How Much Is Area Rug Cleaning?

Area rugs can collect a lot of dirt and spills in homes and businesses, and while it’s tempting to clean these messes yourself to save money, doing so can potentially make the problems worse and even damage your rug.

Factors That Affect Pricing

Navigating costs shouldn’t have to feel like a maze. Learn what variables affect how much you pay so you can get your area rug cleaned at a price that works for you—without the twists and turns. Select a button below to learn more!

Size & Type of Rug

Off-Site vs. In-Home

Problem Areas on Rug

Cleaning Methods Use

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CALL 1-800-STEEMER for area rug cleaning services near you

For accurate estimates and specialized area rug care and cleaning, Stanley Steemer is your trusted source. Our off-site area rug cleaning facilities are equipped with trained and certified technicians and advanced cleaning technology for a thoughtful, thorough clean.

Size & Type of Rug

Most area rug cleaning companies charge based on the size of the area rug, or more specifically by square foot. So, the larger the rug, the more you can expect to pay to have it cleaned. Depending on the type of rug, some companies may charge varying amounts when cleaning a natural fiber rug versus a synthetic rug as different materials often require different cleaning methods. For example, synthetic rugs that are constructed with materials like polyester or nylon, though affordable, can often be just as difficult, if not more difficult, to clean than their natural fiber counterparts. More delicate area rugs, like silk, animal skins, and furs, may require cleaning by hand to better control the amount of moisture being introduced to the rug to prevent dye migration, potentially increasing the cost of cleaning.

Learn how to identify the type of rug you own

Off-Site vs. In-Home

Cleaning companies typically provide area rug cleaning services at an off-site facility using specialized equipment or in a customer’s home using portable equipment for a more topical and efficient treatment. While off-site area rug cleaning is usually more expensive than in-home, about $3-6 / sq. ft. versus around $1-2 / sq. ft., it is important to note that off-site cleanings are more holistic and provide a deeper clean than in-home cleanings, which are considered surface-level and good for a quick refresh. Additionally, some off-site cleaning companies may add a mileage fee when collecting and returning your area rug, including an extra charge to place the rug in its original spot.

Learn more about off-site area rug cleaning services

Problem Areas on Rug

Why your rug needs cleaned can be just as important as how your rug is cleaned. Is this a regularly scheduled cleaning to alleviate day-to-day wear, or is there some level of soiling from substances like coffee, wine, or urine? If your area rug has been stained or soiled, it is important to act quickly to mitigate the issue. Call a professional like Stanley Steemer who can inform you what can be done to clean the rug. Generally, these situations require specialized care at an off-site cleaning facility. Some rugs may require additional specialized services for issues that cleaning alone may not be able to solve, like moth damage or extreme water damage. If left untreated, these problems can cause irreversible harm to your area rug. Additionally, professional repair services like stripping or reweaving area rugs, binding side cords, or removing migrated dyes may be another consideration in the cost of restoring your area rug.

Learn how to prevent these problems before they happen

Cleaning Methods Used

Which area rug cleaning company you choose and how they clean your rug can significantly impact the overall cost, depending on the facilities, equipment, and technicians used.

Learn more about Stanley Steemer’s cleaning methods

Power Washers – Some companies charge for rugs to be shampooed, put into a washer for rinsing, and then sent back to the customer. This cleaning method is not as hands-on and comprehensive as using more advanced area rug cleaning equipment.

Advanced Off-Site Equipment – While the use of advanced off-site technology like dusters, washers, centrifuges may cost more than a topical cleaning or power wash, the attention to detail and cleaning methods are more thorough.

Fringe Care – Some companies will tack on additional costs for cleaning fringe, as different types of cleaning solutions are used for fringe. Other companies may consider the fringe a part of the rug and clean it inclusively.

Spot Treatment – When treating spots from spills or pets, some companies will charge based on what chemicals they use to clean them. Other companies may include spot treatment in its off-site cleaning services.

Rush Orders – Depending on the need, some companies may offer rush order services if an area rug cleaning is urgent, which would affect the pricing.

For detailed information about pricing and more, call your local area rug cleaning company to discuss your area rug’s unique needs and to set expectations.

When turning to the professionals, how much can you expect an area rug cleaning to cost? There are a variety of factors that determine pricing, like the size and type of rug, whether it’s an off-site or in-home cleaning, and much more.