Rob Allen

Originally Posted by Rob Allen

Dear Mrs or Mrs Homeowner,

Sadly the public has no idea how much carpet cleaning should cost. Many in the carpet cleaning industry recommend carpet cleaning every 12-18 months. I tell my customers to clean their carpets every 6 months,and no longer that 12 months to maintain their appearance and for health's sake. Unfortunately many customers think if a carpet vacuums up then it's clean. Need proof? Studies have shown that the average homeowner has the carpets cleaned once every 7 years! Why is this? There are 2 reasons. One the customer has no idea about how often carpets should be cleaned. Secondly,they don't know how much "real" carpet cleaning costs. That is the reason for this article. To give you,the average homeowner some idea of "How much carpet cleaning costs" and how much you should pay.

According to forum surveys the national average for carpet cleaning is about .30 cents a square foot. The average home has about 1000 square feet of carpet. So the average cost is about 300.00 for a professional cleaning. But if a homeowner only cleans every 7 years then that breaks down to $43.00 a year. Now if you have a lot less carpet it will probably cost more to clean per room or per square feet. Why? Because a carpet cleaner still has to drive out to your house,set up his equipment,unroll his hoses, clean and then break it all down and put it back away. So you see this takes time and that is why many cleaners have a 75-125.00 minimum.

However on the flip side if you have a lot more carpet sometimes carpet cleaners will offer a discount. The expenses for a carpet cleaner go down the longer he is at your home. His minimum costs have stayed the same. The only thing that changes is his time and gas to run the equipment for the most part. This is why your carpet cleaning costs can vary. Your neighbour may pay less or they may pay more depending on the amount of work to be done. So don't feel like you got taken advantage of if your neighbour payed less. Each home is different and unique.

Now if you are looking to save some money with your carpet cleaner,here are a few tips. Instead of waiting every 7 years to have your carpets cleaned (which is not healthy for you or good for your carpets) ask the company for a "frequency" rate. In other words try to lock in a rate based on having your carpets cleaned every 6 months to a year. A carpet cleaners costs go down when he does not have to advertise to get new clients and when he can count on a "regular" customer cleaning frequently.

Another tip is "package" pricing. Many cleaners offer deodoriser and protector packages (for example;ScotchGard or Dupont Teflon) that can save you money. Also many carpet cleaners offer diverse services such as upholstery, rug cleaning,tile and grout cleaning,hardwood restoration,duct cleaning,carpet repairs and more. So if you "bundle" in other services usually a cleaner will offer a "package" price if he is able to perform the work on the same trip to your home.


In conclusion,remember carpets and fine furnishings last much longer and your home stays healthier with regular professional cleanings. The prices quoted above are just an average. You could pay more or you could pay less depending on how much work you get done and where you live. However it does give you a starting point. I recommend that you call for a free estimate. Many cleaners can "ballpark" you on the phone or better yet come to your home and give a free quote.
Remember this Mr or Mrs Homeowner. It doesn't really cost to have your home cleaned on a regular basis,it actually pays off in a healthier home and money saved by furnishings lasting many more years.

Your professional carpet cleaner.

Rob Allen