor works
Rug Doctor has an innovative, three-step process of injection, agitation and extraction which transforms carpets using powerful, dual cross brushes to remove dirt and grime lurking in your carpets and upholstery*.
Rug Doctor carpet cleaner hire
With the Rug Doctor carpet cleaning machine rental service you can clean your carpets and upholstery easily and efficiently and say goodbye to professional carpet cleaning*.
Available to hire from our larger B&Q stores, choosing Rug Doctor to clean your carpets and upholstery is as easy as 1, 2, 3.
Which Rug Doctor do you need?
At B&Q stores you can choose from two Rug Doctor cleaning machine options. Both carpet cleaning machines offer the same exceptional, professional cleaning power with Rug Doctor’s innovative one-pass cleaning system.
Decide how many rooms you want to clean – labels on the front of all Rug Doctor detergent bottles will give a guide of coverage achieved to help in deciding.
An average 3 bedroom house will take approximately a day to clean and dry, including moving furniture.
Choose from two types of machine
Standard machine
In one pass, the standard Rug Doctor model uses a unique three-step process of injection, agitation and extraction to transform and refresh old, tired looking carpets, with no need to keep going back and forth over the area.
Wide track machine
Using the Rug Doctor wide track gives a faster cleaning performance with fewer refills due to the 30% bigger cleaning capacity tank and 16% wider cleaning path. Perfect for cleaning larger homes, with less time spent emptying and reflling.
Rug Doctor hand tool kit
For cleaning stairs, upholstery and hard to reach places, why not hire the Rug Doctor hand tool kit for only an extra £4.99 – it’ll make quick work of those grimy corners!
You can also make light work of cleaning car interiors and even some mattresses* using this handy tool!
Video Transcript
The Rug Doctor comes with a hand tool for cleaning soft furnishings, stairways, around skirting boards and even things such as car and caravan interiors.
It's fitted with a three and a half metre hose which attaches to the back of the machine in two stages.
First, pull out the grey pipe attached to the black vacuum hose in the machine and push it into the end of the grey hand tool hose, making sure it's a tight fit.
Second, detach the braided carpet cleaning solution hose by pulling down the ring on the nickel plated quick release connector.
Then insert the hand tool's braided hose. It will click shut.
To ensure it's correctly fitted, gently tug on the hose.
Some machines have a brass quick release connector.
With this type, pull down the brass ring and the braided hose connector will release itself.
Then pull down the brass ring again until you can see the silver ball bearings and insert the hand tool's braided hose connector.
Release the brass ring, making sure it has snapped fully back into the closed position by gently tugging on the hose.
Before using the hand tool, make sure the rocker switch on top of the machine is set to 'Hand Tool'.
Remember, never switch the machine on until the hand tool hoses are properly connected and you've set the mode switch to hand tool.
Otherwise, cleaning solution will spray continually from the bottom of the machine.
Now the hand tool is ready to use.
It's perfect for cleaning upholstery, stair carpet, around skirting boards and reaching awkward places.
Squeeze the hand grip to spray the cleaning solution onto the carpet.
Push down and pull the hand tool backwards so that the cleaning solution and brush penetrate the carpet fibres to release the dirt.
The machine has the same suction and same cleaning power as it does when it's cleaning carpets.
When using the hand tool on soft furnishings, you need a different cleaning solution.
Rug Doctor Oxy Power Fabric Cleaner is formulated exclusively for using with the Rug Doctor hand tool attachment.
Its oxygen boosters clean and brighten upholstery without harming delicate fabrics.
It comes in a one litre bottle.
Pour 250 ml into the red base tank, that's a quarter of the bottle, and then top up with hot water to halfway up the mesh filter, only using lukewarm water on wool.
OxyPower Fabric Cleaner contains Rug Doctor Anti-Foam to ensure optimum vacuum suction throughout the cleaning process.
Using the Rug Doctor hand tool attachment makes cleaning cushions and other soft furnishings really easy.
And look at how the hand tool removed this coffee stain from this cushion.
Before using the hand tool, always test the fabric you want to clean for colour fasteners.
Follow the instructions on the fabric cleaner bottle.
There are certain fabrics that are not suitable for cleaning with Oxy Power Fabric Cleaner.
Please read the instructions and guidelines on the bottle before use.
If you need advice about a specific fabric, please call our customer service team.
In the UK, the number is 01903 235558.
In Ireland, the number is 1800 932096.
Video Transcript
The Rug Doctor comes with a hand tool for cleaning soft furnishings, stairways, around skirting boards and even things such as car and caravan interiors.
It's fitted with a three and a half metre hose which attaches to the back of the machine in two stages.
First, pull out the grey pipe attached to the black vacuum hose in the machine and push it into the end of the grey hand tool hose, making sure it's a tight fit.
