Restoring the look and feel of your home’s carpets doesn’t have to cost a fortune. If you’re familiar with the average prices and fees, you’ll be able to find the best, most affordable cleaners for your carpets, rugs, and upholstery.
This guide will address the factors that can influence carpet cleaning costs. Read on to learn how much the average homeowner pays for a professional carpet cleaning, in addition to how much at-home treatment methods tend to cost.
How Much Does Carpet Cleaning Cost?
Understanding how much carpet cleaning costs begins with understanding the factors that play into the total cost of cleaning. The most influential of these factors include the following:
- Room Size
- Depth/Shag of Carpet
- Damage and Dirt
- Materials
- Professional Costs
Typically, the cost of any particular carpet cleaning endeavor will vary depending on the size of the carpet that needs cleaning, how thick that carpet is, how damaged and dirt the carpet is, and what materials are necessary to clean that carpet.
Of course, professional costs must also be considered. Professional services can save homeowners and tenants time and worry, providing high-quality deep-cleaning steam carpet cleanings for reasonable prices.
Still, it is crucial to be prepared for any financial investment, which is why it’s also vital to understand the average carpet cleaning cost.
The Average Carpet Cleaning Cost
The average carpet cleaning cost varies between $25 and $600. This price primarily depends on the size or the number of rooms being treated. For example, college students hoping to have their dorm’s carpet cleaned may only spend $25.
However, those with larger carpeted homes or spaces could easily spend several hundred dollars to have their carpets cleaned. But determining the potential cost of your upcoming carpet cleaning isn’t too tricky.
If you’re interested in hiring a professional, you’ll need to decide between a provider that charges per room, or via square footage. But you’ll also need to become familiar with your local carpet cleaning options.
Professional Carpet Cleaning Cost
Hiring a professional carpet cleaning service can be a fantastic choice for those with hectic schedules, limited cleaning experience, or several carpeted rooms. However, it’s vital to research nearby options before making a final decision.
Also, you may want to take a moment to compare services that offer room-by-room rates against those that charge per square foot of carpeted space. Smaller spaces are better suited to room-by-room rates, and the opposite is often true of larger homes.
You should also take a moment to consider the range of your preferred cleaner’s services. For example, some cleaners only work with carpeting. Others may also perform rug or upholstery cleaning.
Per Room
When a service charges per room, they can charge anywhere between $25 and $70 for each room. The typical average is about $50. Small one-bedroom or two-bedroom apartments and homes may want to opt for this option.
That’s because square footage options tend to start at about $100 and only increase from there.
Square Footage
The cost to professionally clean carpet by square footage varies between about $100 and over $600. Homes or rooms that are 1,000 square feet or less can expect to spend about $200.
Still, those needing 2,000 square feet of cleaning might spend about $450. It’s also crucial to note that prices vary from service to service. That’s why it’s essential to compare different service providers before settling on a final one.
You may also be tempted to rent a carpet cleaner from your local hardware store or grocery department, or purchase a carpet spray to spot-clean dirty areas. Both of these options have their advantages and drawbacks.
Cost to Rent a Carpet Cleaner
Renting a carpet cleaner varies between about $30 and $100. It may include the cost for cleaner fluid, or it may not. These devices are typically rented by the hour or by the day, and it’s often more affordable to simply rent them for the full day.
They come in a few different shapes and sizes and can be handheld or large, rollable models. The smaller cleaners tend to cost less than the larger varieties. When these machines are well-maintained and relatively new, they can clean carpeting thoroughly.
But rentable carpet cleaners often suffer from poor maintenance. The fact that they are passed between temporary users often results in defective machines.
Unfortunately, there is often little way to overcome this issue after renting a cleaning machine, especially if the renting store only has a few models. To combat the cost and potential failure of this method, some may choose to carpet cleaning products.
Sprays, Creams, and Carpet Products
There are several cleaning sprays, creams, and carpet cleaning products available to help reduce staining and unpleasant scents. These various products might help reduce foul odors or protect fibers from deep staining.
But they can also cause bleached or discolored fabric. That’s why it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s directions when using these products and to accept that carpeting may become damaged while using them.
Calling in a professional cleaner to take care of carpet stains and smells is often a more reliable option, and it can cost about the same. Besides, cleaning carpets yourself can be incredibly time-consuming.
Hiring a group of professionals allows you to spend time focusing on other activities in your life, and less time cleaning the rug.
Enjoy a Cleaner Carpet Today
Anyone can turn a dark, dingy carpet into a fresh and refreshed rug with a little professional care and cleaning. Being prepared the carpet cleaning cost is the first step toward lush, bright carpets and a happier, healthier home.
Always choose a professional cleaning service that meets your budgets and needs. When in doubt, be sure to call a local service provider today for answers!