Founded on American ingenuity, Stanley Steemer began as a one-man carpet cleaning business by Jack A. Bates in 1947. Flash forward today, we remain a family-owned business led by the third generation. We’ve proudly expanded to service 49 states and built a network of over 275 locally owned and operated franchises and company-owned locations. Powered by our U.S.-manufactured equipment and technicians trained in-house, we continue to grow through constant innovation and dedication.
Discover how our iconic yellow van, catchy jingle, and story grew to be over the last 75 years and counting.
The Story of Stanley Steemer
1947
Jack Bates, the founder of Stanley Steemer, invested $2,300 and opened a one-man carpet cleaning business called, The Jack Bates Carpet Cleaning Company, in Columbus, OH.
1970
Wesley Bates, Jack’s son, graduated from college and went to work full time with his father at the Jack Bates Carpet Cleaning Company.
1972
The first franchise was sold to Larry Gomer in Lima, Ohio.
With a unique spelling variation, our name changed to Stanley Steemer International, Inc. The iconic black and “ye-orange” brand colors were inspired by Wes Bates’ alma mater high school.
1976
Stanley Steemer research and development department launched the famous truck-mounted dual wand cleaning machine.
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1980s
Stanley Steemer International, Inc. groundbreaking happened in Dublin, OH where our corporate headquarters are located today.
1980
1985
After working with the company for 15 years, Wesley Bates, son of founder Jack Bates, assumed the role of President and CEO.
We grew to 215 franchises and 14 branches spanning across 38 states.
1984
Company broke ground on a 50,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility where our proprietary equipment is specially made.
1986
1970s
1990s
1998
We introduced Air Duct Cleaning services in select markets. Our powerful HEPA-filtered vacuums can remove pounds worth of dust and debris trapped in ducts!
We launched our first public website called Steemerville.
1997
Success Magazine ranked Stanley Steemer as the third best franchise business opportunity in America and we continue to be proud of our locally-owned operations.
2000s
We’re named one of the Top 500 Private Companies by Business First.
2005
Stanley Steemer became the first carpet cleaning company in the U.S. to do national network television advertising.
2000
2002
We introduced 1-800-STEEMER, the number that routes customers at any point in the U.S. to their local Stanley Steemer operation -- alongside a jingle that no one could keep out of their heads!
We introduced Tile & Grout cleaning services. We offer grout sealant and color sealant to make grout lines look as new as the day they were installed!
2001
We developed the first prototype steam cleaning machine, Stanley I. When operated, the equipment reminded Jack Bates of the Stanley Motor Carriage Company’s steam-powered automobiles -- colloquially called Stanley Steamers.
Eagle River, Alaska became the first Stanley Steemer franchise outside of the continental US.
Stanley Steemer modernized the industry when it introduced online scheduling through its newly launched website, stanleysteemer.com!
With a franchise opening in Hawaii, the system grew to 250 franchises and 60 branches in 48 states. Stanley Steemer officially provided services to 2 million residences!
2006
Justin Bates, son of Wesley Bates, is named President and became the third generation to take over leadership of the family-owned business. His father, Wes Bates, remains as CEO.
2007
2009
We introduced hardwood cleaning. Our technicians can successfully identify and clean multiple types of hard floors like solid wood, engineered wood and laminate!
In this year, our national call center began 24/7 scheduling services. Whether in the AM or PM, Stanley Steemer is ready to answer your call!
2010s
Headquarters opened a new state-of-the-art call center and training facility to offer continuing education to our technicians.
2016
Off-site Oriental and Fine Area Rug cleaning was introduced in state-of-the-art plants in select cities. With extra attention to detail, we provide specialized cleaning to your luxury rugs. We even offer free pickup and delivery!
2015
2017
We celebrated our 70th anniversary with approximately 300 operations in 49 states!
After an independent lab study, Stanley Steemer was effectively proven to remove 94% of common household allergens from carpets, 96.5% of allergens from tile and grout, and 96% of allergens from hardwood.
2013
Today
Stanley Steemer introduces innovative, advanced carpet cleaning pre-spray that cleans better, smells fresher, and dries faster.
2020
Stanley Steemer launches residential and commercial disinfection services using EPA-registered disinfectants.
