Carpet cleaning is essential for maintaining a clean and healthy home environment, but many people wonder about the cost of professional services and if it is worth the investment. In this article, we’ll delve into the factors that impact professional carpet cleaning costs and help you make informed decisions regarding your carpet maintenance.
Carpet Cleaning Costs and Considerations
When it comes to keeping your home’s carpets fresh and clean, professional carpet cleaning services offer a convenient solution. However, the costs can vary significantly depending on several factors, including
- Size of the Area:
The starting point for estimating carpet cleaning costs is the size of the area you need to clean. Typically, professional carpet cleaners charge per room or square foot. Larger areas will naturally incur higher costs. Most professional cleaners will consider a room size between 200 – 300 square feet, so be sure to ask. There is typically a little flex in measuring, but if you have a huge master room or a living/dining room that is joined, these are usually considered two areas.
- Level of Soil and Stains:
The extent of dirt, stains, and grime in your carpets can significantly affect the price you’ll pay for cleaning. Heavily soiled carpets may require more time and effort to clean thoroughly. Most professional carpet cleaners are equipment with pretreatment or spotter applied before the cleaning solution to tackle these tough spots. It is worth mentioning that some severely set-in stains may not be able to be removed entirely or might require additional treatments.
- Carpet Material and Type:
Different carpet materials, such as wool or synthetic fibers, and specific carpet types, like Berber or plush, may require distinct cleaning methods. These variations can impact the overall cost, so agree on the scope of work and price before your technician starts.
- Additional Services:
Beyond standard cleaning, additional services can affect the total cost. Options like stain guard protection and contamination treatments can add value by extending the life of your carpets (meaning you won’t have to replace them as quickly), but come at an extra expense. Adding a stain guard will help maintain carpets between professional cleanings and make your regular household vacuuming more effective.
Types of Carpet Cleaning: Hot Water Extraction vs. Very Low Moisture (VLM)
When hiring a professional carpet cleaning service, you’ll often have the choice between two primary cleaning methods: hot water extraction and Very Low Moisture (VLM) cleaning.
Hot Water Extraction:
Hot water extraction, commonly known as steam cleaning, involves using hot water and cleaning agents to deep-clean your carpets. Steam cleaning has been around for a long time and is effective for removing deep-seated dirt and stains but requires more drying time and could add to the risk of mold or mildew growth. Other factors such as technician skill level, equipment, and types of chemicals used also impact the effectiveness of this type of cleaning.
Very Low Moisture (VLM) Cleaning:
Very Low Moisture (VLM) cleaning, on the other hand, is a newer method that uses about 70% less was. It’s an eco-friendly and faster option, making it ideal for homes where quick drying is essential. Unlike hot water extraction which often times doesn’t include a thorough vacuuming, VLM starts with a dry extraction which includes vigorous raking and detailed vacuuming to remove dirty and debris.
After these steps, the pretreat is applied to specific areas, and the cleaning solutions is massaged into the carpet fibers with a buffer.
Requesting Quotes and Comparing Services
To ensure you get the best value for your investment, it’s advisable to request quotes from multiple carpet cleaning companies. When doing so, consider asking questions about their cleaning methods (and products), extras (some cleaners require an additional fee for apartments on higher floors), service guarantees, and any additional services they offer.
It goes without saying that reading reviews is a great way to evaluate any business, just be sure to dig further than the first review you see.
You can expect to pay anywhere from $35 – $78 per room of cleaning, depending on promotions, time of year, and the general location of your property. Just about all professional carpet cleaning companies will have a service minimum to come out, so if you only need one room cleaned, it would be best to add disinfectant or stain guard for ensure you are getting your money’s worth.
Tips for Saving on Carpet Cleaning
While maintaining the cleanliness of your carpets is essential, there are strategies to save on professional carpet cleaning costs:
- Regular Maintenance: Regularly vacuuming and addressing stains promptly can help extend the life of your carpets, reducing the need for frequent deep cleaning.
- Seasonal Savings: Look for seasonal and holiday discounts or promotions from reputable carpet cleaning companies by signing up for newsletters and subscribing.
- Loyal discounts or referral savings: If you have previously used a company you like, sign up for their loyal programs. Some companies offer credits and rewards for referrals, so your next cleaning could be free.
- Whole-house Cleaning Bundles: The easiest way to create instant savings is to have your entire house cleaned in one appointment. This can include carpets, stairs, area rugs, upholstery, and even mattresses! To be frank, your technician can offer the most significant discount while they are in-house. The reason is simply that it costs less (time and money) to clean your entire house than having them return a few months later. So, don’t be shy about asking for a quote that includes cleaning, disinfecting, and stain guard; you’d be surprised at how fast the savings add up.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How often should I have my carpets professionally cleaned?
The frequency of professional carpet cleaning depends on factors like foot traffic and the presence of pets or allergies. In general, it’s recommended to clean high-traffic areas every 6-12 months.
What’s the difference between stain guard protection and contamination treatments?
Stain guard protection creates a protective barrier on your carpet, making it more resistant to stains. Contamination treatments focus on removing allergens, bacteria, and odors from the carpet.
Is VLM cleaning as effective as hot water extraction for deep cleaning?
Yes, VLM cleaning is highly effective for carpet, area rugs, and upholstery cleaning. Not only that, it uses 70% less water, dries faster, and is safe for pets, kids, and the environment.
Are there any DIY carpet cleaning methods I can use to save money?
You can use DIY methods for regular maintenance, such as frequent vacuuming and spot cleaning. However, professional cleaning is necessary periodically for a thorough and deep clean to ensure healthier indoor air quality.
Do all professional carpet cleaners charge the same rates?
No, rates can vary significantly between different carpet cleaning companies. Factors such as location, the method used, and the level of soiling/contamination can influence pricing. You can expect to pay anywhere from $35 – $78 per room for standard cleaning.
In conclusion, understanding the cost of professional carpet cleaning, the available cleaning options, and the importance of optional treatments empowers homeowners to make informed choices. By considering the impact on both your budget and the longevity of your carpets, you can ensure a clean and inviting living space for years to come.