Second, detach the braided carpet cleaning solution hose by pulling down the ring on the nickel plated quick release connector.
Then insert the hand tool's braided hose. It will click shut.
To ensure it's correctly fitted, gently tug on the hose.
Some machines have a brass quick release connector.
With this type, pull down the brass ring and the braided hose connector will release itself.
Then pull down the brass ring again until you can see the silver ball bearings and insert the hand tool's braided hose connector.
Release the brass ring, making sure it has snapped fully back into the closed position by gently tugging on the hose.
Before using the hand tool, make sure the rocker switch on top of the machine is set to 'Hand Tool'.
Remember, never switch the machine on until the hand tool hoses are properly connected and you've set the mode switch to hand tool.
Otherwise, cleaning solution will spray continually from the bottom of the machine.
Now the hand tool is ready to use.
It's perfect for cleaning upholstery, stair carpet, around skirting boards and reaching awkward places.
Squeeze the hand grip to spray the cleaning solution onto the carpet.
Push down and pull the hand tool backwards so that the cleaning solution and brush penetrate the carpet fibres to release the dirt.
The machine has the same suction and same cleaning power as it does when it's cleaning carpets.
When using the hand tool on soft furnishings, you need a different cleaning solution.
Rug Doctor Oxy Power Fabric Cleaner is formulated exclusively for using with the Rug Doctor hand tool attachment.
Its oxygen boosters clean and brighten upholstery without harming delicate fabrics.
It comes in a one litre bottle.
Pour 250 ml into the red base tank, that's a quarter of the bottle, and then top up with hot water to halfway up the mesh filter, only using lukewarm water on wool.
OxyPower Fabric Cleaner contains Rug Doctor Anti-Foam to ensure optimum vacuum suction throughout the cleaning process.
Using the Rug Doctor hand tool attachment makes cleaning cushions and other soft furnishings really easy.
And look at how the hand tool removed this coffee stain from this cushion.
Before using the hand tool, always test the fabric you want to clean for colour fasteners.
Follow the instructions on the fabric cleaner bottle.
There are certain fabrics that are not suitable for cleaning with Oxy Power Fabric Cleaner.
Please read the instructions and guidelines on the bottle before use.
If you need advice about a specific fabric, please call our customer service team.
In the UK, the number is 01903 235558.
In Ireland, the number is 1800 932096.
Don't forget your Rug Doctor detergents
At B&Q we sell Rug Doctor detergents and spot cleaners in various sizes. Each size has a guide of how many rooms it can clean:
-
1 litre bottle - up to 2 rooms
- 2 litre bottle - up to 4 rooms
- 4 litre bottle - up to 8 rooms.
Why not use our free Click + Collect service to pick up your detergents when you collect your Rug Doctor cleaner.
Hire in store
You can hire Rug Doctor from the majority of our stores for either 24 or 48 hours. Just go into store and speak to any of our customer advisors who will guide you through the process and explain the basic operation of the machine. You can also call ahead to check availability, especially a good idea during busy times.
Remember to bring 2 forms of ID with you to hire your Rug Doctor. We accept a Debit/Credit card as one form of ID, plus either a Photo Driving Licence or Passport. If you pay by cash please bring a recent utility bill and a Photo ID.
A £10 cleaning deposit** is required for booking a Rug Doctor machine. This is to encourage the return of clean Rug Doctor machines. Your deposit will be refunded on return of the machine, providing the machine is returned in a clean and undamaged condition with the receipt for the transaction.
Rug Doctor FAQ's
We've gathered some frequently asked questions to help you hire your Rug Doctor in-store.
How much does it cost to hire a Rug Doctor?
The cost depends on your chosen rental period, machine type and cleaning solutions.
Here’s how price varies by rental period and machine type:
24-hour rental period
- Standard Rug Doctor – £27.99
- Wide Track machine – £32.99
48-hour rental period
- Standard Rug Doctor – £32.99
- Wide Track machine – £36.99
As part of the rental, you’ll need Rug Doctor carpet detergent to use with the machine. Detergents can be purchased here and in store.
Please note the hand tool attachment is an additional £4.99.
Do I need to pay a deposit to hire a Rug Doctor?
A £10 deposit is required for booking a Rug Doctor machine. this is to encourage the return of clean Rug Doctor machines. Your deposit will be refunded on return of the machine, providing the machine is returned in a clean and undamaged condition with the receipt for the transaction.
What can I clean with a Rug Doctor?
You can clean carpets, rugs, upholstery, mattresses and vehicle interiors with a Rug Doctor rental and the Hand Tool attachment.
Some types of carpet and fabric may not be suitable for cleaning.
