Publix Super Markets has transformed the grocery business since George W. Jenkins opened the first store in 1930.
Started in Winter Haven, Florida, Jenkins moved the company’s headquarters to nearby Lakeland in 1951.
Today, Publix has nearly 1,300 stores in the southeastern United States, spanning from Florida into Georgia and Alabama, along with Tennessee, Virginia, and both Carolinas.
But, do they rent carpet cleaners?
Does Publix Rent Carpet Cleaners?
Yes, Publix does have carpet cleaners for rent at most of their locations.
Their availability may be limited and some stores may not carry all of the attachments for the machines.
You may want to call your nearby store to confirm availability.
The fee varies by location, but it averages around $30-$35 for a 24-hour loan.
Bring along your ID for the rental.
You should see the available carpet cleaners in a kiosk in the area near Customer Service, or perhaps close to the Pharmacy.
If unsure where to go, ask any of the associates.
The associate at Customer Service can get the process started.
At many stores, this involves filling out a one-page form, showing your ID, selecting the cleaner you wish and any attachments, getting the necessary cleaning fluid, and paying the carpet cleaner rental fee.
Remember that some states will charge sales tax on your loan, since it may be considered a taxable service under the law.
After inspecting the equipment and completing the paperwork, you are ready to go.
Checking Online For A Carpet Cleaner At Publix
Internet-savvy shoppers may want to do their research online before heading to their nearby Publix.
Rather than go to the Publix website, they should visit the rental location page at the Rug Doctor site.
After getting to this site, all one needs to do is enter their ZIP Code.
They may also search for the type of carpet cleaning equipment they want to rent, if they wish, by selecting from the drop-down menu.
This search option shows Publix locations with Rug Doctor equipment available.
The search results may include other businesses that rent Rug Doctor machines, but we need not worry about them at this time, since we want to learn about carpet rental equipment available at Publix.
Besides, in most cases, the results for Publix include the icon indicating that these locations have the “Newest Carpet Machines.”
Click on the “More Information” tab to get the details about machines available at a particular store.
For example, if you live near the Publix in Madeira Beach, Florida, you have certain equipment options to rent.
Those selections are different than if you shop at a Publix in Smyrna, Georgia.
Be sure to check the “Offers” tab for discount coupons on machine rentals or cleaning fluids.
After confirming that a Publix near you has the equipment you wish to rent, head to the store, find the Rug Doctor kiosk, talk with a Customer Service representative, have your ID in hand, and you will have your Rug Doctor rental ready to use.
Although products vary by location, there are some popular options found at many locations.
These include outdoor machines, as well as ones for carpets and indoor floors.
Some Publix stores may also have optional attachments for rent, such as those helpful for deep cleaning upholstery.
The Pro Deep Cleaner is a popular machine that many Publix customers rent.
Others are the X3 Carpet Cleaner and the Pro Portable Detailer & Spot Cleaner.
Many customers also select one of the floor dryers that expedites the drying of carpets, and also proves handy for removing moisture after plumbing situations and helping recently painted surfaces dry quickly.
In addition to the machine, remember to purchase the appropriate carpet cleaning fluid to get the most out of your Rug Doctor rental from Publix.
The Fresh Spring Scent is offered in many Publix stores, with the 96 fluid ounce bottle covering approximately four rooms or 720 square feet.
Do your math before renting the machine so you have purchased an appropriate amount of cleaning fluid to meet your needs.
If you have any questions after bringing the Rug Doctor that you rented from Publix back to your house, the company offers a variety of helpful videos on the company’s YouTube page.
Things To Remember Before Returning The Equipment to Publix
As you plan to use the equipment you rented from Publix, remember a few important things.
In nearly all cases, a 24-hour rental means just that: not from Monday at 8am until Tuesday at 8pm.
Additional fees may apply if you return the equipment later than required.
If you have any questions, be sure to check with the Publix representative before leaving the store with the equipment.
You should also return the Rug Doctor equipment in the same condition in which it was when you borrowed it from your neighborhood Publix.
If you return it with the insides dirty and the outside dusty, expect to pay an additional fee upon return.
Clean out the tank, remove any debris or remaining solution, clear dirt and items from the brush, and wipe the exterior of the Rug Doctor that you rented.
When you return the machine to the area by the kiosk, be prepared for a Publix associate to inspect the machine.
Let this Publix employee know if you have experienced any problems with the machine so they can have it set aside for maintenance or repair, if necessary.
Should You Buy A Machine Rather Than Renting One At Publix?
