Carpet cleaners near you

When looking for a professional to clean your carpets, make sure you: 

• Verify their license and insurance: Professional cleaners should be able to provide proof of a general business license and liability insurance. The best carpet cleaners may also have a specialty cleaning certification, such as the IICRC Carpet Cleaning Technician (CCT) Certification. Requirements depend on your local area so be sure to do your research.

• Get several estimates: Standard carpet cleaning estimates should include a clear breakdown of the scope of work, including the square footage of the project, the type of cleaning method proposed, an estimated time frame and any added fees. 

• Read their reviews and verify ratings: Check the company's ratings on sites like the Better Business Bureau or read reviews on their website. Watch out for repeated negative feedback. 

• Look at their portfolios: Many carpet cleaning companies will provide a portfolio of their work with before-and-after photos. 

• Find out about warranties: Some companies offer warranties to re-treat spot stains or address new concerns. 

• Ask important questions: For example, are there additional costs or special conditions, such as travel or minimum fees? What are the payment terms?

For more tips, visit Thumbtack's Smart Hiring Page.

The national average cost of carpet cleaning ranges from around $150 to $270,* according to Thumbtack data.

There are several factors that might impact the cost of this project, including:

• Room size: Most professionals charge by the square foot.

• Stubborn stains: Pet stains and odors may need additional treatment.

• Carpet type: Nylon or Berber carpets are usually easier to clean than fragile wool or cotton materials.

• Location: Hard-to-reach areas, such as carpeted stairs, may increase the cost.

• Cleaning method: Pros may have different prices for dry cleaning, steam cleaning and carpet shampooing.

You might be able to save money on your project with these tips:

• Vacuum carpets: Vacuuming before the pro arrives may reduce the time they need to clean each room.

• Look for specials or discounts: Some carpet cleaners offer discounts when you combine multiple rooms during the same cleaning session.

• Get several quotes: Gathering estimates from multiple pros can help you find the best price.

*Data on file at Thumbtack. For a personalized cost estimate, request a quote from a professional.

Compared to shampoo cleaning and dry cleaning, steam cleaning is typically considered the most effective method, according to our pros. Here are some pros and cons of three common carpet cleaning options:

• Steam cleaning: This is the most common carpet cleaning method. High-pressure water is forced into the carpet fibers and then vacuumed with a wet vac. It's the most effective method and a good solution for wool and other delicate fibers, but it can oversaturate carpet fibers and take longer to dry

• Shampoo cleaning: A foam-like cleaning solution is brushed onto the carpet, and a wet vac removes the dirt-laden foam and loose debris. Shampooing provides a deeper clean than vacuuming, but rotary brush machines can damage delicate wool or cotton fibers

• Dry cleaning: A dry cleaning compound is applied to the carpet. Once it has soaked up stains, a vacuum removes all dirt and debris. Very little to no water is used, resulting in a shorter drying time. However, it provides quick surface cleaning — not a deep cleaning option.

In most cases, a professional uses the following tools and equipment to clean your carpets:

• Vacuum: A pro will vacuum the area, especially in highly trafficked locations like entryways or hallways — or anywhere there is a lot of dirt, pet hair or loose debris.

• Cleaning solution: Pros might apply a liquid, foam or dry cleaning product to the carpet to help absorb odors, remove stains and loosen stubborn dirt.

• Carpet cleaner: They might use a steam cleaner for hot water extraction, a rotary brush machine for carpet shampooing or an extraction machine for dry cleaning.

Your professional will choose the best cleaning method and tools for your carpet type — whether it’s wall-to-wall carpeting or an area rug — and its specific fibers, such as nylon, polyester, acrylic, wool or cotton.

It is generally recommended that you clean your carpets 1 to 2 times a year, according to our pros. Here are some signs that you may be due for a carpet cleaning:

• You’re having a hard time removing stubborn dirt and stains with DIY methods. 

• Your carpet experiences a lot of foot traffic or activity from children and pets.  

• You notice more sneezing and allergic reactions in your home. These could be due to dust, pollen or dander in your carpets.

In most cases, it's best to hire a professional for carpet cleaning. When deciding between DIY vs. hiring a professional, consider the following:

• Tools and materials: DIY cleaners often lack the power for a proper deep clean. Professionals have high-quality equipment like truck-mounted cleaners, which use higher horsepower and provide high, consistent heat. Also, pet and urine stains can seep into the padding beneath carpets, and only professional-grade tools can fully remove them. 

• Drying time and effectiveness: DIY methods may leave carpets damp due to weak extraction, increasing the risk of mold. Professional cleaners extract deep dirt and grime, pulling more moisture from carpet threads. They may also use carpet rakes and high-velocity fans to speed up drying time. 

• Avoiding damage: Some rental machines aren't suitable for all carpet types and may cause permanent damage. 

• Peace of mind: Professional carpet cleaners often undergo training and may have certifications like the Carpet Cleaning Technician (CCT) Certification from the IICRC. They should also be bonded and insured, and offer guarantees or warranties for their work. Check with your pro to learn more.

According to Thumbtack pros, it can take 1.5 to 4 hours for a professional to complete a carpet cleaning project. A general guideline is to expect them to take 30 minutes per room. This does not include drying time, which usually takes around 6 to 10 hours.  

Here are some factors that may impact how long it takes:

• Room size: Larger rooms with wall-to-wall carpeting take longer to clean than smaller rooms or area rugs.

• Carpet condition: Heavily stained carpets require more time to pre-treat and clean.

• Furniture: Additional time is needed if you have to move lots of furniture around to reach the carpet.

• Cleaning method: Steam cleaning and carpet shampooing take longer than dry cleaning due to their drying times. 

Remember: The timeline for your project will vary depending on many factors. Always ask your pro to provide an estimate. 

The cost of carpet cleaning is generally determined by the type of carpets, stains, square footage and number of rooms that you need cleaned. On average, a professional will charge $94 to clean one room. Two rooms cost an average of $120, and three rooms cost approximately $146. 

To find out how much it will cost to clean your carpets, contact the top-rated professional carpet cleaners near you and ask for free cost estimates.

In some cases, a quote from a carpet cleaning company will depend on the square footage of the room. The lower end of these prices will be between $0.15 and $0.20 per square foot, and they may rise as high as $0.40-$0.50 per square foot. Factors raising the price include the carpet’s condition (are there stains?) and whether they have to clean carpeted stairs, which take longer.

To find out how much it will cost clean your carpets, request cost estimates from pros near you.

Both steam cleaning and shampooing are tried-and-true methods for getting dirt and stains out of your carpets. The methods are different, however.

Steam cleaning will remove dirt from your carpets via hot water extraction, while shampooing requires scrubbing. If you’re in a time crunch, or if you just have one or two small spots that need to be removed, shampooing may be a better option, as it allows you to spot-clean small areas. Both steam cleaning and shampooing make your carpets wet, so you will need to allow for time for the carpets to dry. 

Contact carpet cleaning pros near you, and discuss the best options for your carpets.