Carpet cleaning: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What carpet cleaning is

Carpet cleaning uses hot water extraction, dry compound or spot treatment to pull dirt, stains and odors from carpet fibers. Homeowners book it when traffic lanes look dull, after pet accidents, or before a move-out or sale.

Signs you need it

  • Traffic lanes near doors and hallways look gray or matted even after vacuuming
  • Stains from pets, food or drinks have not lifted with household cleaner
  • Carpets smell musty or of pets when the house is closed up
  • Carpets feel gritty underfoot when you walk barefoot
  • The carpet has been in place for a long time and has not been cleaned since it was installed

What the pro does

  • Inspect the carpet for fiber type, dye stability and any stains that need pre-treatment or a test patch
  • Move light furniture if asked, and place protective blocks under heavy pieces that cannot be moved
  • Vacuum thoroughly with a commercial vacuum to lift loose soil before any wet cleaning starts
  • Pre-treat heavy stains and high-traffic areas with a cleaner matched to the carpet material and stain
  • Run hot water extraction in passes, removing dirty solution with each pass until the water runs clear
  • Set fans to speed drying, and check the carpet is dry before furniture goes back on it

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Total square footage of carpet and the number of rooms and stairs
  • Number of pet accidents, heavy stains or odor treatment needed
  • Carpet material, since wool and some synthetic fibers need different methods and products
  • Whether the crew must move furniture, and how many pieces are involved
  • Whether the job includes area rugs, padding, stair runners or upholstery
  • Access issues such as a home with many levels or a difficult entry

What a written quote should spell out

  • The rooms covered and whether stairs, closets and hallways are included
  • Whether pre-treatment and spot treatment are included or charged separately
  • The method used, hot water extraction, dry cleaning or a combination, and why it was chosen
  • The drying time expected and what the homeowner must do to help it dry
  • Whether a warranty or re-clean policy applies if a stain returns or a spot remains

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Do you test a hidden area for colorfastness before you use a cleaner
  • Will you tell me about any stains that may not come out fully before you start
  • What is your method for pet urine odor, and does it reach the padding
  • How long will the carpet take to dry, and can we run fans to speed that up
  • Do you move furniture, and do you place blocks under heavy pieces
  • What is your re-clean policy if a spot comes back after drying

Red flags

  • A promise to remove every stain without a test or any mention of possible limits
  • A crew that wants to use a strong bleach or harsh chemical on wool or a light-colored carpet
  • No plan for drying, leaving the carpet wet for many hours
  • A quote that changes sharply once the crew arrives, with no explanation

What you can do yourself

You can vacuum thoroughly, pick up loose debris, blot fresh spills with a clean white cloth and move small items before the crew arrives. Call a professional for hot water extraction, old or set-in stains, and pet urine that may have reached the padding or subfloor.

Licenses and permits

Carpet cleaning is not commonly licensed. Check with your state or local licensing agency for business registration that applies to a cleaning company in your area.

Carpet cleaning questions

How soon can I walk on carpet after cleaning?

Light foot traffic is usually fine once the surface is damp-dry, but full drying often takes a long time. Ask the crew for the expected time for your carpet type and keep traffic off until then.

Will carpet cleaning remove pet odor?

It can, if the source is in the carpet fiber. If urine has reached the padding or subfloor, surface cleaning may not solve it, so tell the crew about any history of accidents.

Should I vacuum before the cleaners arrive?

Yes. Loose dirt turns to mud when wet, so vacuuming first helps the extraction work better and leaves less residue.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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