Complete Guide: How Much is Carpet Cleaning?

how much is carpet cleaning - hero
how much is carpet cleaning - hero

How Much does Professional In-Home Carpet Cleaning Cost?

The average carpet cleaning cost is between $100 and $500. Prices per square foot range from $1.00 to $2.00, depending on the total square footage of the area to be cleaned. The final per-square-foot cost also depends on additional special services or special requests.

in-home carpet cleaning cost

With so many factors influencing the cost of carpet cleaning, it helps to better understand what could influence your project’s pricing. Carpet cleaning is not a simple process; it relies on factors like the cleaning methods, the type of material, and any extra services you may need. Not all carpet cleaning companies are the same, either.

Average Carpet Cleaning Cost

Professional carpet cleaning costs vary greatly, for example, the average cost for professional carpet cleaning in Long Island, NY is $100 to $500, depending on the size of the room.

You can use that as a baseline or consider it the baseline for carpet cleaning cost, but remember that cleaning methods, the type of carpet, the amount of foot traffic, and the amount of scrubbing needed can also play a role in costs.

average carpet cleaning cost

Another route to consider is breaking down the cost by room. The average carpet cleaning cost per room is $100-200, depending on the size of the room. The room’s size, material, and overall challenges, such as stains or moving furniture, can also affect the cost.

This translates to between $1.00 and $2.00 per square foot for professional in-home carpet cleaning services.

More on Carpet Cleaning Cost Per Square Foot

The in-home carpet cleaning cost per square foot ranges from $1 to $2 for standard-size rooms. For smaller areas, you can expect the cost to be based on a flat rate instead of being charged per square foot. It is always a good idea to ask the carpet cleaning company to provide you with a fair cost upfront, whether it is for a large or small room.

carpet cleaning cost per square foot

When there’s a large area to clean, the costs may be less per square foot, depending on the company’s pricing chart. Most of the time, carpet cleaning costs will be slightly lower per square foot in a larger area than in a smaller area. Carpet cleaning costs will always range based on other factors, including the condition of the carpet and the type of cleaning method used.

More on Carpet Cleaning Cost by Room

In some cases, a carpet cleaning company may charge by the room rather than based on the size of that room per square foot. This typically runs between $100 and $200 per room. It is actually a practical pricing model that provides you with the cost upfront before any work begins. Some carpet cleaning companies charge by the room and a flat fee no matter how many rooms the home has. In all situations, this carpet cleaning cost model is better because you know the cost upfront.

carpet cleaning charges by room

Some other considerations that affect the service cost include the type of carpet. Berber carpets require more labor-intensive cleaning because they trap dirt and allergens. As a result, carpet cleaning costs for Berber carpets tend to range from $140 to $250 per room. Bonnet carpet cleaning is less labor-intensive and may cost about $110 to $230 per room. The kind of carpet and size are the major considerations that are quite central when understanding the costs of professional carpet cleaning services.

Other Factors That Impacts the Carpet Cleaning Cost

The better you understand the factors that influence carpet cleaning costs, the more accurate your project budget will be. The size, condition, and type of carpeted area all impact the cost. Larger areas necessitate more labor and materials, thus increasing the price. The type of carpet fibers impacts cost as well. Natural fibers like wool are more expensive to clean than synthetic ones. The cleaning method, like steam cleaning, also plays a role in determining the overall cost.

More on Types of Carpet and Carpet Cleaning Cost

Natural fiber materials like wool or sisal require a more delicate touch and specialized cleaning solutions, which are usually more expensive. By comparison, synthetic fiber carpets like nylon or polyester are stronger and, hence, less expensive to clean. Prices typically vary between $100 and $300.

natural fiber materials

Berber carpets need special attention, too. Their looped structure traps dirt and allergens, making cleaning these carpets more difficult. Steam cleaning Berber carpets typically incur an additional charge of 10% to 25% compared to other carpet types.

Professional Methods and Carpet Cleaning Cost

Steam cleaning, or hot water extraction, is a popular method that injects high-pressure cleaning solutions into the carpet. It is more costly than other carpet cleaning methods, but it does one of the most thorough jobs in getting all the dirt and debris out of the carpet fibers.

professional carpet cleaning methods

Dry cleaning is when a powder compound or solvent is spread onto the carpet or rug, scrubbed into the dirt, and vacuumed. This cleaning process is less effective than steam cleaning in most situations but is generally less costly. The price of this carpet cleaning ranges from $60 to $130 per room.

