Dirty carpets can be unhealthy for the people living in the home, particularly those who have allergies, so it’s important to have them cleaned regularly; simply vacuuming once or twice a week isn’t enough. Carpet cleaning should be done by a professional carpet cleaning service at least once a year to remove grime and help extend the life of your carpet. Most carpet manufacturers recommend professional steam cleaning, which penetrates deep into the carpet fibers and lifts out both dirt and the pollutants that get tracked inside. Steam cleaning also removes most of the moisture, so carpets dry quickly enough for homeowners to resume using them the same day. Between professional carpet cleanings, your carpet may need an emergency spot cleaning. Pet accidents, food or drink spills, and more can often be effectively cleaned with some water and a drop of white vinegar, although many cleaners will also make house calls for smaller spills and hard-to-clean spots like wine or grease stains.

Hiring a professional house cleaning service is a helpful way to have a healthy home even when your work and personal schedule is packed. House cleaning prices vary based on how many square feet your home is, how dirty your house gets, and how often the cleaning service comes. Some companies charge a set amount — such as 5 cents — per square foot, with a minimum amount, such as $100. The national average cost for house cleaning ranges between $110 and $150. Prices can be lower in areas with a lower cost of living, higher in big cities or affluent regions. You may save money by increasing the frequency of your house cleaning visits. Often a company will charge you less per cleaning when you schedule more cleanings per month. The cost advantage rewards your loyalty, and also reflects the fact that more frequent cleanings make it easier to maintain a high level of cleanliness in your home. A housecleaning service may charge more for the first visit or for one-time services than for recurring cleanings.

Deep cleaning a house goes beyond the surface level to clear out the dust, grime and gunk that’s collecting on the fan blades, hiding in the blinds, and built up inside the refrigerator drawers. Deep cleaning of a home or apartment costs more than regular house cleaning because it takes more time, effort, and cleaning products. You may choose to have a deep cleaning once or several times a year in addition to your standard cleaning services. You may have a one-time deep cleaning to prepare for company or to clean after a house party. Companies may charge an hourly rate or a price per square foot, or may offer you a flat rate after they have visited your home and estimated work time. The national average house cleaning price is $110-$150, with rates ranging higher for deep-cleaning services. Here are some examples of how a company may calculate their deep-cleaning prices:

• 10 cents per square foot (compared with 5 cents per square foot for standard house cleaning).
• $300 for a 3,000-square-foot home.
• $25 per hour per worker for deep-cleaning services.

Regular professional carpet cleaning can both extend the life of your carpet and remove harmful pollutants from your home. Finding a good carpet cleaning company is an important aspect of home maintenance. When choosing a carpet cleaner, consider these top three questions:

• What method of carpet cleaning do you prefer? Steam cleaning is an increasingly popular method because it’s thorough and safe, and dries quickly enough for you to return to your home the same day the carpets are cleaned.
• Have you checked the company’s references? Most cities are home to several carpet cleaning companies, so it’s a good idea to check their reviews and references. Look for references from people in your neighborhood with homes similar to yours.
• What’s included in the base price? What other services does the carpet cleaning company offer? Some companies will move furniture for you, while others charge a fee for it. Some include stairs in the cost of the home’s cleaning, while others charge per step.

National average carpet cleaning prices range between $100 and $130. Carpet cleaning prices depend on how many square feet of carpet you want cleaned, how many rooms in one house or building will be cleaned, how stained your carpet is, how much the carpet cleaning company charges, your ZIP code, and the type of carpet you have. Cost per square foot can range from 20 cents to $1 or more, based on the above variables. Synthetic carpets are typically the least expensive to clean; natural fibers like wool cost more, as they require more care and attention, as well as more drying time. Excessive stains, challenging locations such as stairs, and accessibility also factor into your carpet cleaning price. Companies may charge a minimum service fee for cleaning a small carpet to cover their business expenses (paying employees, transporting the special equipment to your home). If your pet has repeatedly saturated the carpet with urine or if the fibers are extremely matted down, it may make more sense to completely replace your carpet than to continue to have it cleaned.