How much does it cost to clean a rug?
The cost for cleaning a rug depends on the size, type, and the amount of soiling or staining. For example, a rug that has had pet accidents on it may cost more to clean than a rug that doesn’t get much use, such as in a guest bedroom.
A per square foot cost is usually provided, and many companies offer free pick-up and delivery. Make sure to request a written quote based on the information you provide. Although the price may change if the size of your rug is different, any changes should be easily explained by the company.
A proper rug cleaning process includes multiple steps and will cost more than simply cleaning it in your home, or when a company uses a process that isn’t meant for rugs.
Here are some questions you should ask when choosing a company to care for your rugs.
Do you dust the rugs prior to cleaning?
If the answer is no, then the process is getting off to a bad start. The first, and one of the most important steps in rug cleaning is removing any loose soiling deep down in the weave of your rug.
If the company only uses some type of vacuum, they’re leaving most of the dirt in your rug, which turns into a mud-like residue in the base of your rug during the cleaning process.
Look for a company that uses special rug dusting equipment to make sure the process is getting off to the right start.
Do you wash the rugs in a “bath” or while they’re laying flat?
Rugs should never be washed in a “bath”. This can promote cross contamination and doesn’t allow for the rug cleaner to pay special attention to any stains or heavily soiled areas.
Do you use soap or chemicals?
Special rug shampoo is recommended for most rugs. Avoid chemical cleaning as this can damage the colors and fibers of your rugs.
Do you use steam cleaning equipment to rinse out the soap?
The answer should be no. A professional rug cleaner cannot thoroughly rinse out the soap in your rug using steam cleaning equipment. Leaving soap residue in your rug can attract soiling and make the colors in your rug look less vibrant. Area rugs should be rinsed using a high volume of cold water so that the soap and soiling are flushed out completely. Using hot water in steam cleaning equipment can promote color bleeding and shrinkage.
How do you dry the rugs after washing?
Rugs should always have at least 80% of the water removed before the drying phase. This, too, cannot be achieved with steam cleaning equipment and requires a special spin dryer. Even “wringers” that squeeze the water out of your rug will not remove enough excess water to allow for proper drying afterwards.
How quickly do the rugs dry?
Having a climate controlled drying room for quick drying is important when washing rugs. It can help prevent mold growth, odors, and color bleeding. Unfortunately, due to the high cost and space requirements of setting up a proper drying room, many companies that advertise rug cleaning don’t dry them properly.
Do you outsource your rug cleaning?
Rug washing facilities require a big investment that can run in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Most cleaners don’t have the ability to make that investment, so they outsource the rug cleaning they receive.
Look for a rug cleaner that will be cleaning rugs themselves, or if you trust your cleaner, ask them the questions discussed above to make sure the company they outsource to uses the right process.
Rugs can be a big investment, not only can they have a high cost, but finding the right color or design for your room isn’t always the easiest thing to do. By having your rugs cleaned properly, they’ll look better for longer.
Want to learn more? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions!
