How Much Does Carpet Cleaning Cost? When to have your Carpets Cleaned? Looking for a Reputable Carpet Cleaning Company?

A popular homeowner question is “How much will it cost to have my carpets cleaned?”

Has it been several years since your last professional carpet cleaning? Then your carpets are likely quite dirty, and may require some special attention.

The price you’ll pay for carpet cleaning depends on the age and condition of your carpet. The amount of time and effort it will take to do the job right is also a factor.

Carpet Cleaning Rule #1

The dirtier your carpet is… the more it’s going to cost to have it cleaned properly.  

Imagine not cleaning your stove top for a week, or a month or a year! How much more difficult would it be?

 

If your stove top was just dirty from last night’s meal then it might take just a few quick swipes with a damp cloth or sponge to get the surface clean.

But if you had not cleaned it for a week or more, then can you imagine how long it could take to clean it and how much more difficult it would be?

The same goes for your carpet. If you haven’t your carpet cleaned in years, no matter who you call it’s going to take some extra time and effort to do the job properly.  

Carpet Cleaning Rule #2

Don’t expect miracle results from low-cost or discount carpet cleaning services.

If your carpets are in serious need of a thorough deep-cleaning, don’t go searching for a Carpet Cleaner Coupon that says “Two Rooms Cleaned for $49.99!” You won’t be happy with the results from a light surface cleaning.

Carpet Cleaners that advertise super cheap prices are notorious for luring you in with an amazing low price special and once they arrive, they surprise you with an estimate so high it will knock you off your feet! You don’t need this type of aggravation! But be prepared to pay a reasonable and fair price to have your carpets properly cleaned.

Basic Carpet Cleaning Cost

The typical cost to clean your carpet ranges from 15 cents to 45 cents per square foot.

Dirty carpets take longer to clean and you must understand that. This means if you have your carpets professionally cleaned at least every 18 months like you are supposed to, then the cost to have your carpet cleaned should be on the low end of the scale.

 

That’s because it will not take very long to clean your carpets. But if you seldom have your carpets cleaned, then expect the price you are asked to pay to be on the higher end of the scale.

If you haven’t had your carpets professionally cleaned in 6 years, don’t be surprised when the estimate is twice or three times as much as you expect.

The fact is, all carpet cleaners must charge a reasonable price for their services or they won’t be able to stay in business. If it will take twice as long to thoroughly clean your dirty carpet then expect the job to be priced accordingly.

Check out my Carpet Cleaning Service Directory

Cost to Clean One Room Example:

A common bedroom size is 10’ X 14’ or 140 square feet.

• 18 cents per square foot the cost for cleaning would be about $25.00 (Carpet doesn’t appear dirty)
• 28 cents per square foot the cost for cleaning would be about $40.00 (Carpet looks fairly dirty)
• 36 cents per square foot the cost for cleaning would be about $50.00 (Carpet is very dirty!)

Some Carpet Cleaning companies prefer to charge by the room or by the job.

It still ends up being pretty close to the same price as it would be if calculated by the square foot, so if you know about how many square feet you need to have cleaned it will be easy for you to calculate an approximate cost.

Cost to Clean Whole House Example:

Most 3-bedroom ranch style homes are about 1000 square feet.

• 18 cents per square foot – Total cost about $180.00 (Carpet doesn’t appear dirty)
• 28 cents per square foot – Total cost about $280.00 (Carpet looks fairly dirty)
• 36 cents per square foot – Total cost about $360.00 (Carpet is very dirty!)

Please remember: It’s NOT a scam for a professional carpet cleaner to charge you accordingly-based on how dirty your carpet is.

Proper Carpet Care and Maintenance

It’s up to you to make sure your carpet is maintained and cared for according to the carpet manufacturer’s guidelines. Failure to do so will void your carpet warranty and cause your carpet to wear out prematurely.

Regular vacuuming and professional cleanings at least every 18 months is required and will allow your carpet to last as long as possible.

Carpet Cleaning Rule #3

Have your carpets cleaned before they start to look dirty.  

Abrasion is what causes carpet to look ugly and worn out. If you wait too long between cleanings, your carpet can become permanently damaged.

 

Dirt and grime can easily cause abrasive wear that cannot be undone. Once you reach this point there is nothing any carpet cleaner can do to restore the “like-new” appearance your carpet once had.

Sure you can have your carpets cleaned, but you won’t be happy with the way your carpet looks when it’s done.

Carpet Cleaning Rule #4

Make arrangements to have your carpets cleaned regularly  

There are plenty of “poor quality” carpet cleaning companies that you need to avoid. So instead of clipping out a carpet cleaning coupon and rolling the dice hoping you get good service, visit Alan’s Best Carpet Cleaner Directory and see who I recommend near you.

All the companies on my list are IICRC certified and personally hand-selected by me. They must pass my test before I will recommend them to you. Make an appointment and ask them about their Carpet Maintenance Plans.

What is a Carpet Cleaning Maintenance Plan?

It’s a special deal where you purchase your future carpet cleanings in advance to get a discounted price.

Perhaps they offer four cleanings for the price of three or three cleanings for the price of two. Either way, it is in your best long-term interest to invest in a carpet maintenance plan. This will ensure your carpets are cleaned on a regular and ongoing basis.

I think purchasing a Carpet Cleaning Maintenance Plan is a very smart move for homeowners who want to keep their new carpet warranty in force, and you also have the option of setting the date of cleaning when it is convenient for you. Benefits? You will

• Save money in the long run,
• Satisfy your warranty requirements,
• Make your carpet last years longer,
• Have a healthier place to live and breathe.

Carpet Cleaning Extra Fees and Charges?

Spills, Spots and Stains…

Some carpet stains need special treatment and require extra time, treatment and effort.

You should expect pre-treatment of most household spots and stains to be included as part of the basic price. In some cases, especially with pet accidents or biological spills and stains, there may be an extra charge.

 

It’s impossible to predict how much extra it might be without knowing the type of stain, size and disposition of the affected area.

Carpet Damage, Restoration and Repairs  

Professional Carpet Cleaners may be able to repair or restore your damaged carpet.

Carpet is often damaged from floods, accidents, burns or pets. Carpet can be repaired or restored by a competent Carpet Cleaning Technician.

In some cases, depending on the type of carpet fiber you have, carpet dyeing may restore color to a faded or bleached out area. You might even be able to change the color of the entire carpet.

Burns can be cut out and replaced with leftover carpet or by using the same carpet taken from a “less critical” area (like a closet).

Some carpets may need to be re-stretched if the carpet has lost it stretch and is developing wrinkles. The cost for these extra services will depend on your situation. What causes carpet wrinkles?

If the cost is too high or if the carpet is not repairable you will have to decide if it’s time to start thinking about buying new carpet.

Q. Should I Clean Or Replace my Carpet?