Another carpet cleaning method is bonnet cleaning. It uses pads soaked in a detergent solution to buff the carpet’s surface. This low-moisture method is effective for surface cleaning. Bonnet carpet cleaning costs are typically between $100 and $200 per room.

Encapsulation cleaning is another example of a carpet cleaning method. It uses polymers to bind soil particles, allowing them to be easily vacuumed away. Prices for this method range from $165 to $350 per treated area. The carpet cleaning cost of this method is usually higher. However, it is ideal for businesses because it is less disruptive. Encapsulation cleaning is ideal for heavily trafficked areas because of its quick-drying nature and the absence of residue. The method changes the cleaning solution into a powder that encapsulates the dirt. The powder is then vacuumed, leaving the carpet fresher and extending its lifespan.

Lastly, there is carbonated cleaning, similar in effectiveness to steam cleaning. This uses fizzing chemicals that lift out impurities through agitation among piles but use less liquid overall. This type of carpet cleaning ranges from $150 to around $325, depending on the area to be serviced. This method can be a practical choice when evaluating the overall carpet cleaning costs. Still, it may not always be more economical compared to other methods offered by professional carpet cleaning companies.

Other Optional Carpet Care Services

Stain Removal

Additional services can also impact the price of carpet cleaning. Treating individual stains, such as fresh pet stains, typically costs between $15 and $25 per stain. High foot traffic areas may incur an additional charge of $25 to $40 per stained area. This is due to the extra time required to remove these persistent stains. The additional carpet cleaning costs can add up quickly. Also note that, in some cases, if the carpet is thoroughly stained or has multiple areas of staining, it may be best to discuss a flat rate for the entire carpet or rug rather than a per-stain treatment.

stain removal

Pet Odor Removal

Pet odor remediation is another service that is well worth the investment. Odor-neutralizing treatments add between $20 and $40 per room for carpet cleaning. Most of the odor will come out in areas where the carpet is cleaned correctly. However, even a thoroughly cleaned carpet may have a lingering odor if not appropriately neutralized. Professional odor carpet cleaning is an excellent, worthwhile investment. This targeted cleaning solution effectively eliminates stubborn odors, leaving carpets clean and fresh.

Carpet Stain Protection

Adding a protective measure like the Scotchgard treatment will also increase the bill, but it is often a necessary step. Expect an increase of $10 to $40 per room or around $2 per square foot on top of the basic cost. These add-ons ensure your carpets have added protection against future staining. This is particularly important for maintaining the integrity of your carpet fiber. It may also help ensure your carpet lasts longer.

Furniture Moving

Many reputable carpet cleaners offer a furniture-moving service. This allows homeowners to have professionals move furniture, providing full access to the entire carpeted area without the hassle of lifting pieces themselves or the risk of injury.

furniture moving

This service saves time and energy, enabling carpet cleaning companies to thoroughly clean hard-to-reach areas. Typically, carpet cleaning companies charge extra for this service, ranging from $20 to $500, but the convenience of having a completely cleaned carpet without the effort of moving furniture is well worth the extra cost.

Why Use a Professional Versus DIY Carpet Cleaning

The cost versus effectiveness of professional carpet cleaners and do-it-yourself carpet care is far more than just looking at dollars and cents. The do-it-yourself route can be cheaper, but there are drawbacks. Typically, machines and detergents can cost less than $200 compared to the same area, which could cost over $300 if done by a professional carpet cleaning company. While more affordable, DIY methods often only address surface-level dirt and may require multiple applications to achieve desired cleanliness standards. In other words, while you could get your carpet cleaner, it will not get as good a result as a good carpet cleaning company would.

More: Professional Carpet Cleaning VS DIY Carpet Cleaning

They have the right professional tools and equipment to open up the carpet fibers and remove all the dirt and allergens embedded in them. Just take a magnifying glass to the individual fibers in your carpet to see how the dirt gets trapped there. They will also bring professional cleaning solutions to eliminate stains and leave your carpet smelling clean and fresh.

professional carpet cleaning vs diy carpet cleaning

Professional cleaners will do all the physical labor. Using professional carpet cleaners saves time and energy. With all the time it takes to get the equipment, move furniture, and clean, opting for a professional carpet cleaning company service can be less costly. It means less stress and less back-breaking work for you. Additionally, the cost is usually when considering the efficiency and thoroughness of professional services.

A professional carpet cleaner’s results mean fewer subsequent cleanings, which may make it more cost-effective in the long run, even though the cost is initially higher than a do-it-yourself procedure. Professional services ensure a deeper clean and help maintain the carpet’s integrity and lifespan.

professional carpet cleaner

Homemade cleaning agents or store-bought products can be good enough for some jobs but fail to compare to professional carpet cleaning solutions. Such do-it-yourself methods have their share of flaws: they generally are less effective and leave behind moisture, which can cultivate the growth of bacteria, produce musty odors, and compromise the general integrity of your carpet.