You may ask yourself if it makes more sense to purchase a carpet cleaner rather than rent one at Publix.
Ultimately, the decision depends on your financial situation, the frequency you would use the machine, and your comfort with taking ownership of a machine that may require service and maintenance in the future.
Renting requires you to set aside time to get the Rug Doctor, use it within a 24-hour window, and return it to Publix in a similar condition.
Purchasing a similar machine from Rug Doctor or elsewhere costs more up-front, but allows you to clean the carpet without worrying about rushing it back to Publix before the deadline.
A third option involves hiring an outside company to bring their equipment to your home.
Consider your options, check your checkbook, and find the best way to keep those carpets clean.
Nine Other Reasons To Add Publix To Your Shopping List
Now that you know Publix offers the convenience of rental carpet cleaners, you may wonder what other reasons there are to visit this grocery store chain if one exists near where you live.
Publix has a long-established track record of ranking as one of the most popular grocery store franchises in the United States.
No longer an option limited to central Florida, the chain continues to expand throughout the seven southern states where it operates.
Publix plans to enter its eighth state, Kentucky, sometime in early 2024.
For those wanting to know other things that make Publix a popular shopping option beyond the carpet cleaning equipment available for rent, here are nine other reasons to add to your shopping list:
1. Friendly And Helpful Associates
Employees throughout the Publix franchise have a reputation for making customer service a top priority.
Beyond the carryout service already mentioned, cashiers have a very friendly demeanor and often have customers who search for their favorite person to check out their groceries.
The “Publix Promise” includes cashiers who make sure you get the correct price when you purchase products and who stand in front of their lanes so customers know when they can get immediate attention.
This culture extends to associates throughout the store.
2. Clean And Well-Organized Stores
Each Publix generally has a similar, predictable layout.
Whether you shop in Charleston, Chamblee, Clearwater, Coral Gables, or Crestview, you will have no trouble finding the deli, frozen foods, or ready-to-rent carpet cleaners.
If you have trouble finding an item on the shelf, one of the associates will get you to the right aisle.
3. Fun Seasonal Displays Set The Mood
For holidays, big events such as games during the football season, and throughout the year, your crew at the local Publix is always creating and revamping displays.
Beyond the traditional holidays, these displays and special products may appear for events such as Mardi Gras.
This is true, even though Publix has no stores in Louisiana at this time.
Many of these displays include special sale items tied into the holiday or event, almost always counting among them delicacies from the deli or bakery.
4. Store Brands Are Popular
Publix store brands are far from no-frills, generic alternatives.
Most chains earn less than 15% of their revenue from their own brands.
At Publix, store brands represent 20% of sales.
In addition to standard store brands, Publix offers a popular GreenWise line.
This line has such broad consumer appeal for health-conscious consumers that Publix has even opened GreenWise store locations.
5. Delicious Fried Chicken
Similar to other southern groceries, the deli at Publix offers tasty fried chicken.
The company even shares some of its secrets about the fried chicken sold at your local Publix deli.
In addition to fried chicken, you will find chicken tenders, wings, and so many other items to select from.
6. The Best Bakery
Publix “Danish bakeries” have come a long way since their simple doughnut beginnings.
In most stores, you can watch the bread proof and bake, ask for a loaf to get sliced to your satisfaction, and even get a free cookie for the kiddos who accompany you.
Beyond the bagels, some stores offer warm empandas and fancy brioche hot dog rolls.
7. Sumptuous Subs
Publix subs are the “Ultimate.”
That is actually the name of some of their top-line subs, a selection of tasty sandwiches that ranks among the must-haves — along with Key Lime pie — for a Publix shopping experience.
“Pub subs” have many loyal fans.
8. Aprons® Cooking Schools
Some Publix locations have an Aprons® Cooking School that features easy-to-make top recipes and tasty samples.
Although the pandemic has closed many of them since 2020, the cooking classes will return again and remain a popular place to learn tasty ways to cook Publix products.
In the meantime, they have offered online options.
9. The Best Holiday Commercials
Anyone who lives in a part of the country served by Publix is familiar with the company’s always-popular holiday commercials.
The YouTube page for Publix includes many popular recipes.
What other grocery store offers an online video that shows you how to make a delicious poke-style bowl out of a watermelon?
There is also a “Publix Stories” episode about these popular holiday ads.
YouTubers have uploaded some of them, such as the Pilgrim salt and pepper shakers during Thanksgiving many years ago.
Or catching a train home for Christmas.
Enjoy these videos after returning the carpet cleaner to Publix!
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