Suitable for:
- Cut-pile carpets
- Other carpets: With extra care, you can clean wool, Berber and shag-pile carpets. Avoid overwetting carpet by only going over it once and repeat vacuum only passes. For wool/wool mix carpets, only use lukewarm water.
- Area rugs
- Upholstery and Interiors (Hand Tool)
- Mattresses (Hand Tool)
Unsuitable for:
- Oriental rugs (silk or wool)
- Dry-clean only carpets
- Hand-loomed or braided rugs
- Sisal or jute carpets
- Hard floors, including tiles, wood and laminate flooring
- Natural fibre Sea grass matting
- Silk Haitian cotton
- Ruylux
- Velvet
- Brushed corduroy
- Leather
- Non-colourfast fabrics
- Berber
- Flotex Memory foam mattresses
What is the average drying time after a Rug Doctor clean?
It takes around two to four hours for carpets to dry after a Rug Doctor clean. However, this depends on ventilation to the room, whether the room is unheated and the outside temperature.
The machine vacuums up about 80% of the water it dispenses on to the carpet.
For quicker results, you can go over the carpet without holding the red spray button to soak up more water.
Can I use non Rug Doctor products in the machine?
Rug Doctor cleaning solutions have been specially formulated for use with a Rug Doctor and provide the best results.
As part of the hiring terms and conditions we don’t permit the use of other branded products in the machines.
We cannot be held responsible for damage caused by unauthorised products.
Can I use Rug Doctor carpet cleaner on tile, cement or any other hard surface?
No, you can’t use a Rug Doctor on hard surfaces. The machine may scratch the hard flooring, and there is nothing to capture water sprayed onto the surface.
How much does it cost to hire a Rug Doctor?
The cost depends on your chosen rental period, machine type and cleaning solutions.
Here’s how price varies by rental period and machine type:
24-hour rental period
- Standard Rug Doctor – £27.99
- Wide Track machine – £32.99
48-hour rental period
- Standard Rug Doctor – £32.99
- Wide Track machine – £36.99
As part of the rental, you’ll need Rug Doctor carpet detergent to use with the machine. Detergents can be purchased here and in store.
Please note the hand tool attachment is an additional £4.99.
Do I need to pay a deposit to hire a Rug Doctor?
A £10 deposit is required for booking a Rug Doctor machine. this is to encourage the return of clean Rug Doctor machines. Your deposit will be refunded on return of the machine, providing the machine is returned in a clean and undamaged condition with the receipt for the transaction.
What can I clean with a Rug Doctor?
You can clean carpets, rugs, upholstery, mattresses and vehicle interiors with a Rug Doctor rental and the Hand Tool attachment.
Some types of carpet and fabric may not be suitable for cleaning.
Suitable for:
- Cut-pile carpets
- Other carpets: With extra care, you can clean wool, Berber and shag-pile carpets. Avoid overwetting carpet by only going over it once and repeat vacuum only passes. For wool/wool mix carpets, only use lukewarm water.
- Area rugs
- Upholstery and Interiors (Hand Tool)
- Mattresses (Hand Tool)
Unsuitable for:
- Oriental rugs (silk or wool)
- Dry-clean only carpets
- Hand-loomed or braided rugs
- Sisal or jute carpets
- Hard floors, including tiles, wood and laminate flooring
- Natural fibre Sea grass matting
- Silk Haitian cotton
- Ruylux
- Velvet
- Brushed corduroy
- Leather
- Non-colourfast fabrics
- Berber
- Flotex Memory foam mattresses
What is the average drying time after a Rug Doctor clean?
It takes around two to four hours for carpets to dry after a Rug Doctor clean. However, this depends on ventilation to the room, whether the room is unheated and the outside temperature.
The machine vacuums up about 80% of the water it dispenses on to the carpet.
For quicker results, you can go over the carpet without holding the red spray button to soak up more water.
Can I use non Rug Doctor products in the machine?
Rug Doctor cleaning solutions have been specially formulated for use with a Rug Doctor and provide the best results.
As part of the hiring terms and conditions we don’t permit the use of other branded products in the machines.
We cannot be held responsible for damage caused by unauthorised products.
Can I use Rug Doctor carpet cleaner on tile, cement or any other hard surface?
No, you can’t use a Rug Doctor on hard surfaces. The machine may scratch the hard flooring, and there is nothing to capture water sprayed onto the surface.
Terms & conditions
*A full list of all materials which can be cleaned by Rug Doctor can be found here. https://www.rugdoctor.co.uk/faq/.
**A £10 deposit is required for booking a Rug Doctor machine. This is to encourage the return of clean Rug Doctor machines. Your deposit will be refunded on return of the machine, providing the machine is returned in a clean and undamaged condition with the receipt for the transaction. A full list of terms and conditions can be found on the Rug Doctor website https://www.rugdoctor.co.uk/terms-and-conditions/.