Carpet cleaning machine rentals can cost around $30 to $60 a day, depending on the rental service and the actual quality of the cleaner. Although initially less expensive than professional machines, rented machines are usually less powerful. For a deep cleaning to happen, the equipment needs to be appropriately used, and without professional training, you may not find that process all that easy to accomplish on your own. The total cost of professional cleaning includes using higher quality machines that better extract dirt, stains, and water from your carpeting.

Purchasing a carpet cleaning machine will cost you, usually between $300 and $1000. These machines can be helpful for maintenance and spot cleaning. Again, purchasing your carpet cleaning machine poses the same problems as renting: cleaning carpets takes time and physical energy. You must do everything yourself, and, most of the time, you will not get as good of a result.

More on Homemade Carpet Cleaning Solutions

What you use to clean the carpets matters, too. Ineffective soaps or solutions will not achieve the desired result and can leave behind residue bacteria and viruses. The wrong solution cannot effectively do the job.

homemade carpet cleaning solutions

Homemade or natural cleaners can be cheap ways to clean small, superficial stains. These environmentally friendly treatments often include vinegar, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide. Do-it-yourself solutions are no match for their professional counterparts. Home-blended stain removers risk setting the stain into the fabric, which may even ruin your carpet.

More on Store-Bought Carpet Cleaning Solutions

Store-bought carpet cleaning solutions are effective for maintaining your carpets between professional cleanings. Popular types include general carpet cleaners for everyday dirt, stain removers for specific stains, odor neutralizers, eco-friendly solutions, and heavy-duty cleaners for deep cleaning.

Advantages of Professional Cleaning Solutions

  1. Higher Potency: Professional solutions are usually more potent than store-bought options. They are designed for professionals to work on tougher stains and penetrate deeper into the dirt.
  2. Specialized Formulations: Professional cleaners can access specialized solutions tailored to different stains and carpet materials. This ensures the best care and a longer life for their carpets.
  3. Complemented with Advanced Equipment: Professional carpet cleaning services are better equipped with advanced equipment that performs better, complemented by custom-made cleaning solutions.
  4. Sanitization and Deodorization: Cleaning solutions incorporate sanitizers and deodorizers. They do more than clean and sanitize your carpet. They make the carpets smell fresh and remove bacteria and allergens.

Benefits of Professional Carpet Cleaning

Professional carpet cleaning offers numerous benefits over trying to do the work yourself.

benefits of professional carpet cleaning

  • Deep Cleaning: Professionals offer better capabilities than DIY methods. Techniques like steam cleaning penetrate carpet fibers and remove dirt and particles that regular DIY methods can’t.
  • Health Benefits: It removes allergens, dust mites, and bacteria from the air and improves indoor air quality. This is especially good for homes with children, pets, and elderly people, as it reduces allergy and respiratory complications.
  • Carpet Life: Regular professional cleaning extracts particles that break down carpet fibers, extending their life.
  • Better Results: Professionals use advanced tools and cleaning solutions that ensure better and more thorough carpet cleaning. This results in fewer cleanings and helps maintain the carpet’s integrity and appearance.
  • Preservation of Carpet Beauty: Routine cleaning helps preserve and maintain the beauty of your carpet over time, keeping it looking new for longer.
  • Investment Protection: Professional cleaning can prolong the carpet’s life, and you will not risk damaging your carpets. It protects a considerable investment.
  • Convenience: Professionals handle all the labor, saving you time and energy. Letting them do the work properly, faster, and without you breaking a sweat is easier.
  • Fewer Cleanings Needed: The effectiveness of professional carpet cleaning services can mean fewer cleanings are needed, making it more cost-effective in the long run.

How to Reduce Carpet Cleaning Cost

You want and need clean carpets, but you can’t always call in the professionals for routine carpet cleaning. The solution? Consider regular maintenance, immediate attention to stains, and bundling services.

reduce the expense of carpet cleaning

Maintenance

Regular maintenance is essential to carpet cleanliness. Regular vacuuming can lift surface dirt before it embeds deeper into the carpet fibers. This simple routine can help your carpets remain fresh and extend the time between the need for professional cleanings and the life of the carpeting.

Adhere To Warranties

Some carpet warranties stipulate professional cleaning every 1-2 years to remain valid. Keep a record of these cleanings. If your carpet’s warranty is intact, you could file a claim, saving you money on replacement costs.

