Carpet cleaning not only preserves the appearance of your carpets but also extends its lifespan. However, many homeowners don’t understand how carpet cleaning services are priced. Why does the cost vary so much between different companies? What factors should you consider when budgeting for residential carpet cleaning?
In this article, we’ll dive into the specifics of residential carpet cleaning costs. From the size of your living space to the type of carpet you have, multiple variables can influence the final price. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clearer picture of what to expect from carpet cleaning professionals when you next book a service, ensuring there are no surprises and you get the best value possible.
Factors Affecting Carpet Cleaning Costs
There are many variables that affect the cost of cleaning your carpets. We’ve put together a list of the major factors that can influence how much you’ll pay for carpet cleaning services:
Size of the Area
Typically, carpet cleaning companies charge based on the total square footage they need to clean. At Fresh Dry Carpet Cleaning, we typically charge a flat pricing per space. Larger areas or more rooms will naturally cost more due to the increased amount of labor and cleaning materials required.
As an example, if you have three bedrooms, a hallway and a living room that needs professional carpet cleaning, we’ll typically just charge a flat $75 per space. That would come to $375 for the project. Five spaces (three bedrooms, a hallway and a living room) at $75 each.
The hallway may be less square footage than the bedrooms but the main bedroom is often typically larger than the others. We keep it simple by just charging a flat fee per space when you are doing multiple spaces in your home.
Carpet Type
The material of your carpet plays a crucial role in determining the cleaning method and, consequently, the cost. Wool carpets, for example, require different care and are often more expensive to clean than synthetic ones. Each material might react differently to various cleaning agents, affecting the approach a professional must take.
In rare cases, we’ll charge extra for certain types of carpet. However, 99% of the homes we work in don’t have any price adjustments for the type of carpet they have. This pricing is more pertinent to the Commercial side of our business.
Cleaning Method Used
There are two main cleaning techniques that carpet cleaners use, each with differing costs.
Steam Cleaning (most companies will use this method)
Steam cleaning, also known as “hot water extraction”, can be expensive because of the equipment needed to perform the job. However, steam cleaning cost is neutralized as the company can “get in and get out” faster, saving the amount of time the technician is on a site.
This method can penetrate deep into the carpet fibers, but can also create a potential for over-wetting if the technician isn’t skilled.
We typically don’t recommend this method in Florida and other humid climates in the United States. Steam cleaning can have drying times as high as 24 hours and with humidity, can lead to mold and mildew if not properly ventilated.
Dry Carpet Cleaning (the method used at Fresh Dry Carpet Cleaning)
One of the major advantages of dry carpet cleaning is the minimal drying time. Carpets can be dry and usable almost immediately after cleaning, which is perfect for busy households. Since this method uses minimal moisture, there’s less risk of shrinkage, mold, and mildew development, preserving the carpet’s integrity over time.
This technique uses an orbital carpet cleaning machine that gently vibrates the fibers in your carpet and releases the dirt with less water than traditional methods. This will help get your carpet completely dry in a third of the time as steam cleaning.
This method is much more labor intensive than steam cleaning on the part of the technician, however, it doesn’t require the expensive professional steam cleaner machines or truck mounted equipment. So again, it evens out. We prefer this eco-friendly carpet cleaning method as it uses much less water than carpet shampooing.
Condition of the Carpet
The more soiled or damaged your carpet is, the more time and specialized treatments it will require. Heavily stained areas often need pre-treatment, specialty stain removers, or even multiple cleaning passes, which can add to the cost. High traffic areas may be more worn down and require more time to clean than your non highly used areas.
Staying up with your carpet maintenance by regularly vacuuming your carpet and performing spot removal of smaller stains as they come up are essential to keep your carpet looking its best and to lower your cost when you get your carpets professionally cleaned every 12 to 18 months.
Location
Where you live can also affect carpet cleaning prices. Services in high-cost living areas or locations far from the service provider’s base may incur higher charges due to higher operational costs and travel distances.
Additional Services and Their Costs
While basic carpet cleaning covers a lot, sometimes extra services are necessary to address specific issues. Below are some common additional services you might consider and the costs associated with them.
Carpet Stain Removal Cost
Tough stains such as wine, coffee, or pet stain removal often requires specialized treatments beyond standard cleaning procedures.
Charges for stain removal vary depending on the type of stain and the difficulty of removal. Typically, companies may charge a flat rate per stain or an overall increase in the service fee based on the stained area’s size.
