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| | | Carpet cleaning is generally done through either chemical cleaning (encapsulation) or steam cleaning (hot water extraction). Companies price services either by the square foot of carpet cleaned or by the room or area. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Chemical cleaning a 900-square foot two-bedroom apartment with about 650-square feet of carpet between the bedrooms, hallway and living room runs $124-$240. A 1,300-square foot single-story home has about 975-square feet of carpet through three bedrooms, living room and hall and costs $186-$390. A 2,200 square foot two-story home has about 1,700 square feet of carpet between three bedrooms, one living room, two halls and a family room and would average $323-$600.
- Steam cleaning the same 900-square foot two-bedroom apartment runs $100-$208. A 1,300 square foot single-story home costs $150-$304. A 2,200-square foot two-story home runs $180-$544.
- Most companies charge a cleaning minimum of $75-$109.
- Self-service steam cleaning rental machines are available at many locations. The Rug Doctor rents for about $22. Cleaning solution concentrates are about $13 per half gallon. Spot cleaners are $4 and odor removers $5.
What should be included: | - Most wall-to-wall carpeting used today is synthetic and can usually be safely cleaned?by either of these methods, according to The Carpet and Rug Institute. Wool or specialty rugs should follow manufacturers cleaning guidelines.
- Chemical cleaning uses a liquid (sometimes mixed with carbonated water) or granulated cleaning product which cleans by encapsulating the dirt. As it dries, the residue is trapped in crystals which are vacuumed away. Depending on the chemical treatment used, the carpet will be dry to walk on either immediately, or up to two hours.
- With steam cleaning, water is forced into the carpet fibers, which loosens dirt and is sucked back out. The floor will be left wet for 6-24 hours, depending on weather conditions. Most steam companies utilize van-mounted systems, where the machine stays in the van and only the hose enters the house.
- Pre-spotting and deodorizing is necessary when stains, odors or pet urine are present in the carpet.
Additional costs: | - Staircase cleaning runs about $2-$3 each stair.
- Stain removal varies according to type and size of stain, but can run an additional .10 cents per square foot, or $30 for 300-square feet of cleaning space. Deodorizing averages .05 cents per square foot, or $15 for 300-square feet of cleaning area.
- Each carpet cleaning company has an individual furniture moving policy. Most light furniture is removed and replaced at no charge.
- Furniture cleaning is also available through most carpet cleaners. Sofa cleaning varies from $60-$196 and loveseats are $40-$140. In-house area rug cleaning is charged by the square foot and varies with rug type. Wool costs around $1-$1.50 per sq. ft., or $168-252 for a 12x14 foot rug, while synthetics average .75 cents per sq. ft., or $126 for a 12x14 foot.
Discounts: | - Free pre-spotting and deodorizing are available at some companies.
- Multiple-room discounts are available at many sites. The more rooms added, the better per room cost, according a Stanley Steemer sales representative where two rooms and a hall run $116. Adding another room raises the total price to $149. An online calculator helps estimate costs.
- Check local company websites for print-and-go coupons for multiple-room or carpet and upholstery combination discounts. Also some companies offer a 10% senior discount.
Shopping for carpeting cleaning: | |
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Article updated April 2007 |
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