Take Off Your Shoes

Remove your shoes before entering your home. It obviously reduces dirt and wear on your carpets, significantly extending their lifespan and reducing future carpet cleaning costs.

Spot Cleaning

When something spills, clean it up right away. Blot away as much moisture as possible. Use the right cleaning solution, and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning.

Why Choose Megerian Rugs & Carpet Cleaning

Megerian Rugs and Carpet Cleaning: Over 100 years of trusted professional cleaning, repair, and rug sales. Since 1917, Megerian Rugs and Carpet Cleaning has been a family-owned business dedicated to preserving the life and look of your investments. Rug cleaning in Long Island, NY, and Carpet cleaning in Long Island, NY, along with Upholstery cleaning in Long Island, NY,  and rug repair services are available. Four generations of expertise blend old-world craftsmanship with modern technology to give YOU the best results possible.

megerian rugs and carpet cleaning

Megerian features 24/7 customer support and qualified technicians to meet any requirements. It also offers on-site and off-site rug cleaning services to help in any instance. The skillful approach extends from the most delicate handmade rugs to high-traffic carpets and is showcased in their customer service.

Megerian Rugs and Carpet Cleaning uses environmentally friendly practices and biodegradable and non-toxic cleaning solutions. This ensures the safety of your family and pets while maintaining the longevity of your carpets and rugs and contributing to a healthier environment for all.

Clean Carpet Cost FAQs

Professional carpet cleaning averages $100 to $500 for a two to three-bedroom home. Most deep-treatment cleanings include dirt, stains, and allergens. Other factors that come into play include whole-house carpet cleaning, the size of the room, the kind of carpet, and the way the cleaning is done. Depending on these factors, the cost per square foot typically ranges from $1 to $2.

Several factors influence carpet cleaning prices, including the carpet material, cleaning method, additional services, labor, and the type and size of the carpeted area. Carpet cleaning is hard work, requires very specific equipment, and requires highly specialized professionals to ensure the job is done properly.

Professional carpet cleaning services mean more than just cleaning carpets. They may improve air quality, reduce allergens, and ensure a better aesthetic throughout your home. That could mean your home is a healthier living space that benefits your family and extends the life of your carpets.

Regular professional maintenance, especially with methods like steam cleaning, results in a healthier living environment and extends the life of your carpet; investing in maintaining your rugs and carpeting is well worth it when it comes to keeping it beautiful and functional.

There are a few potential ways to reduce carpet cleaning costs. Start with routine cleaning, including vacuuming. Package the carpet cleaning cost with other services, including upholstery cleaning or area rug cleaning. Having a regular service prevents dirt from accumulating and, therefore, allows you to put off the need for professional cleaning. This proactive approach helps ensure the carpets stay clean and fresh without deep cleaning expenses. Ask about discounts or savings opportunities, too.

Carpet cleaning costs can seem high due to several factors. The expenses include cleaning supplies, specialized machinery, and labor. Professional cleaners must be equipped to handle various types of carpets and a wide range of stains. The process becomes more skill-intensive and labor-intensive when dealing with stubborn stains and odor treatment, increasing the cost.

The initial cost of cleaning your carpets is lower, but you may need help to achieve the type of cleanliness you desire, and you will have to do the work yourself. If you want a surface-level clean, this is an option but not a solution or replacement for deep cleaning methods professional carpet cleaning companies offer.

The best practice is to have your carpets professionally cleaned every 12 to 18 months. High-traffic homes or homes with pets and children should be cleaned approximately every 6 to 12 months. Regular vacuuming and spot cleaning can help keep your carpets looking fresh in between cleanings. Keeping an eye on carpet cleaning costs can also help you budget for these regular cleanings and ensure you get the best value for your money.

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John D. Megerian
John D. Megerian, Esq., is a distinguished figure in the home services industry, spearheading Megerian Rugs and Carpet Cleaners. With a rich legacy spanning over 30 years, John's expertise encompasses a broad spectrum, from antique rug restoration to innovative rug manufacturing to professional carpet, upholstery and rug cleaning. His academic foundation in business from Fordham University and legal acumen from Pace University School of Law has propelled the family business to new heights. John's commitment to excellence is evident in his leadership, which seamlessly blends traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technologies. As a respected authority in carpet, upholstery, rug cleaning, and rug repair, his contributions extend beyond business operations to shaping industry standards. John's vision has enhanced brand presence and fostered trust among clients worldwide, reinforcing his role as a pivotal figure in preserving the artistry and heritage of rug making.