Pet Odor and Hair Removal
Homes with pets might face challenges like embedded hair, stains and odors, which standard cleaning might not fully address.
Additional charges apply for pet odor and hair removal services due to the need for specialized cleaning agents and techniques. This service not only cleans but also sanitizes the carpet, ensuring a healthier environment.
Eco-friendly Supplies
For those preferring environmentally friendly options, many companies offer cleaning with green products.
Opting for eco-friendly cleaning agents might come with a slight premium due to the higher costs of these products. However, this is an investment in both your health and the planet’s wellbeing.
Furniture Moving
Cleaning a carpet thoroughly often requires moving furniture out of the way, which not all companies include in their standard service.
Additional fees for moving furniture are common and depend on the amount of furniture and the effort required. Some companies might offer this as a complimentary service as part of a more comprehensive cleaning package.
These additional services ensure that your carpet cleaning meets all your specific needs, providing a deeper, more personalized clean. Understanding these costs upfront can help you budget more effectively and avoid surprises.
Average Cost of Carpet Cleaning
Carpet cleaning costs can vary widely, but understanding the average pricing can help you budget accordingly. At the end of this section, we’ll explain how we price things here at Fresh Dry Carpet Cleaning, but first, let’s look at some common pricing structures:
Average Pricing Examples
Per Room Pricing
Typically, companies charge between $50 and $100 per room for carpet cleaning, with a standard size limit—often around 200 square feet per room. So this means they’ll clean a room up to 200 sq ft for that set price.
Per Square Foot Pricing
Some services charge by the square footage, particularly for large or commercial areas, with prices ranging from $0.25 to $0.50 per square foot.
Flat Rate
For smaller jobs or specific services, companies might offer a flat rate, generally starting around $100 to $150.
Bundles and Packages
Many carpet cleaning companies offer discounts when you choose to clean multiple rooms or combine other services like upholstery cleaning with carpet cleaning.
Bundling services can significantly reduce the overall cost. For instance, a package deal might offer cleaning for an entire home (up to a certain number of rooms or square footage) for a fixed price, which can be more economical than paying per room.
A common bundle might include cleaning for three rooms for $225, which would typically cost $300 if priced individually. Additional services like stain protection or pet odor removal can also be added at discounted rates when part of a larger package.
Understanding these pricing structures and the availability of package deals can help you get the most out of your investment in carpet cleaning. Whether you need a single room refreshed or your entire home serviced, there are options to accommodate your needs and budget.
How to Get the Best Value
Securing the best value in carpet cleaning doesn’t just come down to price—it also involves preparation and choosing the right service provider. Here are some effective strategies to ensure you get the most out of your carpet cleaning investment:
Preparation Tips to Save Money
Vacuum First
Vacuuming your carpets before the cleaning service arrives can reduce the amount of dirt the professionals need to handle, potentially lowering the cost if the pricing is based on the condition of the carpet.
Clear the Area
Remove small items and furniture from the rooms to be cleaned if possible. This not only speeds up the cleaning process but may also avoid extra charges for furniture moving.
Address Stains
Point out stains and discuss them with your cleaner ahead of time. Your professional carpet cleaner can pre-treat certain types of stains at a lower cost if bundled with the overall cleaning service.
Pet Preparations
If you have pets, remove pet hair as much as possible and notify your cleaner about any pet urine or other bio-waste spots, as these may require special treatment.
Comparing Carpet Cleaning Quotes and Assessing Service Quality
Get Multiple Quotes
Always shop around and get quotes from several carpet cleaning companies to compare prices and packages.
Check Reviews
Look at online reviews and testimonials to gauge the reliability and quality of the cleaning services offered. Pay special attention to comments about punctuality, professionalism, and the overall effectiveness of the cleaning.
Ask About Insurance and Guarantees
A reputable service will have insurance to cover any damages during cleaning and should offer a satisfaction guarantee. These are signs of a company’s commitment to quality service and customer care.
Inquire About Equipment and Cleaning Solutions
Ensure the company uses up-to-date equipment and, if preferred, eco-friendly cleaning solutions. This can affect both the quality of the cleaning and the safety of your home environment.
By following these tips, you can prepare your home effectively for carpet cleaning and make an informed decision when selecting a service provider. This approach ensures that you receive a high-quality and cost-effective carpet cleaning service tailored to your specific needs.
Fresh Dry Carpet Cleaning Rates
our extensive pricing guide is coming soon.
